From West Texas to West 6th Street, Ranch 616 serves up Southwestern American flavors with a history rooted in innovation and old Austin charm. 

The background: Owner Kevin Williamson opened Ranch 616 in 1999 as a community common ground, but the restaurant's story starts years prior. The icehouse’s signature drink, Ranch Water, was coined by Williamson and first created when he’d pack a thermos full of tequila on hunting trips with his dad, mixing it with lime juice and Topo Chico. 

After Williamson passed away in 2021, his closest friends: Tony Trungale, Pam Blanton and Katherine Clapner took over the restaurant with the goal of honoring his legacy. 

On the menu: To start, Ranch 616 serves up a four-cheese queso, crispy oysters, crab cakes and shrimp ceviche. Classic dishes include the frito pie, pork chop, chicken fried steak and jalapeño maize, which is a corn tortilla-crusted chicken. 

• 616 Nueces St., Austin

A planned consolidation of city technology workers is moving forward after weeks of pushback from some affected employees.

Updates to Austin's technology processes are among several government efficiency and cost-cutting efforts underway at City Hall. The plan initiated last year would eventually reorganize hundreds of information technology staff across all city departments under the roof of Austin Technology Services, or ATS.

The "One ATS" process is supported by city management based on findings from consultants, who reported Austin's IT spending is out of line with peers and that a centralized model could improve city systems. But it's been opposed by many impacted employees and their union due to concerns about public services and safety.

Some City Council members agreed and were readying to advance a formal request to halt the ATS reorganization this month. That measure was withdrawn after a recent public review and based on new assurances about the program from City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

Coffee shop Empowered Cafe, founded by Nicholas Carlin, opened May 10 in Mueller, serving coffee and breakfast bites.

Learn more: Empowered Cafe employs adults with Down syndrome to foster independence and an inclusive space for all. The space is more than a coffee shop; it's a hub for community and opportunity, said Samantha Chacon with Empowered Cafe.

“We’re proud to employ individuals with Down syndrome and create a place where everyone feels welcome and valued,” Chacon said in a statement.

On the menu: Empowered Cafe will serve espresso-based drinks, including cold brew and lattes, as well as fresh pastries and breakfast tacos from local partners.

Also of note: The cafe is open daily from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The team hopes guests visit the new coffee shop, enjoy the brews and take their time. 

• 1701 Simond Ave., Ste. 104, Austin

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation updates. 

Ongoing projects
Oak Hill Parkway
Project: The Texas Department of Transportation is currently reconstructing 7 miles of Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 14 miles of shared-use paths.
Update: As early as mid-May, the Hwy. 290 and SH 71 flyovers will open. The Convict Hill cross-street bridge opened in April.

• Timeline: 2022-26

• Cost: $677 million

• Funding source: TxDOT

Completed projects
Gattis School Road Segment 3
Project: The city of Round Rock is expanding Gattis School Road—from A.W. Grimes Boulevard to Double Creek Drive—into a six-lane divided roadway, and adding pedestrian improvements, bicycle enhancements and right- and left-turn bays with new traffic signals to A.W. Grimes and Double Creek.
Update: Construction on segment 3 of the road was completed in May. Construction on segment 6 is still ongoing and expected to be complete by late 2027.

• Timeline: 2024-27

• Cost: $26 million (segment 3)

• Funding source: type B sales tax revenue (segment 3)