Read the latest business and community news from Central Texas.
Central Austin
Thousands of Central Austin businesses received hundreds of millions in PPP loan dollars to survive through the pandemic
The YMCA of Greater Austin reopened most of its locations June 1. After a 10-week closure, the Y welcomed members back to its swimming pools and fitness centers under new safety guidelines, while also opening in-person day camps this summer for parents who had to return to work.
Without a $2.6 million Payroll Protection Program loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Sean Doles, the Y's vice president of mission advancement, said the reopening would have looked very different.
Central Austin business anniversaries: Capital Metro celebrates 35 years and more
These Central Austin-based businesses and organizations are celebrating anniversaries.
New art installation in Austin parks encourages residents to enjoy outdoors, keep distance
A new art installation from the Austin Foundation for Architecture encouraging park users to keep 6 feet of distance called Parkspace was installed before the July 4 weekend at Pease Park, 1100 Kingbury St., as well as Republic Square, Zilker Park and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Park.
Cheba Hut opens first Austin location on The Drag
Cheba Hut opened June 22 at 3016 Guadalupe St., Austin, in the space previously occupied by Wild Wood Bakehouse. In addition to subs, salads, snacks and desserts, the marijuana-themed sub franchise offers a full bar.
Georgetown
One Love Tattoos determined to keep making its mark in town
One Love Tattoos is ready to bring body art and piercings to the community again after a challenging first half of the year, and it almost did, but a spike in cases has halted the practice once again.
New Sport Clips Haircuts CEO to succeed founder
Sport Clips Haircuts founder Gordon Logan announced July 7 that his son Edward Logan will succeed him as the new CEO of Sport Clips Inc., the franchisor of the Sport Clips Haircuts system.
New extended-stay hotel now open in Georgetown
WoodSpring Suites opened in Georgetown on June 22. The 118-room, extended-stay hotel is located at 904 Rockmoor Drive, Georgetown. The hotel also offers amenities, such as a kitchenette in each room with a full-size refrigerator and freezer, a two-burner stovetop and a microwave.
Prima Dora unique gift shop to open second location in Georgetown
Prima Dora plans to open a second location in Georgetown on Aug. 1. The shop, whose first location is on South Congress Avenue in Austin, sells unique gifts by local artists, such as jewelry, T-shirts, souvenirs and more.
Round Rock-Pflugerville-Hutto
Pflugerville Public Library pauses curbside services
Beginning July 8, the Pflugerville Public Library will pause its curbside services program due to rising COVID-19 case counts, according to a July 6 city news release. The library began offering curbside services May 1 for residents to access and return library materials.
City Electric Supply Hutto opens as company's 39th Texas branch
City Electric Supply Hutto is now open, the company announced in a July 7 news release. Located at 4701 Priem Lane, Ste. K, Pflugerville, City Electric Supply is an electrical wholesale distributor company headquartered in Dallas with more than 500 stores nationwide.
Southwest Austin
Vegan restaurant to replace Full English cafe in South Austin
The Vegan Yacht, which currently has a food trailer located on Menchaca Road in South Austin, announced online July 6 that it will be opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2000 Southern Oaks Drive, Austin, on Aug. 1. The restaurant’s menu will include vegan burritos, chili bowls and sides including Freeto Pies, Veggie Dawgs, Chili Mac, and rice and beans.
Leander-Cedar Park
New Leander general dentistry office to open in August
A new family and cosmetic dentistry office, #thesmiledoc, is opening in August at 1633 N. US 183, Ste. 110, Leander. The office is expected to open Aug. 1. The general dentistry office will have modern amenities such as heat and massage chairs, TVs and music in every room.
Lake Travis-Westlake
Postal Annex opens at the Hill Country Galleria
Postal Annex opened in the Hill Country Galleria on June 8. The shipping and mailbox rental company is located at 12600 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. R-130, Bee Cave, across from Whole Foods Market.
Austin
New service to help residents grow food at home now operating in Austin area
Cultivate, an Austin-based service to help people grow food at their homes, began operations in June. Brothers Nathan and Luke Heath combined to begin the company.
Texas
Texas driver license offices reopen for in-person renewal, replacement services
The Texas Department of Public Safety has expanded its in-person services to offer more appointments at offices across Texas.
According to a news release by the department, driver license offices were closed in March due to coronavirus safety restrictions. In May, the DPS reopened offices for appointments, including first-time Texas licenses, commercial driver licenses and learner licenses.
The second phase of reopening announced July 7 expanded those services to include in-person appointments for driver license renewal and replacement.
Jack Flagler, Sally Grace Holtgrieve, Nicholas Cicale, Kelsey Thompson, Ali Linan, Taylor Girtman,
