1) Taco Palenque is now open drive-thru only in Round Rock. The "Fresh Mex" restaurant opened Oct. 15 at 130 Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock. The first Taco Palenque restaurant opened in 1987 in Laredo. It was founded and is still owned by Juan Francisco Ochoa, who also created the El Pollo Loco franchise. 512-243-6553. www.tacopalenque.com
2) The Kebab Shop’s location at 18616 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 300, Pflugerville, opened Sept. 7. The restaurant's menu of Mediterranean food includes kebabs; falafel; wraps; and carved chicken, lamb and beef. The Pflugerville location is The Kebab Shop’s 23rd location and its fourth in the Austin area. 512-900-2560. www.thekebabshop.com/location/pflugerville
3) Veteran-owned Alamo Coffee Co. will be bringing its second location to Round Rock at 1021 Sendero Springs in January. The gourmet coffee roaster offers five "Alamo-inspired" coffee blends: San Jacinto, a light roast; Brazos, a breakfast blend; San Antonio Mission, a medium roast; Gonzales Garrison, a bold dark roast; and Victory or Death, an espresso. Alamo Coffee Co. has one other location in Lampasas. www.alamocoffee.com
4) Representatives for Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar have confirmed a new location is coming to the former Mellow Mushroom location at 2600 N. I-35, Round Rock, in late spring 2022. However, they added there are too many factors at play to state when construction will start or finish. Representatives also said they do not comment on financial matters, but information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation states the estimated construction cost for the new location will be $2.55 million, according to an Oct. 12 permit filing. The filing also states the scope of work includes the remodel of an existing, freestanding restaurant with a cooler and storage room addition. Whiskey Cake serves a menu of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts alongside drinks, including wine, beer, signature cocktails and whiskey flights. Items such as biscuits, chicken and waffle plates, French toast, eggs, and cocktails are also available during weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. www.whiskeycake.com
5) CrossFit Texas, a CrossFit gym located at 4674 Priem Lane, Ste. 408, Pflugerville, will move to a new location at 641 W. Front St., Hutto, on Nov. 8. CrossFit Texas' experienced coaches offer fitness training to people of all ages and fitness levels in a safe and welcoming environment. 512-937-2389. www.crossfittx.com
