34 Wine and Spirits receives Texas alcohol license for South Congress location

Overview

Updated 4 hours ago

On November 9, 2026, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued a Package Store Permit to SCRIAA LLC for 34 Wine and Spirits at 3208 S Congress Ave in Austin. The license is one approval in the process of opening a new retail and wholesale location for the Austin-based retailer.

The store, co-owned by former University of Texas running back Ricky Williams, is designed to include retail space and a wholesale operation serving Austin bars and restaurants, according to co-owner Aaron Godbolt. The license allows the company to sell liquor for off-premise consumption, but it does not confirm the store has opened or met all other requirements.

Why it matters

The license moves a planned South Congress wine and spirits store one step closer to opening, but it does not guarantee the store will open or when.

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Key Indicators

10 years

Years first location operated

34 Wine and Spirits has run its Southwest Parkway store for about a decade.

7 years

Years property vacant

Co-owner Aaron Godbolt said the South Congress property had been unoccupied for about seven years.

Member-managers of SCRIAA LLC

The LLC that holds the license is member-managed by three individuals.

Ricky Williams' jersey number

The store's name references the number worn by co-owner and former UT running back Ricky Williams.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Aaron Godbolt

Co-owner, 34 Wine and Spirits

Active

Ricky Williams

Co-owner, 34 Wine and Spirits; former University of Texas running back

Active

Organizations Involved

SCRIAA LLC

Limited Liability Company

License holder for 34 Wine and Spirits at 3208 S Congress Ave

SCRIAA LLC is the legal entity that holds the TABC license for 34 Wine and Spirits at 3208 S Congress Ave.

34 Wine and Spirits

Alcohol retailer

Expanding to South Congress

Austin-based alcohol retailer with a store on Southwest Parkway and a planned second location on South Congress.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

State regulator

Issued license

State agency that regulates alcohol sales in Texas.

Timeline

September 2026 November 2026

2 events Latest: 2 days ago

November 2026
TABC issues Package Store Permit
Latest License

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issues a Package Store Permit to SCRIAA LLC for 34 Wine and Spirits at 3208 S Congress Ave.
2 days ago
September 2026
TABC permit application published
Regulatory

SCRIAA LLC applies for a Package Store Permit and a Local Distributor's Permit for 34 Wine & Spirits at 3208 S Congress Ave.
September 18th, 2026

Scenarios

34 Wine and Spirits opens South Congress store by end of 2026

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: Co-owner Aaron Godbolt told What Now Austin the store was expected to open in early November.

The store has received its Package Store Permit and has said it planned to open in early November. If it opens, it will begin retail and wholesale operations at the address.

SCRIAA LLC obtains Local Distributor's Permit for South Congress location

Possible Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: The September 2026 permit application listed both a Package Store Permit and a Local Distributor's Permit.

The company applied for both permits. So far, only the Package Store Permit has been issued. A Local Distributor's Permit would allow the company to distribute alcohol within Texas.

Community protest or legal challenge delays 34 Wine and Spirits opening

Unlikely Resolves by Jan 31, 2027

Discussed by: No protests have been reported, but the TABC permit process allows for public comment.

Neighbors or competitors could file a protest against the license or a lawsuit challenging the store's opening. That would delay or block the store.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

c. 2016

34 Wine and Spirits opens first Austin location (c. 2016)

34 Wine and Spirits opened its first store on Southwest Parkway in Austin. The business offered local liquors and national brands and built a wholesale operation serving bars and restaurants.

Then

The store established a customer base in southwest Austin.

Now

The business operated for about 10 years and expanded its wholesale accounts, setting the stage for a second location.

Why this matters now

The first location's decade of operation provides the track record for the South Congress expansion.