ATX-PFH: Impact 10/7/2025

In recent years, developers and economic development professionals in the area have taken on local projects to address the needs of small-business owners for appropriately scaled office and retail space.

The current situation: New facilities, storefronts and resources for small businesses and startups are on the way in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto.

Round Rock Chamber President Jordan Robinson said coworking spaces were identified this year as part of the chamber’s strategic plan for economic development. This comes as area facility owners are working to expand spaces, and new facilities are planned to support local entrepreneurs.
For small-business owners looking for a storefront, a new facility in Hutto presents an affordable option. Michael Postar, owner of Michael Postar’s Affordable Storage, has blended storage and retail to bring more options for those in need of a storefront in Hutto.

The conditions: Higher rental rates drive business owners to seek alternative options for office and retail space, Robinson said. Coworking spaces help multiple business owners shoulder the costs of being in a high-quality space, she said.

Himalayan Flavor, a new restaurant serving Nepalese and Indian dishes in Pflugerville, recently opened.

On the menu: The restaurant’s entrees include butter chicken, tikka masala, curry, biryani, chow mein, fried rice, chicken and tandoori and more.

For appetizers, customers will find chicken lollipops, vegetable pakora, chili wings and pani puri. The eatery also serves naan, rice pudding, mango ice cream and rasmalai.

• 1615 Grand Avenue Parkway, Ste. 208, Pflugerville

Austin and neighboring cities are hosting various fall events featuring pumpkins, mazes, bounce houses and haunted houses. 

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival
The fourth annual pumpkin festival will bring all things fall to Round Rock including farm animals and feeding, a barrel train, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and funnel cake. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive and the Old Settlers Association.

• Oct. 3-Nov. 1
• Free (admission for teachers, military and first responders), $10 (ages 3 and up)
• Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

• Sept. 27-Oct. 25
• $40-$50
• Old West Market, 14219 Littig Road, Manor

Austin Community College is aiming to meet a growing demand for dental hygienists in Central Texas through an expanded dental hygiene clinic.

What's happening: ACC officials celebrated the opening of the newly renovated space at the ACC Eastview Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 1. Through the facility, ACC is projected to nearly double the dental hygiene program’s enrollment and provide affordable dental care to more community members, said Michelle Landrum, ACC Dental Hygiene department chair.

The details: Since 2003, ACC’s two-year program has trained students to become dental hygienists through hands-on work experience at its on-site dental clinic. The new 13,800-square-foot dental hygiene facility has increased the number of operatories from 16 to 32, allowing students to treat more patients.