About Us

Two Friends. One Vision.

Some things are better with time. Fine wines, friendships, and ideas. 1852 on Austin was an idea that dates back over 40 years. It began with a love for music and a chance meeting between two men who played music. Dave Echols met Mickey Morrison when Mickey was playing for the Kress Brothers Shows in 1979. Dave was also a musician who played in coffee houses during his college years. Dave Echols and Mickey Morrison became friends over their passion for music and their love of guitars. (Between the two, they own over 60 guitars). Throughout their forty years of friendship, Dave and Mickey stayed close and frequently attended concerts together from New York City to Red Rocks in Colorado. They often visited Dave’s family lake house together and there, they found a slogan that would stick with them forever. A sign at Dave’s mothers lake house read:

“Oh, why not.”

It was in Colorado that the idea for a joint venture began in 2016. After looking at several other options, they found the perfect venue and said “Oh, why not.” In February 2021, they purchased the beautiful Planters Bank & Mercantile building in downtown Jefferson. The bank was built in 1852 and was the first bank in the territory. They have transformed this historic structure into a beautiful restaurant and music venue in the old “dinner club” tradition.

Established in 1844, Jefferson, Texas was the state’s largest and most significant river port. By 1870, it was recorded that over 200 new buildings were in the works. The town reached its peak population just a few years after the Civil War and is reported to have exceeded 30,000. During this time, Jefferson was the sixth largest town in Texas.
In the heart of the city stands the Planters Bank & Mercantile building. Built in 1852 for shippers Patton, Henderson and Company, and now home to 1852 on Austin, the building features round arched openings on the first floor, French doors with fanlight transoms, and a cast-iron balcony. The magnificent bar featuring brass rails came from a saloon in Kansas City and dates back to the 1850s. The saloon was a notorious favorite of western legends, including Jesse James. 

But let us introduce you to our Chef....

Executive Chef Eric Welsh has always been fascinated by flavors and cooking. His love for food and his curiosity for new techniques, was the drive he needed when he entered Culinary School. Once graduated, he completed his externship in New Orleans. It was there he developed a passion for Cajun, creole cuisine as well as southern comfort cooking. Chef Eric was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Germany to expand his culinary technique. He, along with his mentor Chef Keith Mierop explored the different tastes and cultures abroad. Chef Eric then went on to work for country clubs, hotels and fine dining establishments. His love for creating new flavorful dishes has grown with every new opportunity. Chef Eric brought his talents to 1852 on Austin, bringing an upscale dining experience to Jefferson, TX.

"I am excited to pour my passion, flavor and experience into each dish" - Executive Chef Eric Welsh