Read the latest business and community news from Central Texas.
Southwest Austin
Through protests and pandemic, Black-owned SLAB BBQ finds voice in Austin community
SLAB BBQ & Beer co-owner Raf Robinson said reopening the restaurant to dine-in service June 1 after being closed due to coronavirus restrictions required making the safety of staff and customers his top priority.
St. David's South Austin COVID-19 patient returns home after two months hospitalized
Michael Arispe—a 59-year-old diabetic who lives in South Austin—went to the doctor’s office with a bad cough March 18, during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in Travis County. He was prescribed cough syrup, told to self-quarantine as a precaution and sent home.
South Austin's Bear Creek Elementary courtyard named in honor of Hunter Lane Henderson
Austin ISD trustees on June 22 named the courtyard at South Austin’s future Bear Creek Elementary School in honor of Hunter Lane Henderson, a South Austin 4-year-old who died in 2018.
New Braunfels
Canyon Lake recreation areas to close on weekends due to large crowds, littering
The United States Army Corps of Engineers announced June 23 that recreation areas will close on weekends until further notice due to concerns for public safety and the local environment.
Lake Travis-Westlake
Halina European Day Spa opens in Westlake area
Halina European Day Spa opened in June at 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. The spa previously called Woodhouse Day Spa is operating under new ownership and underwent a rebranding.
Round Rock-Pflugerville-Hutto
Suga's Cakery to set up permanent food trailer in downtown Pflugerville
Pflugerville residents will soon be able to have their cake and eat it too when Suga's Cakery opens a food trailer in downtown Pflugerville this summer.
NEW: Tailgates & Tunes summer concert series canceled in Hutto
The Tailgates & Tunes summer concert series planned for Hutto's Brushy Creek Amphitheater has been canceled, as announced in a June 23 news release. All upcoming public events for the city have been canceled, per the release.
Greater Austin Allergy, Asthma & Immunology relocates in Round Rock
Greater Austin Allergy, Asthma & Immunology relocated its Round Rock location in late March. Formerly located at 100 E. Main St., Ste. 101, Round Rock, Greater Austin Allergy now operates at 303 E. Main St., Round Rock.
Leander-Cedar Park
Cedar Park to host pop-up parades July 4; firework plans to be determined
In lieu of its regular July 4 parade, the city of Cedar Park will host neighborhood pop-up parades across the city.
Georgetown
Nena's Cazuelas brings authentic Mexican food to Georgetown
Adorned with brightly painted walls; colorful paper banners, known as papel picado; serapes and sombreros, the restaurant prides itself on its authenticity, serving dishes traditional to Mexico’s coasts, including seafood.
Georgetown's Barrels & Amps adds second stage, bar
Barrels & Amps added a second stage and bar to its business in early June.
The whiskey bar is located on the Georgetown Square at 718 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown, and offers a variety of alcoholic drinks, including 75 beers on tap.
Central Austin
ACC's Truth, Racial Healing, Transformation Campus Center taking shape
Austin Community College’s new Truth, Racial Healing, Transformation Campus Center is on track to launch next spring, according to the program's director, Khayree Williams. Williams, who joined the district earlier this year, said the district has already begun offering programs to provide the tools and skills students, staff and community members need to navigate conversations about race and equity.
Soho Lounge becomes fourth Sixth Street bar to face permit suspension from TABC
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has suspended the permits of 17 bars across Texas, including four on Austin’s Sixth Street, for allegedly not adhering to Gov. Greg Abbott’s mandates intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
San Marcos-Buda-Kyle
San Marcos cancels Summer Fun, Discovery camps due to increased COVID-19 cases
In response to the recent increase in new coronavirus case counts in Hays County, the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department has canceled the Summer Fun and Discovery camps.
Amy Rae Dadamo, Kelsey Thompson, Nicholas Cicale, Taylor Girtman, Evelin Garcia, Warren Brown and Jack Flagler contributed to this report.
