1. Hays County nonprofit promotes healthy lifestyle, community involvement
What began as a group of local parents’ commitment to health and fitness for their families and peers 10 years ago has grown into a local nonprofit committed to helping its community thrive.
For The Love of Go, a Hays County area nonprofit organization, is on a mission to “get people off the couch” by organizing, directing and promoting healthy activities such as 5Ks and walk/run groups.
“What we set out to do was create an event where people could come and participate and feel safe and maybe that would get them excited about doing fitness,” Jennifer Crosby, one of the founders of For The Love of Go said.
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2. Tony C's Pizza & Beer Garden brings New York-style pizza to Kyle
As one of the newest dining options to open in Kyle, Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden aims to offer a local, family-friendly space for families and friend groups to gather and enjoy authentic Italian food and New York-style pizza.
Tony C's Pizza & Beer Garden opened at Kohler's Crossing in November. Owners and Austin natives Tony Ciola and Creed Ford met in the 2000's when Ciola was working at his family’s Italian restaurant in Lakeway. Ciola’s, now a location of The League Kitchen & Tavern, was an ode to the family’s first restaurant in Virginia Beach in 1949, Ciola said.
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3. Night Hawk Frozen Foods keeps Central Texas-born comfort food alive in Buda
Originally a chain of steakhouses throughout Austin, San Antonio and Houston, Night Hawk Frozen Foods has been charbroiling meats and packaging frozen meals from its Buda facility for 60 years.
Led today by Leanne and Scott Logan, the company is dedicated to maintaining its quality and offering the familiar flavors and products its consumers know and love.
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4. The Mercantile at Mill + Grain curates local gifts and more in downtown Buda
Inspired by her late grandmother’s small-town flower shop and late aunt’s talent for interior decorating, Kate Traver opened The Mercantile at Mill + Grain in October 2018.
What started as a home store has evolved into a curated collection of apparel, accessories, home and kitchen fittings, gifts, apothecary items and more.
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5. Pho Tran88 serves freshly made Vietnamese cuisine in San Marcos
Pho Tran88—named after the food they serve, the owner’s family name and a lucky number symbolizing prosperity—opened in downtown San Marcos in April 2021. Since then, the family-owned restaurant has built up a loyal customer base.
Husband-and-wife Steven and Dao Tran opened Pho Tran88 on The Square in April 2021. Steven Tran, the restaurant’s head chef, and his family had previously owned Pho NB in New Braunfels but sold it in 2020.
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6. Fresco serves up fresh, flavorful bowls in San Marcos
With vibrant salad and grain bowls and freshly made agua frescas, Fresco in San Marcos aims to offer the community a tasty experience that leaves customers feeling fulfilled.
Fresco owner Andrew Silver opened the restaurant in January 2021 within Springtown Center. Before moving to Central Texas with his family, he owned and operated a fine dining restaurant called Zocalo in Charlottesville, Virginia, for 15 years with a business partner he met in culinary school.
Silver said he wanted to create a fast-casual concept that served food inspired by the bright Latin and southwestern flavor profiles he has always loved.
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7. Alvin Ord’s feeds San Marcos for nearly 50 years
Tucked into the Nelson shopping center across the street from Texas State University, Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop has been feeding San Marcos residents since 1978.
Alvin Ord’s serves a variety of sandwiches, with and without meat, on fresh-baked bread. The signature sandwich is “The Salvation,” which features spiced ham, salami, cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella.
In addition to made-to-order sandwiches, the team also offers housemade pickles, chips, and a rotating selection of baked goods, including pies and puddings.
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8. Doc’s Drive-In Movie Theatre hosts underground scene, destination stay
There is more to Doc’s Drive-In Movie Theatre than meets the eye. In addition to two full-size screens, Doc’s offers made-to-order meals, a birria food truck, an underground speakeasy and movie-themed tiny home rentals.
Local married duo Chris and Sarah Denny started with three tiny-home rentals themed after different blockbuster hits in 2017. In September 2018, they opened Doc’s Drive-In Movie Theatre on the same property.
When the pair began looking into opening a drive-in movie theater on their property, the cost was higher than they anticipated, so they came up with a creative solution: shipping containers.
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9. The Feeling Fresh Project tackles ‘hygiene poverty’ in SMCISD
What started as a small hygiene drive to help her daughter’s third-grade teachers has evolved into something much bigger for The Feeling Fresh Project Founder and President Paige Biersdorfer.
The Feeling Fresh Project provides essential hygiene products to San Marcos CISD elementary school students. The organization aims to address hygiene disparities so students can focus on learning. Biersdorfer founded the organization in July, and its first hygiene closet was established at Mendez Elementary School with help from school officials, including school counselor Savahna Silvas.
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10. Kyle nonprofit to bring 'canine heroes' to area veterans
Hats Off For Veterans, a Kyle-based nonprofit that empowers veterans through scholarships, professional development grants and mental health support, is partnering with Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas, a nonprofit that trains and gifts rescue dogs to disabled Texas veterans.
Officials made the announcement in a news release as sponsorships and vendor spots open for the group’s 21st annual Operation: Hats Off BBQ Family Gala in April.
Lisa Adams, founder and CEO of HOFV, said the funds raised from the gala will help connect veterans with trained service dogs that provide emotional support, mobility assistance and renewed independence.
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