University of Texas has tried for years to acquire Players, the tiny burger joint on MLK just north of the state capitol.
Back in the mid double aughts UT tried to muscle down on the local restaurant through the use of eminent domain but eventually backed off when the hue and cry went nuclear.
Lots of wheels around these parts matriculated at UT and ate their body weight in burgers from Players so there was no shortage of power brokers who know their way around the smoke filled back rooms of Austin.
University of Texas chooses their battles wisely.
The southern end of UT campus has seen a lot of changes since 1981 when Players opened. Property values have skyrocketed so we imagine Players owners & operators, Carlos Oliveira and Eddie Hempe are going to be trundling duffel bags filled with cash back to their homesteads when the whole affair is said and done.
We've been eating at Players for years. We loved it when they were 24/7 and spent many a 3 am in the wood paneled dining room eating cheap, flame grilled burgers and plotting our next move.
Rest In Peace.
all Austin Texas restaurant obituaries http://www.scrumptiouschef.com/food/index.cfm/RIP-Rest-

