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Top Story
Amazon picks East Austin for multi-billion dollar robotics facility

Amazon is bringing a multi-billion dollar advanced robotics manufacturing facility to East Austin, the company announced Aug. 19. The project will be an anchor development in the newly annexed Dog's Head, and was first detailed by city officials during recent planning and financing reviews for that district.

The details: The new manufacturing site will be located off Hergotz and Dalton lanes in the center of the more than 2,600-acre Dog's Head area. The roughly 300-acre development first started moving through city reviews earlier this year as the unidentified "Project Toaster," and was revealed as the first potential tenant in the Dog's Head in July.

The facility will produce robotics systems that'll work with Amazon's employees "to handle repetitive tasks and heavy lifting," according to the release. The development will create between 300-500 manufacturing and engineering jobs, adding to Amazon's more than 17,000 employees in the city today.

 
Market Story
School House Pub serves craft drinks and housemade bites in East Austin

School is in session on Manor Road. Co-owners Christina and Edgar Torres are serving up elevated bar food, local brews and specialty cocktails at School House Pub, a local eatery part of the Mi Madre’s and Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar family. 

A family affair: Husband and wife duo Edgar and Christina Torres met at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Years later, the pair moved to Austin, Edgar Torres’ hometown, where his parents have been running Mi Madre’s since 1990. 

The backstory: Before owning School House Pub, Edgar and Christina Torres opened Zandunga Mexican Bistro in East Austin, serving Mexican food with a modern flare. The restaurant closed after two years, spurring the couple to transition from fine dining to a new concept. 

The couple officially opened School House Pub in 2013 next to Mi Madre’s.

From the oven: Menu highlights include the fish and chips, Asian crunch salad, mac and cheese, burgers, house made pretzels, Italian grilled cheese and the chicken gyro with onion rings. 

  • 2207 Manor Road, Austin

 

From Capitol to classroom: How state policy decisions and budget strains shape Austin-area public schools

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Market Story
Fresh Monkee now blending protein shakes in downtown

Fresh Monkee is now open in downtown Austin, blending up high-fiber, low sugar protein shakes. The shake shop is located beneath The Shoal, an Austin apartment complex.

Check it out: Fresh Monkee launched its soft opening on Aug. 17. The business is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m., according to the brand’s social media.

On the menu: Shakes include the Banana Split, made with milk, vanilla protein, unsweetened coconut shreds, banana, pineapple, strawberries and topped with unsweetened coconut shreds.

For a light bite, patrons can order the Monkee Balls, made with natural peanut butter, oat flour, chocolate whey protein, maple syrup, vanilla extract and rolled in semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. 

The backstory: Judy Flynn founded Fresh Monkee in Connecticut in 2014. Flynn hoped to bring a new beverage to the market, one loaded with high-quality fiber, carbs, healthy fats and simple ingredients, according to the brand’s website. 

  • 827 W. 12th St., Austin

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

“The Golden Girls” Kitchen

Main Street Market

Aug. 20
Austin

Aug. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bastrop

More info

More info

 

Austin Pride Parade

Puppy Plunge

Aug. 22, 11 a.m.
Austin

Aug. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dripping Springs

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Across The Region
As Texas students return to class, here are 5 things to know about public education

Many Texas students began returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year in mid-August.

Here are five things Texans should know as the 2026-27 school year kicks off.

The details:

  • 2026 school accountability ratings issued
  • New rule impacts accountability-related school closures
  • 100K students using new Texas Education Freedom Accounts
  • Public school closures deepen across Texas
  • Check out recent public education laws

 

Your local team

Elle Bent
Editor

Krista Box
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.