Kevin Cummins first toured the historic downtown post office building in 2018. At an open house, he learned the basement was built during the Great Depression and Prohibition era.

With nearly 12,000 square feet and two secret entrances, “it was sort of obvious that there had to be a speakeasy down here,” Cummins said.

In November 2024, he realized this vision, opening Brass Peacock in the space.

What to expect: Brass Peacock is a 1933 concept bar that marries Prohibition inspired cocktails with live jazz and curated historical decor.

On the menu: The speakeasy offers classic cocktails with modern twists and techniques. The Chai Rye is a bestselling drink made with black tea, cinnamon, clove and spice-infused rye whiskey. Brass Peacock also serves a selection of light bites and desserts, including a lobster roll and marinated olives. 

• 113 E. Eighth St., Georgetown

Christ Our Savior Anglican Church moved into its own space on Williams Drive in late November.

The background: The congregation had previously hosted its services at the Grace Heritage Center downtown.

The details: The church is led by pastor Andrew Fox. Its members are from a variety of denominations and nondenominational backgrounds, but together they have gravitated toward the Anglican Church.

Fox said the new space will allow the church to expand have classrooms for children.

• 4701 Williams Drive, Bldg. 5, Georgetown

A new shop selling sports-forward footwear and apparel is now open at Round Rock's outlet mall.

About the business: The footwear and apparel retailer New Balance opened in November at Round Rock Premium Outlets, according to a Simon Malls representative. It is located next to the Gap outlet.

• 4401 I-35, Ste. 121, Round Rock

Nine new medical cannabis dispensaries could soon open in Texas, the Department of Public Safety announced Dec. 1.

The overview: The nine companies were preliminarily approved to join three existing dispensaries that provide medical-grade, low-THC products to eligible patients through the Texas Compassionate Use Program. The program's expansion comes after state lawmakers passed House Bill 46 this spring.

Lawmakers also allowed dispensaries to store products in multiple locations, which advocates said would cut costs, and added more qualifying conditions to the program.

Zooming in: The nine providers given conditional licenses Dec. 1 are:

• Verano Texas LLC in West Texas
• Trulieve TX Inc. in the Panhandle
• Texas Patient Access LLC in North Texas
• Lonestar Compassionate Care Group LLC in North Texas
• Lone Star Bioscience Inc. in South Central Texas
• PC TX OPCO LLC, dba PharmaCann, in Southeast Texas
• Texa OP, dba TexaRx, in the Rio Grande Valley
• Story of Texas LLC in Southeast Texas
• Dilatso LLC in North Texas