Viet Alley announced its opening on social media in early April, selling Vietnamese cuisine in North Austin.

On the menu: The restaurant is open six days a week selling pho, banh mi and coffee. The restaurant has a $10 banh mi lunch special from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. every day.

In their own words: “Thank you to everyone who supported us, believed in us and stuck with us along the way,” the business shared in an Instagram post. “Seriously, we wouldn’t be here without you. If you’re in the area, come by, say hi [and] grab some food.”

• 9616 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 168, Austin

Austin Energy will add hundreds of megawatts of new power generation and storage capacity under contracts approved May 21, and pursue the more controversial implementation of natural gas "peaker" units intended to stabilize the local grid.

What's happening: After recently approving contracts for new solar installations and battery storage, City Council advanced hundreds of megawatts of new battery and wind power projects in May. One megawatt serves about 250 households, according to AE.

A plan to bring new peakers to the utility's system also advanced, which will add to the hundreds of megawatts now in place in East Austin. That proposal drew some scrutiny and opposition ahead of council's vote, with concerns raised about transparency around the project as well as climate and air quality impacts. Officials defended the process and potential project costs as the utility's best path forward in a competitive market.

Additional parking is planned for a bond-funded renovation at Round Rock High School, with the goal of minimizing traffic congestion, reducing walking distance and strengthening campus security. However, the proposal for facility improvements met some friction when it was shared with the board of trustees for approval. 

What you need to know: Round Rock ISD officials gave approval to move forward with a concept plan for renovations at RRHS in May that is different in scope from what was included in the original bond proposal, some trustees said. 

A representative of Perkins & Will Architects said the full cost of demolishing the five buildings and rebuilding the same amount of square footage is not feasible with the amount of funds approved by voters. Further delays in approval for the project could also increase costs, the representative said. 

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area May 18-21. 

1. The Pulao Company set to open this summer in Leander

2. City moving toward 2.6K-acre annexation to support decades of mixed-use development in East Austin

3. $250M Amazon warehouse, distribution center near CR 172 in Round Rock now operational

4. H-E-B plus! expansion, new fitness gym and more Kyle business news this spring

5. Berry Creek Drive in Georgetown closed due to storm damage

6. Pflugerville ISD teachers, nurses, psychologists to see pay bump in 2026-27