Now Open
Stained Glass by Robbin
Local Martha Galarza Hunt offers unique and custom-made stained glass pieces like window hangings, suncatchers, night lights and more. All work is hand-made by her husband and artist, Robbin Hunt. The studio will soon offer one- and two-person classes to teach those interested in making their own stained glass art.
- Opened Feb. 1
- 249 Green Valley Drive, Bastrop
- www.stainedglassbyrobbin.com
Café Monet
Owner Jules Winson said she brought her create-your-own art studio to Bastrop to coincide with the area’s growing arts scene. Café Monet provides a family-friendly environment for artists of all ages and skill levels. Reservations can be booked online; however, walk-ins are accepted. Parties can also be booked for adults, children and scouts.
- Opened on Jan. 25
- The Boring Bodega, 865 FM 1209, Bastrop
- www.cafemonet.org/bastrop
Quinto Patio
The owners of Anita’s Mexican Restaurant in Bastrop opened a new Tex-Mex eatery inside the historic Vasek Garage in Smithville. Quinto Patio uses freshly made tortillas to accent its all-day breakfast options, tacos, enchiladas and plates. The restaurant also has a full bar, indoor/outdoor seating, and live music.
- Opened on Nov. 2
- 114 2nd St. NE, Smithville
- Facebook: QuintoPatioSmithville
The Colorful Luna
Owner Andrea Luna said services are available by appointment, but walk-ins are welcome based on availability. As a full-service salon, The Colorful Luna offers a range of hair, makeup and styling services. Luna said the salon provides services in both English and Spanish to serve all clients.
- Opened Nov. 4
- 1018 Main St., Bastrop
- Instagram: the_colorful_luna
Tacos El Fercho
The family-run food truck serves tacos, burritos, tortas, gorditas and more. Owner Fernando Garcia said Tacos El Fercho is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and on weekends depending on the catering schedule.
- Opened Jan. 17
- 710 Chestnut St., Bastrop
- www.tacoselfercho.com
Coming Soon
Liberty Dance Center
Owner and Director Marisa Bain said the construction on the dance studio’s new and expanded space in Bastrop began in mid-January. The first location opened in 2015 and can be found at 623 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 104. The center offers a range of dance classes including ballet, pointe, musical theatre and more. Classes are available for ages 2 and up, including adults.
- Opening in fall 2025
- 134 Hasler Shores Drive, Bastrop
- www.libertydancecentertx.com
Relocations
Horsemen Co.
Husband-and-wife team Ben and Faith Benitez expanded into a larger space inside Harmony Ridge—a few buildings down from their original shop one year after opening their brick-and-mortar. The new spot fills the former Oddity Den, which closed in August 2024. Horsemen Co. offers locally handcrafted bent-wood plant hangers, ceramic and wooden art pieces, and a variety of plants.
- Relocated on Jan. 15
- 601 Chestnut St., Bldg. G, Bastrop
- www.horsemenco.com
Expansions
Smithville Innovation Center
Smithville city officials broke ground in early January to expand its workforce center, which will be centered around strengthening the local economy by supporting members of the workforce and business owners with resources including training programs, career development, and classes to help enhance the skills of trades and technical workers
- Opens in late spring
- 400 Fawcett St., Smithville
- www.smithvilleworkforcetrainingcenter.com
In The News
Found Fine Art
Found Fine Art celebrated its first business anniversary on Nov. 10 in Bastrop. The gallery is home to a wide variety of paintings, jewelry and sculpted works and hosts community events. Through their artist network, Found Fine Art also facilitates requests for commissioned work.
- 912 Water St., Bastrop
- www.foundfa.com
Closings
The Bearded Baking Company
Locals Wesley Dills and his husband Adam Lloyd closed their eatery in late January—just short of two years after opening in downtown Bastrop. The Bearded Baking Company offered special-order and ready-made baked goods, as well as breakfast and lunch options.
- 1006 Main St., Bastrop
- www.thebeardedbakingcompany.com