ATX-RRK: Impact 10/7/2025

In recent years, developers and economic development professionals in the area have taken on local projects to address the needs of small-business owners for appropriately scaled office and retail space.

The current situation: New facilities, storefronts and resources for small businesses and startups are on the way in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto.

Round Rock Chamber President Jordan Robinson said coworking spaces were identified this year as part of the chamber’s strategic plan for economic development. This comes as area facility owners are working to expand spaces, and new facilities are planned to support local entrepreneurs.

For small-business owners looking for a storefront, a new facility in Hutto presents an affordable option. Michael Postar, owner of Michael Postar’s Affordable Storage, has blended storage and retail to bring more options for those in need of a storefront in Hutto.

The conditions: Higher rental rates drive business owners to seek alternative options for office and retail space, Robinson said. Coworking spaces help multiple business owners shoulder the costs of being in a high-quality space, she said.

The Round Rock location of Tony C's Pizza & Beer Garden marked five years of serving up craft brews and specialty pizzas in September. 

About the business: Tony C's Pizza & Beer Garden first opened in the Diamond Oaks retail center Sept. 24, 2020. The restaurant offers coal-fired New York style pizzas, authentic Italian food, craft beer and wine.

Austin and neighboring cities are hosting various fall events featuring pumpkins, mazes, bounce houses and haunted houses. 

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival
The fourth annual pumpkin festival will bring all things fall to Round Rock including farm animals and feeding, a barrel train, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and funnel cake. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive and the Old Settlers Association.

• Oct. 3-Nov. 1
• Free (admission for teachers, military and first responders), $10 (ages 3 and up)
• Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

• Sept. 27-Oct. 25
• $40-$50
• Old West Market, 14219 Littig Road, Manor

The Veterans Memorial Advisory Group, the organization charged with overseeing the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sun City, is working to raise $200,000 to create a place of peace at the memorial.

The overview: The revitalization project entails constructing a pergola with benches behind the wall of the memorial where visitors can sit and reflect, surrounded by native landscaping and pavers, VMAG Chair Diane Klutz said.

Currently, there are a number of Italian cypress trees behind the wall. However, VMAG Communications Chair George Monnat said these trees are not native to Texas, adding that the group has spent a significant amount of funding to maintain them.

What’s next: The fundraising campaign kicked off Sept. 15, and VMAG is looking to secure pledges totaling $200,000 in funding by the end of November.