Read the latest news on restaurants, gift shops and more in San Marcos.

Now open

The Purple Toad

The metaphysical shop sells crystals, jewelry, herbs, incense, candles, tarot cards, books and more. Owned by Trena Labowski, The Purple Toad also offers tarot and medium readings.
  • Opened Feb. 1
  • 306 N. Edward Gary St., Ste. B, San Marcos
  • Instagram: thepurpletoad.tx
Passport Office

After being designated a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility by the U.S. Department of State, Texas State University opened its new passport office, where acceptance agents will process applications for U.S. passport books and passport cards at the office.
Texas Rescue Med is located in San Marcos at 404 S. CM Allen Parkway. (Courtesy Sarah Kramer)
Texas Rescue Med is located in San Marcos at 404 S. CM Allen Parkway. (Courtesy Sarah Kramer)
Texas Rescue Med


The emergency medical services school provides emergency medical technician classes, with plans to expand to offer paramedic classes in 2026, according to Chief Operations Officer Sarah Kramer.Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings officially opened a new San Marcos location. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its wide selection of wings, with a variety of sauce and flavor options.Pineapple Xpress Smoke Shop & Vape San Marcos

The smoke shop sells a variety of vapes, smoking accessories, CBD products and glassware alongside other merchandise. Store Manager Donovan McNeely said the store has the lowest prices available in San Marcos.
  • Opened in December
  • 215 E. Hutchison St., San Marcos
  • 512-210-8432
Smoke Haven

Smoke Haven in San Marcos opened in early March, offering a variety of vapes, nicotine products, smoking accessories, CBD products and glassware. The store is located next to ThunderCloud Subs.Coming soon


IKEA

San Marcos will soon have a new furniture shopping destination as IKEA plans to open a small-format city store in spring 2025. The store will be located in the San Mar Plaza shopping center at 917 SH-80 N, according to a news release.Relocations

Hays County Food Bank

The Hays County Food Bank is relocating to the former Hays Co. Bar-B-Que building in San Marcos. HCFB is currently remodeling the space and has not yet started to move into the new location, according to Executive Director Lisa Young.In the news


Black Rock Coffee Bar

Construction on a new Black Rock Coffee Bar location in San Marcos is set to begin in May according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Work is expected to be completed by late fall, though an official opening date has not been announced.Rag & Bone

Clothing brand Rag & Bone will soon open at the San Marcos Premium Outlets, according to a TDLR filing and the San Marcos Premium Outlets' website. Rag & Bone sells men's and women's denim, apparel and accessories.Chick-fil-A

The Chick-fil-A near Aquarena Springs Drive was temporarily closed to make drive-thru renovations.Grins Restaurant


After 50 years of working at and operating Grins, Paul Sutphen and Johnny Ferrell are selling the restaurant to San Marcos local Cody Taylor, who also owns Valentino’s Pizza in downtown San Marcos. Grins closed its doors on March 2 for renovations under the new management and is expected to reopen in mid-March. Sutphen said one of the most rewarding parts of owning Grins was helping students and employees get through school and move on to better opportunities.
The Root Cellar Cafe is returning to only serving brunch and will serve new breakfast options, including cappuccinos and lattes. (Courtesy The Root Cellar Cafe)
The Root Cellar Cafe is returning to only serving brunch and will serve new breakfast options, including cappuccinos and lattes. (Courtesy The Root Cellar Cafe)
Root Cellar Cafe

The restaurant celebrated its 20th anniversary in mid-February by changing the menu to brunch-only, its original concept when it opened in 2005. New menu items include eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, chicken salad and espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Founder Kyle Mylius said the space will also be available nightly for event rentals.P. Terry’s Burger Stand

Austin-based burger stand P. Terry’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founders Patrick and Kathy Terry opened its first location in 2005 on Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard in Austin. The business now has 35 locations across Austin, San Antonio and Houston.Closings

Everyday Zen


Owned by Wen and Bryan Carey, the shop sold meditation supplies, crystals, home decor, candles and more. The closure was announced on the shop's social media pages.Blessings Learning Center

The daycare center permanently closed its doors in December according to a post on the business' Facebook. According to the Blessings Learning Center website, it opened in 2020.Planet K

After 17 years of business in San Marcos, the smoke and gift shop has closed. The store sold e-cigarettes, hemp products, posters, greeting cards and more. Planet K’s New Braunfels and Onion Creek locations remain open.