Umarell, a new Italian restaurant with New Jersey roots, opened in Hyde Park in February.

The big picture: The casual Italian restaurant serves a variety of pastas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Pastas served include the Ricotta Dumplings,
Everything Bagel Caveteli and Ricotta Ravioli.

The business is owned by Mike Graffeo, a chef from Caldwell, New Jersey.

• 4413 Guadalupe St., Austin

The Travis Central Appraisal District has begun releasing 2026 property value appraisals to Travis County homeowners. 

While the county’s single-family home market values slightly decreased, homeowners may want to consider protesting their appraisal if they believe it is too high, said Taylor Smith, deputy director of government affairs for the Austin Board of Realtors, in an interview with Community Impact.

“Take a moment, look at your notice of appraised value that you received, confirm that your exemptions were applied correctly, and then consider protesting so that you can lower that even further for future savings down the line,” Smith said.

The overview: TCAD began mailing appraisal notices to more than 427,000 property owners in late March, according to TCAD information. 

If a property owner believes their appraisal is incorrect, they may file a protest through the TCAD's online portal by the May 15 deadline or 30 days after the notice was mailed. By lowering a property’s appraised value, homeowners can see property tax savings in this year and future fiscal years, Smith said.

Austin-based Lammes Candies closed its Round Rock storefront April 24, with the flagship store on Airport Boulevard in Austin to follow soon, according to the business. 

About the business: Family-owned candy manufacturer and seller Lammes has operated in the Austin area since it opened in 1885, according to the company. The candy company is known for a specialty praline made with Texas pecans as well as chocolates, taffies, brittles and other treats. 

What they're saying: The closure comes as the company works to wind-down its operations, and the Austin store will remain open for "a bit longer."
"The decision comes after careful consideration of changing market conditions and the long-term sustainability of our operations," a notice posted for customer view states. "It was not made lightly. Lammes Candies has always been more than a business, it has been a family legacy, and a part of so many lives and celebrations."

From road construction in Georgetown to a skatepark in Kyle, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Ronald Regan Boulevard Widening ($29.7 million): This project includes the construction of new lanes and intersection improvements on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, including drainage structures, bridges, retaining walls, lighting, signals and more.

2. Expo Center Park and Ride ($17.3 million): This project involves construction of a new park-and-ride. It will include bus bays and electric vehicle charging stations.

3. Round Rock ISD Hartfield PAC Renovation ($6 million): Construction will begin next year on a total roof replacement, mechanical equipment replacement, public address system upgrade, and interior other work, including replacement of flooring and wall finishes in the lobby and green room.

4. Gregg-Clarke Skatepark ($3.1 million): The Kyle skatepark will include approximately 34,000 square feet of concrete skatepark and pump track.

5. Creekview Vet Clinic ($2 million): Construction will begin in June on a vet clinic in New Braunfels.