Ronald McDonald House adds rooms, new family kitchen in East Austin

Ronald McDonald House Central Texas has opened a new Family Kitchen and four additional guest rooms at its facility at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Mueller, according to the nonprofit’s Oct. 12 newsletter.

What’s new

The renovation began in spring 2026, a Ronald McDonald House Central Texas representative said.

Completed work includes:

• A second-floor Family Kitchen with four cooking stations where families can prepare meals

• Four new bedrooms, bringing the house to 34 rooms, up from 30

• Upgrades to all 30 existing bedrooms

• Refreshed shared spaces, including the dining room, restrooms and laundry rooms

Work on the first-floor commercial kitchen is expected to finish later this year, the representative said. Meanwhile, Meals from the Heart volunteers, who cook for families at the house, are using the Family Kitchen, according to the newsletter.

The nonprofit did not disclose the project’s cost.

What’s in a name

The nonprofit also rebranded as Ronald McDonald House Central Texas. In the newsletter, CEO Kristin Coulter said the new name and look reflect the growing number of families it serves across the region.

Lend a hand

Groups can register via email to cook a meal for families through Meals from the Heart, which is now scheduling holiday dates. The nonprofit also keeps an online wish list of pantry and household items.

On Oct. 17, the nonprofit will have a booth at We Are Family Fest from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Dell Diamond, where visitors can help make activity kits for hospitalized children. On Oct. 24, Dish Society Mueller will donate 20% of purchases from diners who mention Ronald McDonald House.

• 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin

• www.ronaldmcdonaldhousectx.org