Austin will add more than 4 square miles to its city limits this spring to support development in the "Dog's Head" area over more than four decades.

The details: Assistant City Manager Eric Johnson called the "mega-site" project a major economic opportunity for Austin to pursue. The city would partially support development with a Dog's Head tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, a financing tool to reserve some tax collections there for local public improvements.

Future development around the Dog's Head could include a mix of residential, commercial, office, entertainment and other uses. An initial anchor tenant is expected to bring an advanced manufacturing project.

What they're saying: Residents testifying to council were mainly opposed to the city's significant commitments and lack of more public details about the expansive, decades-long development plans. Officials supported the plan as a major opportunity for Austin and its tax base.

Julian Buscicchio and Sebastian Menard expanded French cuisine offerings in South Austin with a new cafe: Alice Poulain. The Parisian-inspired patisserie serves a range of quiches, daily pastries and imported wines and cheeses. 

The cafe’s opening was announced May 14 in a news release.

On the menu: Alice Poulain Café has daytime and evening offerings, including a Parisian breakfast with toast, butter, jam, a croissant, scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee. Available pastries include pain au chocolat, cinnamon brioche and rotating cakes.

Learn more: Lunch and dinner bites include omelettes, salads, sandwiches and charcuterie spreads. Patrons can order a salade niçoise made with tuna, eggs, green beans, potatoes, olives and vegetables with a vinaigrette. 

• 2214 S. First St., Austin

The Driskill Grill initially opened in 1930 and after nearly a century of service, MML Hospitality has relaunched the historic spot as an American steakhouse, according to a news release. The new concept is spearheaded by April Bloomfield, MML Hospitality’s executive chef since 2025.

The restaurant opened its doors to customers May 18.

The history: The Driskill Hotel has been a historic Austin staple since 1886, housing political figures, musicians and entrepreneurs, according to the hotel’s website. The space has endured several restoration projects, preservation efforts and partnerships, including one with MML in 2025 to bring 1881 Cafe, The Victorian and The Driskill Grill to the hotel.  

On the menu: Patrons looking to dine in for lunch or dinner can find salads, sandwiches, steaks and a selection of sides, including braised peas with mint and Thai style crab fried rice. 

• 117 E. Seventh St., Austin

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area May 18-21. 

1. The Pulao Company set to open this summer in Leander

2. City moving toward 2.6K-acre annexation to support decades of mixed-use development in East Austin

3. $250M Amazon warehouse, distribution center near CR 172 in Round Rock now operational

4. H-E-B plus! expansion, new fitness gym and more Kyle business news this spring

5. Berry Creek Drive in Georgetown closed due to storm damage

6. Pflugerville ISD teachers, nurses, psychologists to see pay bump in 2026-27