"It offers a wonderful amenity to tenants and a great addition to downtown," Jeff Pace, CarrAmerica managing director in Austin, tells GlobeSt.com. The cafe is taking 7,500 sf in what Pace calls a long-term lease. The goal is to open the restaurant by mid-November and certainly before the holidays, he says. It will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With the 300 West Sixth location, the Thistle will have its second restaurant. It's gained a loyal following at its first location in the Davenport Ranch retail center at the intersection of Capital of Texas Highway and Westlake Drive. Owner Susan Hartmaier opened the restaurant in 1998.

CarrAmerica and JER Partners have developed 300 West Sixth. Tenants include three law firms. Austin Ventures is scheduled to move into 45,000 sf in July. Pace says CarrAmerica is talking to several companies with downtown Austin locations about moving to the new building.