Why Austin’s Award-Winning Restaurant Scene Starts with Its Workers

Kara Hanaoka

executive director of Good Work Austin

Watch the Full Episode

In this episode of Changing Austin, Good Work Austin executive director Kara Hanaoka shares the history of her organization, which combines workforce development and legislative advocacy to ensure a higher quality of life for food workers across the region. Hanaoka also explains why it is more important than ever to throw your support behind nonprofits who are doing good work in your community.

Release date: August 2025

Guest: Kara Hanaoka, executive director of Good Work Austin

Duration: ~30 minutes

Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union

Timecodes:

07:50

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Why good economic policies will play a big role in keeping Austin’s restaurant scene growing

16:28

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How Austin’s food industry can meet the needs of workers at every stage of their career

21:00

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Why community feedback is the most important part of success for non profits like Good Work Austin

What is Good Work Austin

Good Work Austin works to foster healthy careers in the food and beverage industries through work force development and more equitable business practices. They believe that true success for our service industries is not only measured by the bottom line, but by a sustainable and healthy work environment as well.

Founded: 2019

Location: 1900 Simond Ave. STE#100

Industry: Nonprofit

Core Values: Collaboration, Community, Integrity, Innovation, Inclusion

Ownership: Nonprofit

Website: goodworkaustin.org

Top quotes from Kara Hanaoka

While Austin’s rapid growth has put pressure on many local businesses to evolve, few sectors have been as impacted by issues of affordability as our local bars and restaurants. Thankfully, organizations like Good Work Austin have been established to help foster healthy careers in the service industry.

Kara Hanaoka

executive director of Good Work Austin

“We don’t want to have a bunch of chain restaurants in Austin. We want to keep Austin a unique place.”

“I think a lot of people go out to eat and have no idea why we leave tips, why the system is designed this way.”

“I’m really excited about how much our city government wants to be responsive.”

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