From new restaurants and boutiques to incoming national retailers, here's a look at 10 recent business updates in Bastrop County.

Now open

1. Mr. Brew (opened Oct. 12): offers coffee, breakfast options and tacos

2. Lupita’s Kitchen Bar & Grill (opened Sept. 20): serves scratch-made Mexican dishes

3. Magnolia Row Boutique (opened Sept. 5): sells apparel, jewelry and gifts

4. Si Baby-Q (opened Aug. 7): serves Tex-Mex-style barbecue

5. Doug’s Boys Pig & Loaf (opened Aug. 29): serves barbecue sandwiches

Coming soon

6. Fore Fun Saloon (opening late 2026): will offer miniature golf, live music and a bar

7. Taco Casa (opening TBD): will serve Tex-Mex fast food

8. Burlington (opening TBD): will sell discounted clothing, shoes and home goods

9. Dick’s Sporting Goods (opening TBD): will sell sporting goods, apparel and footwear

Closed

10. Sugar Shack (closed Nov. 2): sold nostalgic candy and handmade sweets

A $1.5 million Fast Fuel convenience and liquor store is planned near Bastrop's Hunters Crossing and The Grove.

The details: The 7,480-square-foot retail building will include:

• A 5,540-square-foot convenience store

• A 1,940-square-foot liquor store

Construction is scheduled to begin Dec. 1 and wrap up Jan. 1, 2028.

• 141 SH 304, Bastrop

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history, said she has the votes to become Texas House speaker when the legislature convenes in January.

What to know: Thompson released a list Nov. 6 of 90 House members whom she said pledged to support her speaker candidacy.

The 87-year-old was first elected to the legislature in 1972 and took office the following year. She would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker.

The context: Thompson's candidacy comes after Democrats swept Texas' statewide seats in the Nov. 3 election, ending 24 years of Republican dominance. Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, threw his hat in the ring for speaker on Nov. 5 before endorsing Thompson less than a day later.

Quote of note: "I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.