ATX-NNW: Impact 10/14/2025

After 24 years of working in and operating traditional dining restaurants, Fixe Southern House co-owners Keith House and James Robert decided to open a sister restaurant in October 2024. The all-day Southern cafe, Hissy Fit, has brought a fresh fast casual experience to the duo’s restaurant family.

On the menu: Hissy Fit offers breakfast until 4 p.m. daily, which features classic picks from buttermilk biscuits and pancakes to unique items such as a Bean and Cheese Biscuit “Empanada” and The Bukowski Biscuit Sandwich. On the restaurant’s lunch menu, diners can find appetizers, bowls, salads and sandwiches. 

Side dishes continue the Southern theme with Crawfish Mac ‘N Cheese, Braised Collards and Roasted Sweet Potatoes. The restaurant recently launched its dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday.

“What sets Hissy Fit apart is that even though it’s fast casual, no corners are being cut as far as quality is concerned,” Robert said. “It's very important to me that it's a scratch kitchen. Everything is prepared here.”

• 9761 Great Hills Trail, Ste. B Austin

Opening a small business like a cafe or coffee truck within Austin neighborhoods could soon be made easier under reforms requested by City Council this fall.

The details: A measure from council member Ryan Alter approved Oct. 10 calls to "minimize barriers to and encourage accessibility of" launching community-oriented coffee shops in residential areas. Alter cited the lack of such walkable places around Austin today as a reason he hopes to promote more businesses closer to residents' homes.

Officials' October vote is just the first step in the process and kicks off a review by city planners that could last up to a year. Alter's approved resolution calls for any regulatory changes or other updates to be made by early December 2026.

Quote of note: "I’ve visited a number of cities where you just walk out and have the ability to, let’s say, go to a little cafe or something. And that’s a positive experience," he said.

Round Rock ISD officials approved contracts for lighting replacements at competition and high school stadiums in the district at an October meeting.

What you need to know: Trustees approved two contracts to replace existing lighting at stadiums in the district with LED lighting. District documents state these replacements are intended to reduce energy consumption and require less maintenance, as well as improve visibility for spectators and athletes on the field. The replacements will be funded by 2018 and 2024 bond funds, district documents state.

Concordia University Texas added its bachelor's of science in wildlife conservation for students in the fall 2025 semester. The new major will focus on management of wildlife populations, protecting endangered species and maintaining healthy ecosystems, according to a university news release. 

The details: Students in the new program will prepare for careers in conservation, habitat management, ecology and wildlife biology through classes and fieldwork. Those pursuing the wildlife conservation major will utilize Concordia's on-campus nature preserve for their education.  

The background: Concordia University, located in northwest Austin, is home to part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The 250-acre federally protected land makes up more than half of the 440-acre campus, and hosts endangered and threatened species like the golden-cheeked warbler and Jollyville Plateau salamander.

Off campus, Concordia manages the Friesenhahn Cave in San Antonio, a paleontological site. 

• 11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin