Birdie's Crowned 2023 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year
Birdie's in Austin is a destination-worthy restaurant known for its seasonal dishes and approachable wine program. The restaurant, founded by Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel, prioritizes work-life balance and a supportive workplace environment. They implemented a counter-service model with a flat tip pool and offer paid time off, mental health care, health insurance, and even paid family leave for their employees. Their sustainable and employee-focused approach has garnered attention from other restaurants interested in adopting similar practices.