Now Open
Melissa Kay Artistry
Bastrop entrepreneur Melissa Hayes launched her photography and makeup business, specializing in portraits and weddings. She is crowdfunding for a studio but currently travels to clients.
- Opened in February
- Bastrop
- www.melissakayartistry.com
LongHorn Steakhouse
Construction on the 5,780-square-foot, $2 million project is scheduled to begin in June and finish in late January 2026. LongHorn Steakhouse serves a variety of fresh-cut steaks, seafood, chicken, lamb and more.
- Opening in 2026
- Burleson Crossing East, 653 SH 71 W., Bastrop
- www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Texas Roadhouse
The restaurant is known for its signature hand-cut steaks, ribs, various scratch-made sides and whipped honey cinnamon butter served with fresh-baked dinner rolls.
- Opening in spring 2026
- Sendero, 900 block of SH 71 W., Bastrop
- www.texasroadhouse.com
The American chain is best known for its bagels, sandwiches, coffees and other baked goods. The business will be located in the new mixed-use development spearheaded by Pearl River Companies—Sendero.
- Opening TBA
- Sendero, 900 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop
- www.einsteinbros.com
Carter’s will soon open a store in the former Rue21 space at Burleson Crossing. The brand specializes in clothing for babies and toddlers, while its subsidiary, OshKosh B’gosh, is known for children’s denim and overalls up to size 14.
- Opens in late spring
- Burleson Crossing, 773 SH 71 W., Ste. C, Bastrop
- www.carters.com
Set to open in the upcoming Burleson Crossing East shopping center, the American pet retail chain sells food, supplies and accessories. It also offers services such as grooming and training, with many locations providing veterinary care and boarding.
- Opens in the third quarter of 2026
- Burleson Crossing East, near the intersection of Edward Burleson Lane and SH 71 W., Bastrop
- www.petsmart.com
In The News
Bastrop Cafe
Christina and Adam Want took over Bastrop Cafe in February, with plans to perk up the menu in the future. Nestled inside the Bastrop Fitness Project, the cafe serves coffee made with beans sourced from Bastrop’s Texas Coffee Works. The menu also includes teas, refreshers, milkshakes, smoothies, healthy snacks and more.
- Inside Bastrop Fitness Project, 303 Martin Luther King Drive, Bastrop
- www.bastrop.cafe
The Austin-based burger stand is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining. P. Terry's offers burgers and fries produced with all-natural ingredients. The eatery opened its only Bastrop location in October 2023.
- 484 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop
- www.pterrys.com

Chili’s
The restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The menu features American and Tex-Mex cuisine, including burgers, chicken, fajitas, pasta and seafood, according to its website.
- 734 SH 71, Bastrop
- www.chilis.com
Mr. Brew Coffee
Jaime Astorga opened his coffee shop inside Community Gardens in the summer of 2024. Astrogra said he has future plans to open a new Bastrop Mr. Brew with more options, including a drive-thru. The cafe offers coffees, teas, aguas frescas, smoothies and snacks.
- Closed on Feb. 8
- 1067 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop
- www.mrbrewcoffee.com