Helmed by local couple Jack and Nicole Gillespie, Jack's Modern Artisan Deli is bringing bold flavors and elevated takes on the classic deli to Leander.

A closer look: A fresh spin on the traditional delicatessen offerings, the menu features house-made meats throughout its culinary-focused, handcrafted fare.

Sandwiches include crowd favorites such as the Italian—decked with prosciutto, soppressata and capicola with provolone, lettuce, tomato and olive relish, finished with red wine vinaigrette—as well as some chef-driven inspirations such as the Citrus Herb Salmon BLT featuring Atlantic salmon, crispy bacon, tomato, arugula and lemon aioli.

The curated concept also offers a selection of salads, soups and sides. Patrons will find combos available with half a sandwich and a choice of soup or salad. Meats and cheeses are also available for purchase individually. Additionally, Jack’s Modern Artisan Deli specializes in catering and weekly meal prep services.

• Opened June 20
• 2403 S. US 183, Ste. 104, Leander

On the southern edge of Leander, a restaurant is serving up authentic flavors from Chettinad, a region of South India with a rich history of spice trading.

House of Chettinad offers a restaurant and bar managed by executive chef and founder Mahendran Gunasekaran, whose professional career spans decades and continents.

What they offer: Gunasekaran said Chettinad’s flavors are set apart by the “bold” mixture of spices, owing to the influence of the spice trade on the region.

The mutton-based dishes, which feature meat imported from an Australian slaughterhouse, are among the most popular dishes, Gunasekaran said. 

For the pescatarian, Tawa Fish Fry features fresh barramundi, or Asian sea bass, cooked in a house marinade. Meanwhile those seeking a dish with a sweeter profile can try the tikka masala, which Gunasekaran said is popular with children.

One more thing: Beyond the restaurant, Gunasekaran highlighted House of Chettinad’s unique bar, which has drinks paired for various dishes. A professional mixologist and professional barista help prepare drinks and in-house coffee.

• 15241 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 114, Leander

Williamson County celebrated completing the highest point of construction on its Juvenile Justice Center addition and expansion project with a topping out ceremony July 10.

About the project: The county broke ground on the project in early 2025 to add 48 new beds, a regional family services courtroom, learning and exercise areas, a control room, and larger intake and release areas. The facility is located at 200 Wilco Way, Georgetown.

The $90 million project is expected to be complete in early 2027, according to a county news release.

The why: The facility houses youth who have entered the justice system in Williamson County. According to the release, the expansion will further the county’s goal of treating the individual rather than the crime to reduce recidivism.

Additionally, the new building and renovation of the current facility will help address an increase in more serious offenses and complex cases, and meet the county’s needs for the next 25-30 years, the release states.

The Austin Community College district board of trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-27, keeping the district's tuition and mandatory fees unchanged for the 13th consecutive year and continuing to fund the college’s free tuition program.

The details: Under this budget, local students will continue to pay $67 per credit hour—or $85 including mandatory fees—while the out-of-district price is held at $201 per credit hour.

The budget also includes a 2% annual raise and a $1,700 one-time lump sum for full-time employees in addition to retaining the district's $23/hour minimum wage.

What they’re saying: The budget for FY 2026-27—which begins Sept. 1—is funded through state appropriations, property tax revenue, and tuition and fees, of which the first two are currently seeing shifts.

A storage facility and additions to Dessau Middle School in Austin, along with Costco renovations in Pflugerville, are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Tri-Supply Austin ($13.5 million): This project involves new construction for a warehouse and office spaces.

2. Driftwood Storage ($5.5 million): This project involves expanding an existing self-storage facility by adding seven single-story buildings.

3. Minimax and Max Express ($4 million): This project involves the construction of a new convenience store and car wash with related site work.

4. Dessau Middle School additions ($2.5 million): This project involves a multipurpose room addition with locker rooms and an office, connected to the existing campus.

5. Costco Renovations ($320,000): Improvements to the Pflugerville Costco food court will begin in September. The project includes the removal and replacement of fixtures and finishes.