The Austin Club

⸻

We recently stopped by the Austin Club downtown to see the renovations after hearing so many positive reviews. The host was kind enough to give us a tour, and we were genuinely impressed with both the updates and the club’s overall atmosphere. It’s clear a lot of care went into preserving the historic charm while elevating the experience. Based on what we saw, we will definitely consider joining next year. Highly recommended.

While visiting Austin, I happened to walk by The Austin Club and decided to poke my head in out of curiosity—and I’m so glad I did.

I was immediately greeted by Heidi Gustofson at the front desk, and she couldn’t have been more welcoming. She gave me a warm introduction and asked if I’d like a tour. Moments later, Paul Kornfeind, the General Manager, personally came down and took me on a full walkthrough of the building.

Wow. What an incredible space—steeped in over 150 years of history. Paul’s knowledge of the Millet Opera House and its transformation into The Austin Club was nothing short of impressive. He brought the building’s past to life and gave me a deep appreciation for this true piece of Austin history.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Austin Club is absolutely worth discovering.

—Mike Clark

It is now dying a fast death as a going concern.

At any moment, the General Manager might wander into a room and begin shouting. He shuffles in and yells at employees right in front of members and guests, often for simply doing their jobs. In one instance he yelled at an employee for accommodating another employee with a disability per ADA requirements. He is known to regularly pull employees into the President’s Room; close the door; and yell so loudly that anyone present in the bar down the hall can enjoy his every complaint along with the targets of his tirades, who then frequently depart in tears. But Ken Richardson’s abuse is not limited to employees. He is known to yell at members just as often as anyone else, often shouting random ramblings about cheapskates and expenses and how no one understands or appreciates how great he is. But with his one unfocused eye, no one is ever really certain if he’s yelling at a person or a wall. Temp agencies will no longer send their staff to work any club events, unwilling to subject any of their people to his vitriol and abuse. And with new employees leaving as quickly as they are hired because of his radically toxic management style, this usually leaves operations severely short-staffed. Which means he usually has to attend most functions himself, where he gleefully tells banquet customers that they are stupid as he sticks his dirty fingers into their wedding cakes.

Under his stewardship, a once wonderful experience has been profoundly diminished. Members are embarrassed to bring guests, not knowing if the food will be completely cooked or if the Grade D steaks will be served still frozen in the middle. At any moment Ken could wander in and begin shouting - hopefully at an actual person. The event programming caters to members who have been gone for decades, instead of capitalizing on an entire population actively seeking the kind of place this establishment once was (and could-be). Because he cuts legitimate costs at every opportunity, lack of any pest control has resulted in roaches regularly falling from the ceiling in both back of house and front of house spaces, and skimpy little cocktails get served in tiny dessert coupes instead of martini glasses.

It is heart-breaking to see a once vibrant and grand establishment get run into the ground by a tired old man who yells at everyone in sight. The Board of Directors have been terrible stewards of The Austin Club, choosing to lazily overlook the horrendous behavior of a toxic General Manager who should have been invited to retire long ago.