Austin’s Waterloo Records, a cornerstone of the city’s music scene since 1982, is entering a new chapter.
After over four decades as the heartbeat of Austin’s music culture, owner John Kunz has announced that he is passing the torch to new owners—Caren Kelleher, Founder & CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, and Austin entrepreneur Trey Watson.
Along with the change in ownership, Waterloo Records will also be relocating to a new, larger space at 1105 North Lamar this spring.
Waterloo Records has long been a cultural hub for Austinites and visitors alike, hosting in-store performances by artists like Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and Nirvana and playing a pivotal role in co-founding Record Store Day in 2008.
“My decades-long hope, dream and endeavor, has been for Waterloo Records & Video to live on forever, continuing to promote Austin’s vibrant music culture and community,” said John Kunz.
“Now with this transition, all of my boxes are checked: a new larger home, just five blocks away; Caren and Trey buy in as my new, talented, local music industry partners; all of my team are retained and they will gain the opportunity for store ownership; all of the Waterloo Records hallmarks and traditions continue on, including innovation; and now as a minority partner and not sole proprietor, I get to work less, and play more. So thank you Austin!”
“John, Trey and I recognized this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to guard and grow an iconic music business and to get to do so in a town we all love,” said Caren Kelleher. “John was one of the first people to welcome me to Austin when I moved here to start Gold Rush Vinyl and his friendship has been so important over the years. It means so much to me that he and his wife Kathy Marcus trust me to be part of the next chapter of Waterloo.”
Trey Watson, a longtime Austin entrepreneur with a background in music and media, said the store’s legacy is part of the city’s fabric.
“Since 1982, Waterloo Records has been a large part of the fabric of that soul as a small business and as a place where people gather as a community to celebrate music. I’m honored and grateful that John Kunz has entrusted our team with guiding Waterloo into the future. We have great things planned for all to experience.”
The move to 1105 North Lamar marks a significant upgrade for Waterloo, expanding its current 6,400 sq. ft. space by 50% to allow for larger events, enhanced in-store performances, and improved parking options.
The location, previously occupied by Louis Shanks Furniture and later a Whole Foods regional office, provides modern amenities while maintaining the store’s proximity to downtown Austin and nearby music venues. This expansion underscores the commitment to keeping Waterloo a key destination for music fans and artists alike.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Austin, a city known for its deep musical roots but also experiencing rapid growth as a global tech hub. “Austin has a soul about it that attracted me to move here over 25 years ago and continues to draw people here today,” said Watson.
