Bastrop County’s local economy is buzzing with new openings and expansions that promise more jobs and shopping options for families and visitors alike.
Coffee and casual dining returns
Owner Jaime Astorga has revived Mr. Brew in the former Coffee Dog Roastery & Drive‑Thru Café space, offering coffee, breakfast items and tacos, plus indoor seating, Wi‑Fi and free drip‑coffee refills. Astorga previously closed his original location inside Community Gardens on Feb. 8, 2025, teasing this comeback.
Family‑run Lupita’s Kitchen Bar & Grill has opened a second Cedar Creek location in the former Leo’s Italian Grill, expanding the scratch‑made Mexican menu that has become a local favorite.
New boutique and barbecue concepts
Nicole Salas launched Magnolia Row Boutique in the historic Luck Drug Store building, formerly Tough Cookie Bakery, offering apparel, jewelry, gifts and more to downtown shoppers.
Barbecue enthusiasts can now try Si Baby‑Q, run by pitmaster Jonathan Lagos, which serves Tex‑Mex‑style barbecue including brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, house‑made beef hot links and smoked chicken fajita tacos.
Black‑owned Doug’s Boys Pig & Loaf brings a sandwich‑first twist to slow‑cooked barbecue, featuring chopped beef, pulled pork and sausage, and also provides catering and mobile vending for community events.
Upcoming national retailers and entertainment venues
Future openings include Fore Fun Saloon, a private‑membership club in the former Back 9 Bar space that will feature miniature golf, live music and beer.
Fast‑food chain Taco Casa is set to open a Texas location offering tacos, burritos, tostadas, nachos, salads and signature items like the Chilada and cinnamon‑sugar Casa Delites.
Discount retailer Burlington plans a $3.3 million, 22,520‑square‑foot store, with construction slated from Nov. 9, 2026 to Sept. 1, 2027.
Sporting‑goods giant Dick’s Sporting Goods will build a 55,000‑square‑foot store at a cost of $11 million, with construction scheduled for Dec. 1‑31, 2026.
Closings
Long‑time sweet‑shop Sugar Shack has closed its doors, ending a local favorite known for bulk candy, handmade fudge and caramel apples.
These developments reflect a vibrant mix of local entrepreneurship and national investment, reinforcing Bastrop County’s role as a growing hub for families and businesses.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
