By Moses Leos III

Ever since opening the Summermoon Coffee Bar at 316 North Main Street, owners Justin and Amanda Terry have fielded one recurring question – “Why Buda?” 

Their answer remains the same. 

“We really like the small town, downtown feel of this place” Justin said. “[Main Street] is a busy road. There are a lot of cars coming by here. You get the best of both worlds.” 

Their vision has now taken off, as business is booming in Main Street’s very first dedicated coffee bar. Owning a coffee business, however, isn’t a first for the Terrys. 

They began their coffee shop enterprise in 2005. That year saw the couple open the first Summermoon location in south Austin. 

Over the years, Justin and Amanda learned and thrived. So much so, nearly a decade later, they contemplated opening a second location. 

The big unknown was where to open a new shop.

“There were slim (real estate) pickings in south Austin,” Justin said. “I didn’t know anything about north Austin.” 

Instead, the duo chose to remain close to home in Buda. It hearkens to their small-town roots. 

Aiding their decision was the progressive growth of the city.  

“[Buda] is growing. There are tons of neighborhoods around here. It’s becoming the new South Austin,” Terry said. “We wanted to be part of that growth. We felt we made a good business decision.” 

Buda’s new shop will straddle the line between contemporary and “cutting edge” coffee tastes. 

What won’t change is the product itself – wood roasted coffee beans. 

The beans are roasted anywhere from 15 to 18 minutes over a bed of oak logs. Justin says it’s a process the family has done for a decade. 

Justin said the family tries to keep the vibe similar to the south Austin location. Buda patrons noted several changes.  

“It’s more hip (at the south Austin location),” said Buda resident Heather Hill. “This one is a little more homey; more family friendly.” 

Some patrons enjoy the less commercial feel Summermoon has. Most referenced the hustle and bustle at more commercial outlets, such as Starbucks. 

“I usually go to Starbucks, and it’s in and out,” Buda resident Terry Carroll said. “When I try to meet people there, it’s too loud. They have the music playing and it seems louder. This doesn’t seem as loud.” 

Justin believes a coffee shop along Main Street was inevitable; he referenced the excess of morning traffic downtown. 

With the business in place, Justin eyes the chance to thrive along Main Street. He hopes to open more Summermoon locations in the future. 

“We want to be successful here, so we can get as much as we can,” Justin said. “We want to be here for a long time.”