The Arboretum at Great Hills opened in 1985 and is now one of Austin's top shopping and dining centers, featuring many mainstay retailers. However, about a quarter of the Arboretum's businesses are locally owned and operated. The property also includes a detention pond that is home to many ducks, turtles, geese and fish.
Food
1. Steve and Amy Simmons own 13 Amy's Ice Creams locations in Austin, including the one at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 140. The Arboretum store has 14 flavors of ice cream, such as the popular Mexican vanilla, one frozen yogurt and one sorbet. Amy's Ice Creams opened its first store in 1985. 345-1006, www.amysicecreams.com
2. College Station–based bakery and cafe Blue Baker will open its first Austin location by April at 10000 Research Blvd., Bldg. A. The shop carries artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads and soups that are made from scratch daily. The bakery will also offer tours of its facilities so patrons can see where the baked goods are made. Blue Baker has two locations in College Station. 346-2583, www.bluebaker.com
3. For four years, Jong Hwa and Sun Park have served sushi at Drunk Fish, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 139. The small eatery seats only 19 customers, but the Parks offer take-out. The menu includes specialty rolls such as the Rainbow Roll with salmon, tuna, white tuna, red snapper and shrimp. The menu also includes a selection of ramen dishes, including one topped with potato chips. 349-9454, www.drunkfishusa.net
4. Estncia Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse, opened in October at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. B. Owned by Ironi DaRosa, the Aboretum location is the second in Austin. The all-you-can-eat steakhouse offers a variety of cuts of meat, including sirloin, filet mignon, leg of lamb and pork tenderloin as well as a 30-plus-item salad bar. 345-5600, www.estanciachurrascaria.com
Health
5. Doctors Erik Haselhorst, Stephanie Colorado and Emil Fadel offer comprehensive eye exams at Arboretum Eye Professionals, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 150. Exams test for glaucoma and other eye diseases using an optical coherence tomography machine, which provides detailed images of the retinal and optic nerve. The doctors also fit patients for contacts and glasses. 345-5642, www.arboretumeyepro.com
Jewelers
6. For 30 years, Kirk Root has been making custom jewelry designs in Austin. He opened C. Kirk Root Jewelry, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 126, in 1989 and has spent the last nine years at the Arboretum. Root is known for creating Texas-inspired jewelry such as pieces that resemble bluebonnet flowers or the State of Texas star in blue topaz. He also provides jewelry repair and appraisals. 346-1780, www.kirkrootdesigns.com
7. Ray Garza opened Ray's Watch and Jewelry Repair, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 258, eight years ago but moved his business from Highland Mall in 2010. Garza offers watch repair, battery and watchband replacement, ring sizing and chain and bracelet repairs. He can also replace stones and restring beaded jewelry. Garza has 20 years of experience repairing watches. 419-1662, www.rayswatchandjewelry.com
Retail
8. Since November 2009, Jeff and Tabatha Conarko, owners of Con' Olio Oils and Vinegars, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 130, have been importing fresh olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars from around the world. They also host demonstrations, tastings and classes, at which attendees can learn more about Con' Olio's oils and vinegars, which come from Italy, France, Spain, Australia and countries in South America. 342-2344, www.conolios.com
9. Husband-and-wife team Heather and Scott Harkovich opened Heather Scott Home & Design, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 103, in 2007. They offer furnishings for the kitchen, dining room, bedroom and other living areas as well as art and accessories. Scott said the style fits somewhere in between contemporary and modern. Heather Scott is the exclusive Austin dealer for Barclay Butera Lifestyle and Lilly Pulitzer Home lines. 342-6899, www.heatherscotthome.com
10. Once a sports memorabilia store, Heroes and Legacies, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 214, now sells cigars and has a walk-in humidor. Richard Hutcheson opened the first location in Austin and now has two others in Lubbock. Heroes sells cigars, pipe tobacco and accessories and gifts. The store also sells fragrance oil lamps by French company Lampe Berger. 343-6600, www.heroesandlegacies.com
11. Offering 400 spices and 140 hand-blended seasonings, Savory Spice Shop, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 129, caters to every type of chef. Customers may taste any spice or seasoning and purchase as little as half an ounce. Categories of spices include Texas barbecue, curry and Cajun. Savory Spice Shop also carries gift sets. Alicia Phipps owns this franchise. The store hosts classes, parties and other private events. 795-0770, www.savoryspiceshop.com