Bob Woody has spent decades helping shape the business and entertainment landscape of downtown Austin.
On this episode of Titans of Texas, host Casey Claiborne sits down with Woody, a longtime Austin entrepreneur, real estate investor, and hospitality business owner who has been involved with more than 20 establishments on Sixth Street and was once dubbed the “Mayor of East Sixth Street” by former Austin Mayor Gus Garcia.
Woody traces his story from growing up in Weatherford and moving to Austin as a kid to entering the restaurant business at just 12 years old. He explains how restaurants eventually led him into bars, entertainment venues, commercial real estate, and a growing portfolio of properties and businesses across Austin and Dallas.
The conversation also explores the transformation of Sixth Street, the development of the Austin Convention Center, the impact of the pandemic on downtown businesses, and why Woody remains optimistic about downtown Austin’s future.
Woody closes with lessons from decades of entrepreneurship—including how to recognize opportunities, build businesses with people you trust, reinvest your success, and demonstrate the “fire in the belly” necessary to convince others to believe in your vision.
00:00 — Meet Bob Woody, the “Mayor of East Sixth Street”
02:34 — Growing Up in Weatherford & Moving to Austin
06:42 — Starting in the Restaurant Business at 12
10:50 — Old Pecan Street Cafe & the Wedding Business
12:33 — Building Bars & Businesses on Sixth Street
15:33 — The Investments That Changed Everything
20:28 — Taking Chances & Recognizing Opportunities
21:26 — Helping Shape Downtown Austin
24:18 — The Business Strategy Behind Sixth Street
27:04 — Building a Network Around Your Businesses
30:28 — Work Ethic, Marketing & Early Lessons
32:29 — Producing Events & Expanding Beyond Austin
34:18 — Real Estate Development in Austin & Dallas
39:53 — Joe Rogan, Sixth Street & Downtown’s Future
44:18 — The History and Evolution of Sixth Street
48:31 — Bob Woody’s Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
54:50 — Giving Back & Final Thoughts