Written by Karen Mappin
The businesses within the Wells Branch tax district do more than just feed, clothe, entertain, and serve the residents. A portion of the sales taxes collected from these businesses support our Emergency Services (Fire Dept.) and our Community Library. So when we utilize their services, we are helping our neighborhood. It pays to have prosperous businesses in our area.
We are starting a column that focuses on the shopping areas in our district to bring attention to the businesses with consultation from https://tradewise.community/ experts. that are in our district. Bratton Square at the corner of Merriltown and Bratton Lane starts the series (14735 Bratton Lane).
Bratton Square has three business categories: food, health and wellness, and service. We will spotlight four of the businesses that answered our call for information and list the others in each category.
Starting with food: Longtime resident and business owner Tracy Yuan operates the Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant where we can get wonderful lunches and dinners for a reasonable price. The best part about Four Seasons is that they deliver seven days a week. Four Seasons offers a standard Chinese restaurant menu and will bring it right to your door if you call 251-8827.
Additionally, Mezzaluna Italian Grill is also open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week to provide some wonderful Italian food. Owners Loretta & Carey Lynch enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere and the camaraderie that pervades the restaurant. They have a new menu with daily specials listed on the web at www.mezzalunaaustin.com or you can call them at 252-1444.
Other food options are Polvos en La Brisa (Mexican), the Oasis (pizza and sandwiches), or Kenny’s Coffee (breakfast fare and coffee).
Bratton Square is becoming a Wells Branch mecca for health and wellness options. Michael Massie has been a contributor to the Wells Branch Neighborhood News and owns and operates Fighting Fit Boot Camp. Mike and his trainers can help our residents stay functionally fit by attending his fitness boot camp classes, fitness kickboxing classes, and with his weight loss coaching classes. Yes, we’ve still got to do the work, but Mike welcomes us, regardless of our fitness level, to come in and try a class for free. He can modify any workout to fit any fitness level and help us build from there. So don’t be afraid of the “boot camp” name! Come by to talk, check out the website at http://FitnessBootCampAustin.com, or call him at 512-670-9333.
After you work out with Mike, you can hop over to Massage + Yoga where Michael Parrish and Summer Greenlees will make you forget that workout or that stressful day at work. Their barefoot massage, a technique adapted from standard massage practices, is sure to be a relaxing experience. Alternatively, if you are into stretching and bending, the wide variety of yoga classes is bound to appeal. Their schedule for classes or massages are on their website: www.massageplusyoga.com. (And don’t forget ladies spa nights on the first Friday of each month!)
For some color pampering or a new “do”, try Bratton Nails or the Shear Images hair salon.
And to round out the businesses at Bratton Square, there are several that offer different services. The Speedy Stop (gasoline and food mart), Marvelous Mandarin (Chinese classes), Martial Arts, and Potter’s House Christian church on Sundays.
Many of the businesses in Bratton Square are avid supporters of our schools, our Boy and Girl Scout troops, our library, and our neighborhood association. They participate in events such as International Day at Wells Branch Elementary and the Fourth Fest by donating food, gift certificates, and their time and talents. As consumers, please support our neighbors in return to keep our tax dollars working in the neighborhood and to say “thanks” with our purchasing power. We love having them so close by!