Rett Corson of Dallas-based Mays & Co., which represents Fox and Hound, says the company is still working with the city of Austin for approvals, but expects the restaurant to be in operation by the end of August. He says Fox and Hound, a concept from Wichita's Total Entertainment Corp., is an upscale tavern and restaurant with games such as billiards, darts and shuffleboard. It can accommodate private parties and other events.

The restaurant will fill a downtown void left when Waterloo Brewing Co., the state's first brewpub, closed in 2001. The location is in the heart of the warehouse entertainment district, now getting the attention of residential developers. Plaza Lofts, which towers just north of the restaurant building, is opening and an AMLI Residential project is to open nearby as part of the developing city hall project.

Corson tells GlobeSt.com that Fox and Hound has been looking for a site in Austin. "Timing is everything," he says. "We were fortunate enough to get with the owner and their representatives and work a deal out that's fair for everyone. We look forward to a long relationship and being there for a long time."