Following a renovation of the former Alcove Cantina, the Tex-Mex bar and restaurant reopened as Sociedad in April. Though operating under a new name, owners Michelle Ly and Erik Hall continue to run the business as they celebrate the restaurant’s 10 year anniversary this month. 

How we got here: The husband and wife duo began their entrepreneurial journey in 2012 with a roofing company. They expanded into hospitality in 2014, opening The Rock Sports Bar, followed by Alcove Cantina in 2016 and The Flats three years later. 

What to expect: The renovation aimed to elevate the restaurant into a more upscale venue. Ly explained that each space serves a different purpose: the front dining room provides an ideal setting for date nights, the outdoor patio hosts live music and events, and the back lounge offers a relaxed spot for gathering with friends.

On the menu: The modern Mexican cocina's signature dishes include cheese skirt and steak, steak ranchero, and brisket barbecue tacos.

• 119 E. Main St., Round Rock119 E. Main St., Round Rock

New and coming soon Round Rock-area business include several locally owned restaurants, two tutoring centers and a flower shop.

Conejo’s Tex-Mex
The restaurant’s menu blends Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex staples and Southern flavors. Offerings include tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and more. The restaurant is locally owned by Bobby Joe Hernandez, chef Eduardo Miguel, and Matt and Sandra Morcher. The restaurant’s first location is in Leander.

• Opened Aug. 5
• 3200 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock

Sri Sai Flowers
Locally owned by Lakshmi Manikanta, the business offers fresh-cut flowers and bouquets as well as wedding, event and funeral garlands. The shop also carries jewelry, gifts and festival items, such as turmeric and vermilion powder, henna, and saris.

• Opened Aug. 16
• 1401 S. I-35, Ste. 190, Round Rock

Sylvan Learning Center
The center provides tutoring and academic support across subjects such as math, reading, writing, science and languages, as well as test preparation and other academic services. The franchise is owned and operated by Allan and Amy Kelley.

• Opened Aug. 3
• 1307 Chisholm Trail Road, Ste. 130, Round Rock

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation updates from local agencies.

Ongoing projects

Center Street
Project: The street in Kyle will be widened with added curbs, gutters, lighting and sidewalks to both sides of the road, including one shared-use path, between Old Stagecoach Road and Veterans Drive; and adds a new single-lane roundabout. 
Update: Construction began at the 5-way traffic stop at West Center Street and Old Stagecoach Road on July 13. Crews are potholing and building drainage improvements.

• Timeline: fall 2026-fall 2027
• Cost: $10.2 million
• Funding source: 2022 Kyle Road Bond

Completed projects

SH 195 exit ramp
Project: Led by the Texas Department of Transportation, the right lane exit ramp provides direct access to Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Georgetown from northbound SH 195. Previously, drivers had to use a turn lane and cross over southbound lanes. 
Update: Williamson County and TxDOT officials celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 24.

• Timeline: 2025-26
• Cost: $3.6 million
• Funding source: 2019 Wilco Road Bond

COTALAND Theme Park is officially opening on Sept. 26, bringing racing, rollercoasters and attractions to Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, according to a news release.

“COTALAND was created to be far more than a traditional amusement park,” COTA Founder Bobby Epstein said in a news release. “This is where theme park thrills, world-class racing, live entertainment and family experiences come together in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country.”

What they offer: COTALAND is slated to feature over 30 experiences, from rollercoasters, to mini golf, to COTA Karting and a zip line. Attractions include the Hot Lap experience where guests can ride along on the Formula 1 track.

COTALAND will have coasters like the Circuit Breaker, the first tilt roller coaster in Texas, according to the release. The park is also set to have family-friendly rides and attractions, including Kiddie Karting and Lil’ Logger, which are bite-sized versions of larger COTALAND rides.

• 9111 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.