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Whether locals are rock and roll fans, interested in trying a unique virtual reality experience or are boba lovers, there are several business updates to keep an eye on in the area. This list is not comprehensive.
Now open
1. Firehouse Subs
Diners can order a mix of offerings at the eatery from hot specialty subs and cold subs to build-your-own-sub options and salads.
The rock and roll dive bar recently opened on South Congress featuring pinball machines, free pool, horror movies, chess and all-day happy hours on Mondays.
U.K.-based footwear brand Vivobarefoot is looking to move its headquarters to Austin and has taken the first baby step by launching its first Texas location in the city. The brand highlights minimalist footwear with options for women, men and children for multiple uses including hiking, everyday and work.
4. Fig & Brie
A boutique charcuterie store will open near Shipley Do-Nuts off Southwest Parkway this summer. Fig & Brie has an additional location in El Paso.
5. The Alley
The boba shop is slated to open a new location in the Sunset Valley shopping center. The Alley offers fruit and milk teas, house-made sugar cane syrup and tapioca pearls and more.
6. Menchaca Road Branch Austin Public Library
The public library may be undergoing an estimated $1.6 million renovation project starting this fall with anticipated end in late 2026, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Details of the renovations are unclear.
7. B Vo Vision
Operated by Dr. Betty Vo, the vision center is officially relocating its office after 17 years of residency on the corner of Mopac and William Cannon. The business offers comprehensive exams, eye condition treatment and more.
8. Maverick Metals
The metal supply and processing company is relocating its headquarters from 1518 S. Alamo St., Ste. 120, San Antonio to Austin.
The clinic is celebrating 45 years of providing Central Texas with comprehensive medical care, from specialty to primary care services. ARC is set to open a location off Ben White in 2026.
10. Riverbat Bites Food Pantry
Starting Aug. 18, students at all Austin Community College campuses can access food and personal care items at Riverbat Bites Food Pantry. Pantries will be stocked with healthy groceries, snacks and hygiene products which students can access free of charge.
The gym is celebrating one year at Southpark Meadows, focused on a combination of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, and strength training. The workout operates in a 10-round, 450-minute session split between boxing drills and strength training. Rumble has locations across Texas.
Founded in July 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first postmaster general, USPS celebrated 50 years and now serves nearly 169 million addresses with over 649,000 employees, according to a news release.
12. Vivero Growers Nursery
Vivero Growers Nursery is celebrating 15 years of supplying premium native plants for landscaping to the local community. Community members can find Texas native and adapted plants suitable for the Southwest Austin area.
In the now fully-renovated space, the location features an open arena about the size of a tennis court, co-owner Zac Rucker said, for up to eight players to use while being immersed in their game of choice, from escape rooms to competitive games.
14. My Eyelab
The business opened in 2022, offering prescription glasses, contact lenses and eye exams.
15. Lone Oak Motors
Owned by Bruce Musick and Bart Milam, the business sold pre-owned vehicles as well as RVs and boats.
16. Lustre Pearl South
The South Austin bar announced it would be closing its Menchaca location via an Instagram post. The location featured specialty cocktails and drafts in addition to showcasing three food trucks.
17. Raw Fitness
The chain opened in Southpark Meadows in 2020, offering personal training, boot camp classes, strength training and more.
