Brooklyn’s Down South


What we reported Cajun restaurant Cleveland’s closed in downtown Buda at the end December to make way for Brooklyn’s Down South, a new concept from the same owner, Brooklyn Robertson.


The latest After hosting a final New Year’s Eve celebration, Cleveland’s will close for about a week in early January for some minor interior renovation work and to prepare for the opening of Brooklyn’s Down South. Upon opening, the restaurant will feature all new furniture, decor and menu options.


What’s next Brooklyn’s Down South will still retain the same management and staff as Cleveland’s, but will feature a wider array of Southern-style dishes, in addition Cajun cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes from Cleveland’s original menu will remain, but other new items, such as crab-stuffed fried avocados and blackened catfish, have been added.



Summermoon Coffee


What we reported When Community Impact Newspaper profiled Summermoon Coffee in October, Co-owner Justin Terry announced plans to open three new stores in Hays County—one in Kyle at 4217 Benner Road, and two in San Marcos, at 817 Chestnut St. and 200 Springtown Way.


The latest Terry estimated the Kyle and Chestnut Street locations will be open by April. The location on Springtown Way will likely not be open until the fall, Terry said. That shop is being built as part of the ongoing redevelopment of Springtown Center.


What’s next Terry said the company plans to focus on “doing what we do,” at the existing locations—that is, make coffee and espresso drinks and serve baked goods—while awaiting construction to be completed on the three new Hays County shops.



The Pita Shop


What we reported Several years after Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant closed in San Marcos, former employees Omar Aldmour and his wife, Susan Mutschlechner Aldmour, opened The Pita Shop. They serve homemade falafel, pitas, gyros, hummus and other Mediterranean, Greek and Middle Eastern foods.


The latest The Pita Shop has continued to serve Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, such as the chicken pita ($6.50) and the gyro ($6.50).


What’s next In 2017, the Pita Shop will add several new entrees and sides to its menu.



Hays City Store


What we reported In March, Travis and Tamra Tindol celebrated the first anniversary of their Texas- style comfort food restaurant Hays City Store. The pair were also in the planning stages of building a new walk-up bar near the restaurant’s large outdoor patio.


The latest The concept for the addition to the restaurant has grown and will now include a bar with 30 seats as well as a covered dining space with 20 seats. Tamra said she anticipates the new addition may allow the restaurant to increase its live music offerings as well.


What’s next The restaurateurs hope to break ground on the new bar and seating area in early 2017. Tamra said they are updating their happy hour. Hays City Store recently added an “accelerated happy hour,” which runs from 4-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. During that time, diners can take advantage of half-priced appetizers and $2 off drinks from the bar.