Posted: Wed, 16 May 2018 11:22 AM - 64,131 Readers

By: Albert Alvarado

Jon Silva said he knows that owning a dining establishment is a lot like riding an elevator with its ups and downs.

But as he stood on the dining deck of Shack 512 on Lake Travis during a postcard-perfect 70-degree day in late April, he reflected on the past year the restaurant has been open.

“I think we’re right where we needed to be, actually, we’re further along than I would have thought.”

Shack 512 offers southern cuisine in a relaxed setting with a beautiful view of Lake Travis and the green hills that encircle the restaurant and the adjacent Sandy Creek Marina.

“I even tell people, ‘At work, even when you have a frustrating day, it’s hard to stay upset when you get to look at that [view]all day long,’” Chef Sean Wheeler said.

The restaurant had its soft opening on March 1, 2017 as a joint venture between Silva and friends.

Silva said he has an extensive background in the Austin dining scene, working for 14 years nearby at The Oasis, including the last five as the restaurant’s general manager. He said the time was right for a new venture.

“That place [The Oasis] is awesome, [but]this place is better for me where I’m at now.”

Silva said he knew that quality food and service would set Shack 512 apart from competitors on Lake Travis.

Wheeler, who has experience as a general manager at Chili’s and Cheddar’s in addition to owning food trailers in east Texas, said his goal for the menu was to have traditional Texas fare with his own twist.

“My whole goal is to not necessarily reinvent everything because it is lettuce wraps and burgers, but to make sure we do it right and it’s good for everybody,” Wheeler said. “Our portions are big, you can eat and be happy, and you can eat and bring some home.”

Shack 512 may be new on the lake dining scene, but Silva said he wants to make sure the restaurant becomes a part of the Volente community, whose feedback on the menu and support he is thankful for.

To give back, Silva said Shack 512 holds fundraisers for the Volente Fire Department each month.