Jason’s Deli in Cedar Park officially opened in 2018, bringing sandwiches, salads, bowls, pastas and desserts to community members—Jordan Anderson took over as managing partner of the location in November 2023.

Quote of note: “We are here to stay,” Anderson said. “We are going to be here for a very long time. We love being a part of this community.”

Must-try menu items: The most popular menu items are specialty sandwiches like the California Club and Ruben The Great, baked potatoes, broccoli cheese soup and the salad bar. 

The celebration: Jason’s Deli is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, commemorating half a century of service. The family-owned restaurant chain was founded in Beaumont, Texas, by Joe Tortorice Jr., and has now grown to include over 235 locations across the country, according to a news release. 

• 4811 183A Toll Road, Cedar Park

From park upgrades to public safety and social services, Cedar Park and Williamson County leaders advanced several initiatives during early 2026 meetings.

The breakdown: Cedar Park officials said improvements at Brushy Creek Sports Park remain on track for spring completion. The $1.7 million project, funded through the city’s 2022 bond package, includes sports field fencing and nets, softball field drainage and infield upgrades, parking lot expansion, new and improved trails, concrete replacements for decomposed granite paths, and a new maintenance building. Millis Development and Construction is overseeing the work, and athletic fields will remain natural grass.

What else? Williamson County also renewed nearly $500,000 in annual agreements with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services. Funding supports child welfare court care coordinators who assist families involved in CPS cases, along with homelessness prevention services aimed at placing individuals into permanent housing. In public safety news, Cedar Park, Williamson County and five cities approved an interlocal agreement creating a Regional Vehicle Burglary Suppression Taskforce targeting auto theft regionwide.

Round Rock ISD's superintendent received a 1% pay increase and a bonus in January. 

What you need to know: Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez will continue to lead RRISD through at least 2029, after district officials voted to extend his contract Jan. 29. 

In addition to a 1% increase to Azaiez's base pay of $350,000, trustees also awarded him a bonus of $18,520, according to the district. 

Check out six upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects across the Austin metro, including toll roads in North Austin and Cedar Park, various lane expansions and improvements for cyclists and pedestrians.

Upcoming: New Hope Drive expansion
The traffic changes come as the city is working to expand New Hope Drive from four to six lanes and open an innovative intersection design at New Hope Drive and 183A Toll.
Update: The project is in the design phase.

• Timeline: expected completion summer 2027
• Cost: $1.8 million
• Funding source: 2022 transportation bond

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $612 million
• Funding source: federal funding, sale of roll revenue bonds, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funds

Voters in the March 3 Democratic primary will see two candidates in the race for U.S. House District 31.

The overview: Texas’ 31st Congressional District encompasses parts of Williamson County, including Round Rock, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Leander and Cedar Park. Created in 2003, the district has been represented by Republican John Carter since its inception.

The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican primary in November.

Digging deeper: Community Impact reached out to all candidates who filed to run in the U.S. House District 31 race. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.

Voters in the March 3 Republican primary will see nine candidates on the ballot for U.S. House District 31.

The details: Texas' 31st Congressional District covers part of Williamson County, including Round Rock, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Leander and Cedar Park. Created in 2003, the district has been represented by Republican John Carter since its inception.

The winning Republican candidate will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November.

Digging deeper: Community Impact reached out to all candidates who filed to run in the U.S. House District 31 race. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.