When Evan and Sally Batt opened Lockwood Distilling Company in late 2019, they had a plan: start with the Richardson-based restaurant and distillery, create a following, and then as demand rose, potentially expand into beverage production.

Through the pandemic, not only did Lockwood incorporate beverage production as a core part of the business, but Batt said it also established itself as a center for community in Richardson.

A closer look: Lockwood has opened two additional locations in McKinney and Garland—like the Richardson distillery, these include a restaurant, bar and tasting room. Lockwood also opened a location inside Southern Methodist University’s football stadium this fall and has expanded its production and distribution business to four states.

Quote of note: “Our ethos is that we want to put the best thing in the bottle we possibly can,” Batt said. “Flavors and trends shift and change, but we’re always trying to improve everywhere, from beverage, food [and] community.”

Boba tea shop Magic Cup Cafe closed its Richardson location in late September, per a social media announcement from the business.

The details: Magic Cup served a variety of specialty tea-based drinks, coffees, smoothies and food. The Arlington location remains open.

“It has been a pleasure serving y’all over the last 11 years and we’re thankful for every one of y’all,” the social media announcement stated.

• 901 N. Jupiter Road, Ste. 150, Richardson

Dallas County voters will choose between two candidates for the Dallas County Commissioners Court, Precinct 2 seat, which will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know: The candidates running for the position are Democratic incumbent Andy Sommerman and Republican Barry Wernick.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

What else?  Oct. 5 is the last day for residents to register to vote, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. Early voting will take place from Oct. 19-30.

Check out updates on five upcoming and ongoing transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Upcoming projects

1. Legacy Drive, Stonebrook Parkway widening

Project: Legacy Drive will be widened from Lebanon Road to Stonebrook Parkway. Stonebrook will be widened from Legacy to 4th Army Drive. The roadways will be widened and reconstructed.

Update: The project is in the design phase and expected to start construction later this year.

• Timeline: fall 2026-mid 2028

• Cost: $20 million

• Funding source: city of Frisco

2. FM 1385 widening

Project: FM 1385 from US 380 to Union Park Boulevard in Prosper will be widened to four lanes with curbs and gutters.

Update: The Texas Transportation Commission approved $38.2 million to widen the roadway as part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2027 Unified Transportation Program in August, a TxDOT representative said. The Unified Transportation Program is a plan, not an official allocation of funds, so it is subject to change.

• Timeline: TBD

• Cost: $38.2 million (construction)

• Funding source: TxDOT