New education options, fresh restaurants to expand the palette and closings to be aware of—the North Austin business community is seeing some recent changes.

Now open

Freebird

The store sells handcrafted leather boots, hats and accessories. Boots are made with original Goodyear welt construction, metal work and full grain leathers, according to its website.Veronica Beard

Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard cofounded the company in 2010 with a focus on creating classics for women. The business offers a variety of clothing from outerwear to handbags and accessories.Einstein Bros. Bagels




The shop serves a variety of bagels with cream cheese as well as breakfast sandwiches and deli sandwiches on bagels, pastries, and coffee.Spirit Halloween

The holiday-themed store opened in the Shops at Tech Ridge. The store replaced a Party City, according to its website. The store sells animatronics, costumes, home decor, t-shirts and collectibles.NextGen Academy

The school was previously going to be known as Alpha School Esports Academy and is part of the AI-based Alpha School system. Its curriculum is built around gaming and esports for students in fifth through eighth grades, and tuition is $25,000 a year.Skims

The third permanent SKIMS storefront in the U.S. opened in Domain Northside. The brand offers a variety of clothing and sizes from leggings and dresses to bodysuits and waist trainers.Sankalp Taste of India




The eatery’s first Austin location and second Texas location opened in the Tech Ridge area and serves soup, appetizers, chaat, pizza, sandwiches, curries and more.Coming soon

Toastique

The eatery’s menu includes toast-focused creations, all-natural smoothies, cold-pressed juices and smoothie bowls. This is the franchise’s second Austin location.Activate Games

The active gaming facility offers different rooms with a variety of timed games ranging in difficulty levels. Players wear electronic wristbands which track each player’s gaming activity and achievements. Games are designed for adults but children ages six and older are allowed in the experience.Sixty Vines




The restaurant is known for its eco-friendly wine-on-tap program and vineyard-inspired menu. It offers pours by the flight, half glass, full glass and bottle as well as shareable dishes and boards alongside main entrees.The Learning Experience

The childcare center uses its Learning Experience Academic Program curriculum, or LEAP, with hands-on activities to help children ages six months to six years develop intellectual, social and cognitive skills. The school is currently pre-registering students.Tzintzuntzan

Owner of Fonda San Miguel Tom Gilliland announced the new concept restaurant which will be located next door. The new restaurant will serve Mexican dishes for breakfast and lunch. The two restaurants will operate independently, but will share a patio and garden area.
  • Opening in March 2025
  • 2330 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin
  • No website available
Five Below

The new store in the Shops At Tech Ridge will offer toys, games, snacks, room decor, beauty products, fitness equipment and more, according to its website. The building is situated to the right of Ross Dress For Less.Relocations




Fogueira Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse

The upscale restaurant with a business casual dress code offers unlimited meat sliced tableside and serves guests authentic Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo, crispy hot polenta and caramelized bananas. The restaurant is relocating from its Round Rock location at 2000 S. I-35, Ste. D1.

Peter Millar

Founded in 2001, the luxury brand features sportswear, resort apparel, tailored clothing and accessories. The store was previously located between Dior and Golden Goose at 11600 Century Oaks Terrace before its relocation next to Alo Yoga.In the news




Texas Children’s Hospital

The hospital announced the promotion of current President Debra Sukin to CEO over the hospital network in a Sept. 12 news release, replacing longtime CEO Mark Wallace. Sukin will remain as acting president over Texas Children's Hospital, and will assume the full duties of CEO on Oct. 5.Alloy

The apartment is finishing construction in September. Completions consist of touching up paint, finalizing amenities and common areas, and tiling the pool area, Alloy Community Manager Miranda Peavler said.The apartment offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options and is pet-friendly, according to its website.Anniversaries

Petrol Lounge

The business, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in September, offers vehicle storage, sales, concierge services, private garages and more. Its storage facility is climate-controlled and cars are maintained by starting them weekly, keeping the battery charged and ensuring the tires are pressurized.Carrabba’s Italian Grill

The scratch kitchen restaurant, founded by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola, opened its first location in Houston in 1986. The Northwest Austin location celebrated its 30th anniversary in June. Its menu features hand-sauteed pasta, salad, house-made soup, steak, seafood, chicken, house-made desserts and appetizers.Closings

Conn’s HomePlus

The national retailer of home goods, furniture, appliances and consumer electronics, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 23. The company will shut down over 170 stores across 15 states, including the Shops at Tech Ridge location, and lay off over 4,000 employees.Sylvan Learning Center

The kindergarten through 12th grade tutoring business closed both of its Austin locations. The closure was announced in a letter to families and in a notice posted on the doors of the centers. The center offered reading, writing, math, science and foreign language tutoring services as well as support for homeschool programs, Advanced Placement exams and homework.I Fratelli Pizza

Michael Haran, former Austin i Fratelli’s franchise owner, opened his first store in West Lake Hills in March of 2021. He also owned the north and downtown pizza locations. The pizza restaurant offers specialty and create-your-own pizzas along with salads and desserts.Teaspoon

The Arbor Walk location served classic boba tea flavors such as taro, jasmine and Thai tea as well as signature drinks including a strawberry colada, matcha royale and silky mango. The shop also offered coffee drinks, coffee cake, macarons, brownies and more.