When Victor Salazar founded Besos Cocina & Cantina four years ago, he wasn't just opening a restaurant. He was aiming to create a place where Round Rock residents could experience authentic Mexican food, music and culture, growing the business into a community gathering spot known for its traditional Mexican dishes and lively weekend entertainment.

The background: Salazar has a background in sales and runs an accounting firm with his wife in Round Rock. An opportunity arose to invest in a startup restaurant, and he decided to get involved.

“I love the challenge,” Salazar said. “I’m really enjoying it. Fortunately, a lot of having a restaurant involves accounting, so it seems to be good to have that background and working here at the restaurant.”

Besos opened in April of 2022, and Salazar said there have been ups and downs over the last four years.

One more thing: On Friday and Saturday nights, Besos brings in DJs who draw in crowds to enjoy the music and dance.

The last Austin-area location of the Hooters restaurant franchise closed at the end of May, over a year after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

What you need to know: The Round Rock location of Hooters was the final franchise in the Austin area before its final day of operation in May. 

In a notice posted to the building's door, the company stated that closure was effective as of the end of business May 24. 

"This decision has been made as part of our current efforts to focus, revitalize and strengthen the Original Hooters brand across America," the notice read. "We are sincerely grateful to our guests, team members, and community partners for their continued support and loyalty throughout the years." 

State lawmakers are considering water use impacts tied to the spread of new data center developments across Texas, and recently heard input from industry representatives and residents as they plan for next year's legislative session.

The initial review may preview proposed state laws regarding data centers and their local impacts. Ahead of the hearing, Gov. Greg Abbott also stated his "bottom line" expectations for data centers going forward: providing their own power, reusing water and reducing electricity costs for their neighbors.

Testimony from regulators revealed that Texas lacks accurate information about the water use of most data centers now operating statewide, despite mandates to submit those details. Representatives suggested data centers' self-reporting on utility use could be one topic to address next year. Many impacted residents and elected officials also raised concerns with public notice and local regulatory authority in relation to the high-profile developments.