Keep reading for the latest South Austin business and dining news.

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Onda Salon

Marianne Martinez has worked in the hair industry for nearly two decades and opened her own salon at the end of 2023. Martinez is the only stylist working out of the salon at the moment, but she hopes to expand her business and have a space where artists can cultivate their skills and create a pathway for their careers, she said. Services offered at Onda Salon include haircuts, root touch-ups, custom hair color and more.Rebel Beauty Bar

Ellie Dixon has opened a new gratuity-free spa in Austin, meaning tips are not accepted. Dixon offers services such as facials, which range from 30-75 minutes for different specializations. She also offers an “acne bootcamp," for those who struggle with acne, waxing, brow laminations and more.Starting Strength


A second Austin location of the gym opened at the end of 2023. The gym offers small group training sessions and personal training. Memberships with plans created by trained coaches include individualized workout programming and nutrition advice.Pig Pen BBQ

Bill Warren and Michelle Matthews, owners of Pig Pen BBQ restaurant in Dripping Springs, have opened a second location in the form of a food truck in South Austin. The truck's offerings include brisket and sausage breakfast tacos; pulled pork, sausage and other meats by the pound; and sides, such as charro beans and Southern-style coleslaw.Coming soon

Lala’s South Pole

Year-round Christmas bar Lala’s Little Nugget will open a second location called Lala’s South Pole. The new spot will have a full-service kitchen, a large patio with views of the Greenbelt, and the same jolly service and eclectic atmosphere as the original location, representatives said.David Doughie’s Bagelry


The farmers market stand will open its first food truck at the Lustre Pearl South. Co-owners Devin and Ashley Broder have operated the Austin bagel shop out of a stand at Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline since 2022 and Texas Farmers Market at Mueller since last year. The new trailer will allow for expanding and introducing new menu items. There will be a variety of house-cured and smoked fish, an expanded schmear selection and a variety of hot egg sandwiches. A special menu focused on shareable bar foods such as bagel chips will also be introduced.Drifter’s Social Coffee & Cocktail

Owners Abizar Khambati and Jason Hart are aiming for this coffee bar to transition into an upscale cocktail bar in the evening and have an intimate feel that they think the area is lacking. Located along Menchaca Road, the bar will feature indoor and outdoor seating.Pickle Pub

Founded by the same owners as Drifter’s Social Coffee & Cocktail, this separate bar will feature a more laid-back ambiance that will serve more as a sports bar. The bar is accompanied by two pickleball courts for casual play.In the news

Blazer Tag


The laser tag arena celebrated 25 years of business in Austin this February. Blazer Tag offers a range of laser tag games at different levels as individuals and on teams, as well as special advanced games only offered on Thursdays. The facility also features an arcade, food and drinks.Luna Montessori

Little Hive Montessori changed its name to Luna Montessori in November. Luna Montessori is a micro-Montessori preschool that serves children ages 4-6, and focuses on outdoor play and social emotional learning. In partnership with Austin Parent Support, Luna Montessori is also expanding its program offerings with a parent-toddler group named Luna Montessori Caterpillars. The parent-toddler group will be operated by licensed family and child psychotherapist Brandi Sharkey. Luna Montessori Caterpillars will serve kids 18 months to 3 years old. Enrollment will be limited to 12 families per group.