ATX-CPF: Impact 9/3/2025

Rise Dental Modern Wellness is prepared to open in the Cedar Park community this October. 

The details: The office applies a wellness-based approach to dentistry, founder and lead dentist Dr. Thu Trinh said. 

“The technical term is ‘biological dentistry,’” she said. “We focus on overall wellness and the mouth and body connection, and we use the latest technology so patients can understand their health.”

Dr. Trinh said she and her team were intentional about designing the interior of the office to demonstrate Rise’s unique approach to dentistry. 

What they offer: Rise Dental offers preventive dental care services, including regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as more extensive dental work, including crowns and fillings. The office also offers some specialty treatments, such as laser and ozone therapy.

• Opening Oct. 1 

• 1651 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. 300, Cedar Park

The Cedar Park area saw several new businesses opening in recent weeks, including several new dining options, childcare and medical services. 

Now open

Capitol Area Child Development Center 

The child care facility serves families and children 6 weeks to 5 years old. The center has a STEAM-based model for science, technology, engineering, art and math-based learning, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

• Opened June 5

• 11651 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 1, Cedar Park

Church’s Texas Chicken
The fried chicken franchise opened a new location in Cedar Park on Aug. 15. In addition to the restaurant’s signature fried chicken, Church’s also offers a variety of sides, desserts and half-gallon drink selections. 

• Opened Aug. 15

• 13729 Hwy. 183 N, Cedar Park

Austin airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi spoke at a Round Rock Chamber luncheon Aug. 28, outlining the multibillion-dollar expansion currently underway and the hefty economic benefit for the region.

The big picture: Badawi characterized the airport as the “economic engine for Central Texas,” noting that a 2018 Texas Department of Transportation study estimated Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s economic impact at $7.6 billion—a figure now projected at approximately $10 billion, Badawi said.

What’s happening?: Presently, under the expansion initiative—Journey with AUS—there are six projects under construction and five in design.

Looking ahead: City of Austin officials gave the green light to new lease agreement with airlines during an Aug. 28 council meeting. This means airlines will commit to the expansion program and lease the over 20 new gates airport officials expect to open in the early 2030s, according to an ABIA news release.

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter achieved a no-kill year in 2024, according to a recent report.

Explained: The no-kill designation means that WCRAS, which is the only shelter that serves Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Georgetown and unincorporated areas of Williamson County, saved at least 90% of the dogs and cats that came in last year.

The 10% margin is for animals that may require humane euthanasia due to severe medical or behavioral issues—not because of overcrowding.

Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization, releases an annual report which shows the number of no-kill shelters across the country.

Digging deeper: WCRAS is able to take in more strays than the national average while still maintaining the no-kill title, Animal Services Director Misty Valenta said at an Aug. 26 commissioners court meeting.

“We don't close our doors in order to change our numbers,” Valenta said. “We welcome the community in when they need help, including the pets that are lost.”