Texas State officials and students celebrated in December the opening of the Keysight Smart Lab, which provides engineering students with hands-on training to prepare them for their careers.

Zooming in: The engineering lab is equipped with industry-standard tools and software, officials said in a news release, allowing them to build real-world experience while working toward professional certifications in areas such as semiconductors, wireless technologies and more.

How we got here: In a news release, officials said the lab was made possible by a donation from Keysight Technologies, which provides equipment and software engineers use to design and check how electronic devices perform.

Notable quote: “Keysight Technologies' generous donation of equipment and software significantly benefits Texas State University and its students,” Semih Aslan, electrical engineering program coordinator and associate professor in the Ingram School of Engineering, said in the release. “The creation of the Keysight Smart Lab ... immediately boosts our program to the leading edge of workforce development."

• Bruce & Gloria Ingram Hall, 310 W. Woods St., San Marcos

Hays County residents can soon get a taste of Kyoka Sushi without driving to Round Rock when the all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens its second location in Kyle.

The details: Construction on the 6,000-square-foot eatery is set to begin Jan. 19 and finish by mid-May.

What they offer: Known for its all-you-can-eat sushi model, customers can also pick from a la carte options such as hibachi dishes, appetizers and more.

• 19037 I-35, Ste. 103, Kyle

Fast-casual eatery Jason's Deli is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the fresh food, people and communities that have defined the restaurant, officials announced in a Dec. 30 news release.

The background: The deli was founded in 1976 by Joe Tortorice Jr. in Beaumont and has since branched out to 114 Texas locations and 235 delis nationwide in 27 states, per the release.

What's new: According to the release, the eatery is celebrating its anniversary by spotlighting new soups during the National Soup Month of January, while also rolling out new items, including the Deli-Bration Cookie—a sugar cookie topped with sprinkles—and returning others.

In their own words: “Our 50th anniversary is about staying true to what’s made Jason’s Deli special since day one—thoughtfully prepared dishes, diverse selections and genuine care for the people we serve,” Clare Wilson, vice president of culinary and R&D at Jason’s Deli, said in the release. 

Residents of Schertz and travelers on I-35 will soon have access to additional dining and retail opportunities.

In October, Panera Bread opened as the first tenant at Schertz Station, a 257,000-square-foot retail and dining hub that will feature a bevy of national chain restaurants and other shopping opportunities.

The big picture: The property off I-35 North and Cibolo Valley Drive was developed by San Antonio-based Merit CRE, which is investing over $65 million in the hub.

Schertz’s Economic Development Corp., or EDC, worked with Merit on Schertz Station’s surrounding infrastructure, such as adjacent road construction, EDC Executive Director Scott Wayman said.

Wayman said the development was a response to Schertz’s population growth.

“We have a large, growing population that expects services, they expect restaurants, and they expect those things to be within a driving distance of their house and make it convenient for them,” Wayman said.