ATX-NCA: Impact 10/7/2025

With Grá Mór’s recent launch, community members exploring downtown can get a taste of Irish treats and drinks.

The specifics: From the team behind The Dead Rabbit, the cafe has replaced Neighbourhood Cafe, a Belfast-based coffee shop which launched in August 2024. An Instagram post by the business states the name means “big love” in Irish.

On the menu: The cafe serves small plates, large plates, grab and go options and pastries. Menu items include Chilaquiles, a Classic Burger, scones, croissants and Challah French Toast. Customers can pair their menu item of choice with coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, cocktails, wine, beer and bottled drinks.

• 204 E. Sixth St., Austin

Located outside CrossFit Central in downtown Austin, Strong Coffee Company is now serving breakfast and coffee out of its first trailer.

The details: Founder Adam Von Rothfelder was inspired to create a coffee with functional benefits without compromising quality taste. With its launch in 2018, the company began traveling to fitness events across the country hoping to gain support for its products, as stated on its website.

Community members can find protein-packed waffles and collagen-filled coffee in addition to the business’s take home offerings including whole bean coffee, instant coffee and more.

• 410 Pressler St., Austin

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

All Texas retailers are barred from selling consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted two emergency rules Oct. 3.

The details: The new rules, which took effect immediately, state that businesses may lose their hemp licenses for selling THC products to minors.

Ten days earlier, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved emergency rules prohibiting bars, liquor stores and other alcohol retailers from selling THC products to anyone under 21. A TABC spokesperson told Community Impact the two state agencies are working together to enforce a Sept. 10 executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

More context: Approximately 8,000 businesses are licensed by the DSHS to sell consumable hemp products in Texas, including some retailers that also sell alcohol.

The emergency rules from both agencies will be in effect for 120 days and could be extended for an additional 60 days while permanent regulations are drafted.