EASTxELEVEN to host local showcase with Lucky Neighbors Brunch Market
EASTxELEVEN has announced its inaugural event—a family-friendly indoor brunch market which will highlight community bonds and amplify locally-owned businesses.
What to know: Located in Old Thousand and Electric Gravy, EASTxELEVEN shines a light on the importance of community and will welcome all attendees with lucky raffles, live music and small brunch bites.: The event is co-hosted by Lucky Market Festival and all proceeds will benefit East Austin-based nonprofit DAWA.
“East 11th has such a deep history and vibrant culture,” Peter D’Souza, co-owner of Electric Gravy, said. “The Lucky Neighbors Brunch Market is our way of starting something that feels joyful, rooted, and welcoming to all.”
Tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite and range between $7-$33. Children five and under can attend the event for free.
1000 E. 11th St., Ste. 150, Austin and 1050 E. 11th St., Ste. 100, Austin
Pollo Regio now serving Mexican food, grilled chicken in East Austin
A new Pollo Regio restaurant opened in East Austin in late July.
On the menu: The Texas fast food chain serves Mexican cuisine, including grilled chicken, flautas, quesadillas, tacos and tortas. Loaded potatoes, burgers and salads are also available.
Did you know: Pollo Regio was started in Monterrey, Mexico and moved to Texas in the early 2000s, according to the business's website. The company, which began as a food trailer, now has dozens of restaurants across the state.
Travis County officials sign off on judicial pay raises amid ‘exceptionally tight budget’
Travis County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a series of salary adjustments for judges and elected officials that will shape how taxpayer dollars are allocated in the upcoming budget.
The overview: District Judges will see their county supplement rise to the state-allowed maximum of $25,000, bringing their total salary to $200,000, with corresponding increases for County Court at Law Judges and the 3rd Court of Appeals. Associate judges will receive phased raises reaching $180,000 by 2027, a move judicial advocates said could improve retention, boost efficiency and reduce court backlogs.
What else? Nonjudicial elected officials, including commissioners and the county judge, will see a modest 1% raise, while broader compensation decisions for county staff remain pending. A market study, criticized by some Commissioners for flawed methodology, is under review, and the Human Resources Management Department has 60 days to conduct further analysis.
The outlook: Officials said limited funding and rising health insurance costs are constraining compensation options. The FY 2025-26 budget is scheduled for final approval Sept. 30.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Persian pop-up Roya is set to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in North Austin this fall.
Roya is owned and operated by chef Amir Hajimaleki, who also owns Austin restaurants District Kitchen + Cocktails, Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar, Keepers Coastal Kitchen and Daisy Lounge.
Hajimaleki has served Roya's Persian cuisine at exclusive pop-up dinners across the Austin area since 2018, and the new restaurant will take over the former Shortie's Pizza + Grinders space, located above Hajimaleki's District restaurant.
Gov. Abbott issues executive order prohibiting THC sales to Texans under 21
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.
The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:
Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement
What they're saying:“Governor Abbott has shown that Texas can protect children without turning back to prohibition,” Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, said in a statement. “While we have some concerns, this is a win for safety, freedom and free markets.”
