From a new sushi restaurant to toy stores, check out these business updates in New Braunfels.

Coming soon

Spoon + Fork Thai Kitchen

The restaurant, owned by Thana Trepetch, will offer Thai appetizers, soups, salads, curry and entrees. The menu will also have vegetarian and gluten-free options.

• 2292 Sophie Lane, New Braunfels

KidStrong

New Braunfels Franchisee Manuel Torres said KidStrong is a science-based kids' training program that helps kids build self-confidence and character through 45-minute, weekly classes. KidStrong serves children who are walking to age 11, according to its website.

• 738 FM 306, Ste. 102, New Braunfels

Now open

Chipotle Mexican Grill

The fast-casual chain restaurant serves customizable burritos and bowls. The new location also features the Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows patrons to retrieve digital orders without leaving their vehicles.

• Opened Sept. 22

Pier Sushi Fire & Raw

The sushi restaurant, owned by locals Eric and Jessica Hyatt and their son, Mason Hyatt, serves handcrafted sushi rolls, premium steaks and Japanese fusion cuisine.

• Opened Sept. 5

From train shows to festivals, here are seven things to do in New Braunfels in October.

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.

Soul Searching

Tour the Comal Cemetery and learn about the history and notable people of New Braunfels, as they are portrayed by actors. The tours will be offered between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. either on foot or on golf carts. The tours will last about an hour.

• Oct. 16-17, times vary

• $25 (golf cart); $20 (walking)

• Comal Cemetery, 301 Peace Ave., New Braunfels

10th Annual Día De Los Muertos Festival

This event, hosted by the New Braunfels Hispanic Business Alliance, will feature kids' activities, live music, food trucks, dancing, art activities, face painting, local vendor booths, shopping opportunities and other entertainment.

• Oct. 17, noon-10 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• Main Plaza, 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels

Comal Conservation's 2026 Hill Country Music Jam

Comal Conservation and Toddcoe Aviation will hold Comal Conservation's 2026 Hill Country Music Jam at the Toddcoe Aviation Hangar in the New Braunfels Airport. Attendees will be able to enjoy live music and an open bar. There will also be live auctions and raffles.

• Oct. 24, 6-9:30 p.m.

• $75 (general admission); $125 (VIP)

• New Braunfels National Airport, 2333 FM 758, New Braunfels

A new Olive Garden is set to begin construction in 2027 on I-35 in Kyle.

The chain has over 900 restaurant locations and is known for serving Italian food, with entrees including chicken Alfredo, lasagna classico and chicken parmigiana. Soups, salads, desserts and breadsticks can also be found on the menu, alongside alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

The framework: Olive Garden is part of the Darden restaurant group, which oversees several large brands including LongHorn Steakhouse, Chuy's and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. A Darden spokesperson confirmed a lease has been signed for the new location but said since construction has not yet started, they don't have any details to share as of press time.

• 19865 I-35 frontage road, Kyle

Last fall, Gov. Greg Abbott deemed Texas "the epicenter of AI development" during an event about Google's data center investments in the state.

Since making that remark, the Republican governor has issued several directives aimed at regulating AI-powered data centers. Meanwhile, state agencies are expanding their use of artificial intelligence in government services.

The overview: At the state level, one of the primary uses of artificial intelligence is to improve government efficiency, said Tony Sauerhoff, who leads the Texas Department of Information Resources.

Down the road, that will likely mean reducing the number of staff members at state agencies, Sauerhoff said, noting that agency leaders are being "intentional" about those changes.

Zooming in: When asked which state agencies will be most impacted by AI in the coming years, Sauerhoff pointed to the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT uses artificial intelligence in a variety of forms, including to analyze transportation infrastructure, determine which construction projects should be prioritized, optimize road safety plans and manage the flow of traffic, according to its AI strategic plan.