After a little more than a year of doing business in Ballard, owner of the tex-mex restaurant Austin Cantina announced recently he may not reopen after closing for the holidays.

"Austin Cantina will be serving dinner only the week of Dec. 16 through Dec. 20, 2008, and then will be closing for two weeks to determine if there is enough interest, business and reserve cash to re-open for business on Jan. 6," said owner Jefe Birkner in an email release.

Several factors have led to the possible closure, he said. Two major construction projects nearby (Ballard on the Park and Danielle Condominiums), sidewalk closures and a weak economy have "led to the second largest drop in sales we've experienced, followed by monthly decreases in total sales and guests through the door, it is uncertain that we'll be able to serve guests in our current configuration in the coming year," said Birkner.

"We've been very fortunate to have a solid base of neighborhood regulars, positive press, and Texan ex-pats who came in to eat, but our peak summer business did not last long enough and did not create enough of a cushion to carry us through a slow, cold, dark winter," Birkner's message continued. "The dramatic drop in sales has us asking if there is any way that this business could succeed in this space, at this time. We'll spend two weeks introspectively considering that question, and determine if there is any way to survive and thrive on (Northwest) 24th."

Austin Cantina is located at 5809 24th Ave. N.W.

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