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Hopdoddy Burger Bar acquired by New York-based restaurant group

Austin-based restaurant Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been acquired by by Founders Table Restaurant Group.

What's happening: Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role. Hopdoddy Vice President of Operations Kenny Jett will assume the role of president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said in a news release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

The background: Hopdoddy was founded in Austin in 2010 and has 47 locations today, including in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

Founders Table was founded in 2020. The brand's portfolio includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria and Protein Bar & Kitchen.

 
Latest News
Waymo vehicles helping Austin spot potholes through new data-sharing program

A new data-sharing program is helping Austin identify and fill potholes on city streets using data gathered by Waymo autonomous vehicles through the Waze for Cities platform.

The details: The free initiative involves Waymo vehicle systems tracking pothole locations and reporting them to transportation agencies. Data is also shared with Waze users, who can be alerted of pothole reports and verify their accuracy through the navigation app.

Austin street and bridge crews filled more than 1,800 resident-reported potholes in 2025, and several dozen potential pothole locations have already been identified through the Waymo data-sharing initiative so far this year. Waymo vehicles in Austin are reporting the latitude, longitude and on-street placement of potholes.

Going forward: Officials said the Waymo data-sharing program is intended to expand and could begin to include other types of reported information in the future.

 
Transportation Tuesday
Bridges, e-bikes, federal grants: 6 Austin metro transportation updates

Check out six transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

$131M in CAMPO grants to fund WilCo road projects: The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization dedicated about $131 million in federal funding for nine road projects and one trail project. The projects span Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Liberty Hill, Northwest Austin and Round Rock.

Austin seeks to rein in 'chaotic' e-moto use: A resolution advanced by city leaders this spring will now result in proposed updates to city code defining electronic motorcycles and mini-bikes and their legality, establishing when and where they're permitted and setting related penalties. A report on those changes will be presented by late July.

I-35 northbound lanes to temporarily close for up to 4 weekends: The Texas Department of Transportation will close the I-35 northbound main lanes between Slaughter Lane and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard as part of the I-35 Capital Express South Project from 11 p.m.-9 a.m. on July 10 and 11, July 17 and 18, and July 24 and 25 if needed.

 
Affecting All Texans
Texas lawmakers consider data center water use and resource impacts

State lawmakers are considering water use impacts tied to the spread of new data center developments across Texas, and recently heard input from industry representatives and residents as they plan for next year's legislative session.

The initial review may preview proposed state laws regarding data centers and their local impacts. Ahead of the hearing, Gov. Greg Abbott also stated his "bottom line" expectations for data centers going forward: providing their own power, reusing water and reducing electricity costs for their neighbors.

Testimony from regulators revealed that Texas lacks accurate information about the water use of most data centers now operating statewide, despite mandates to submit those details. Representatives suggested data centers' self-reporting on utility use could be one topic to address next year. Many impacted residents and elected officials also raised concerns with public notice and local regulatory authority in relation to the high-profile developments.

 

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