Come & Gone May 2026

Highland Lakes & Hill Country Business Roundup: May 2026

It is an exciting time for commercial growth across the region! From highly anticipated retail centers to beloved local brands, here is your guide to the openings, relocations, and upcoming projects spotted through May 2026.

🎉 New Openings & Ribbon Cuttings

Burnet & Buchanan Dam

• Amil’s Taste of Chicago: 15603 E State Hwy 29, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609 — Authentic Chicago-style comfort food, featuring deep-dish vibes, Italian beef, and hot dogs. (Source: DoorDash Delivery Network)

• Burnet Farmers' & Craft Market: Historic Burnet Square, 200 Main St, Burnet, TX 78611 — The local market officially kicked off its 2026 season on April 18. Local vendors will be selling seasonal produce, baked goods, and crafts every Saturday through November. (Source: Burnet Chamber of Commerce)

• BEDC Business Grant Program: Burnet, TX (City-Wide Program) — The Burnet EDC launched a brand-new Business Grant Program specifically designed to provide financial support and foster growth for existing local business owners. (Source: Burnet EDC / DailyTrib Archive)

• Pink Opossum: 17756 E State Hwy 29, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609 — Now open to satisfy your cravings with organic hot, iced, and blended coffees—along with refreshers, energizing pick-me-ups, and fun create-your-own dirty sodas. Quick curbside service with a call or text-(325) 248-8476 (Source: Local Chamber/Business Listings)

Bertram

• Pennies on the Dollar: 1010 E State Hwy 29, Bertram, TX 78605 — A family-operated upscale resale and consignment store built on rotating finds, clothing, furniture, home decor, and vendor booths. (Source: Local Business Filings/Listings)

Lampasas

• The Clean Home Crew: Lampasas, TX — The residential cleaning service officially celebrated its ribbon cutting at the Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce on May 22, 2026. (Source: Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce)

Liberty Hill Area (Online/Cottage Industry & Surrounding)

• Capital Events Austin: 508 Spoleto Dr, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — Launched on May 1, this full-service event rental company brings carnival rides, mechanical bulls, inflatables, and synthetic ice rinks to local community festivals and parties. (Source: Liberty Hill Business Network)

• Costco: U.S. 183 & SH 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — The wholesale giant officially opened its doors this spring, bringing its popular Kirkland brand to the rapidly growing Liberty Hill and Santa Rita Ranch corridor. (Source: Santa Rita Ranch Development Updates)
• Cowboy Crumbs Cookies: Liberty Hill, TX (Online/Cottage Bakery) — Handcrafted, oversized gourmet cookies. (Source: Local Cottage Food Listings)
• DELLO Pet Bakery: Liberty Hill, TX (Online/Local Delivery) — All-natural, small-batch treats and custom cakes for pets. (Source: Liberty Hill Chamber)
• Peak Play Bins: Liberty Hill, TX (Online/Local Delivery) — Custom sensory play kits for children. (Source: Liberty Hill Chamber)
• PopStroke: 817 C-Bar Ranch Trl, Cedar Park, TX 78613 — Tiger Woods’ highly anticipated 13,000-square-foot mini-golf and entertainment venue is open for play! (Source: Cedar Park EDC)

• Toll Brothers at Santa Rita Ranch: 131 Modello Way, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — The luxury homebuilder officially unveiled its brand-new model homes in the Eldorado village this spring. (Source: Santa Rita Ranch News)

Llano

• Stone & Story Design Co.: 804 Berry St, Llano, TX 78643 — A boutique interior design firm and curated home decor showroom. Grand opening set for May 1. (Source: Stone & Story Design Studio / Llano Chamber of Commerce)

Marble Falls

• Arthouse: 218 Main St, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — A new cultural destination "where art, architecture, and community come together." Debuted April 25. (Source: Lake Flato Architects / Dezeen)

• H-E-B: 1501 FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — The popular local grocer officially wrapped up its major $250,000 interior remodel and upgrade project on May 18. (Source: Local Corporate Filings)
• Marble Falls Visitor Center "Marble Maze": 100 Ave G, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — Unveiled on May 19, this unique interactive attraction was created by local high school seniors in an engineering practicum. A motorized lift sends marbles through twists and funnels across the center's window. (Source: Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce)

• Mormon Mill Nature Park: Marble Falls, TX 78654 — The city officially celebrated the grand opening of this new outdoor green space and nature park on May 1. (Source: City of Marble Falls Parks & Recreation)

• Save the World Brewing Co.: 1510 Resource Pkwy, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — The local brewery partnered with local H-E-B stores, releasing a special edition summer lager starting May 22. (Source: DailyTrib BIZ Brief)

• Savory Alaska Seafood Market: 1405 State St, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — Providing wild-caught, sustainable Alaskan seafood directly to Hill Country residents. The business officially held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 28, 2026! (Source: Local Business Filings / Chamber of Commerce)

• Strong / SK Supplements and Nutrition: 1807 N US Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — The Marble Falls Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting for Strong / SK Supplements and Nutrition on May 26. The new shop adds to the growing retail scene in Marble Falls. (Source: Marble Falls Area Chamber of Commerce)

Regional Hill Country

• Silver Lake Ranch State Park: Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife announced on May 27 that this newly acquired property officially becomes Texas' second-largest state park, vastly expanding outdoor recreation access in the region. Located about 150 miles west of San Antonio between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the property features steep canyons, rolling hills and miles of river frontage along the West Nueces River. Additionally, it is home to 30-acre spring-fed Silver Lake, the property namesake.(Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife)

🚚 Relocations & Ownership Changes

• Bluebonnet Veterinary Clinic (Burnet): 101 N. Hill St, Burnet, TX 78611 — Still locally owned, but former owner, Dr. DeFily, has retired. (Source: Business Announcement)
• Burnet Auto Glass (Burnet): 700 S. Water St, Burnet, TX 78611 — Now operating as Safelite. (Source: Local Business Filings)
• El Jimador: 1205 FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — The beloved local eatery successfully completed its move to the former Margarita's site, boasting an expanded footprint, outdoor patio, and more parking. (Source: Local Dining / DailyTrib)

• Sonic: 1404 S. Water St, Burnet, TX 78611 — The fast-food staple officially completed its relocation from Buchanan Drive into the former Captain D’s building on Highway 281 and is now open. (Source: DailyTrib BIZ Brief)

• Time Out Sports Bar (Liberty Hill): Liberty Hill, TX (TBD) — Currently relocating; check social media for the new address. (Source: Business Social Media)

🚧 Coming Soon

Burnet

• HTeaO: 1450 S. Water St, Burnet, TX 78611 — The popular iced tea franchise is officially coming to Burnet. The Burnet EDC finalized an agreement to redevelop the town's former Burger King property. (Source: Burnet EDC)
• Office/Retail Space: CR 108 & N. Water St, Burnet, TX 78611 — The developers initially requested "C-2" (Medium Commercial) zoning to build a convenience store and gas station. However, the council denied the C-2 request due to traffic concerns and instead approved "C-1" (Light Commercial) zoning. This restricts the property to basic neighborhood retail or office space. (Source: Burnet City Council Minutes)
• Sunset Ridge Apartments: 310 E. Third St, Burnet, TX 78611 — A 36-unit affordable housing complex to help remedy local workforce housing shortages, slated for a late 2027 completion. (Source: Burnet City Council)
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott: 1750 Cary Johnson Pkwy, Burnet, TX 78611 — The BEDC officially announced late this April that this 93-room extended-stay Marriott property is confirmed and currently on track to open its doors by Summer 2026. (Source: Burnet EDC)

Lampasas

• M&M Butcher Block Steakhouse: 502 S. Key Ave, Lampasas, TX 76550 — M & M Butcher Block and Deer Processing is taking over the former Eva’s location and changing it into a steakhouse. (Source: Lampasas Dispatch Record)
• The Retreat on the Creek: Pecan St, Lampasas, TX 76550 — Multi-use wellness space, event venue, and Clean Eats cafe. The business held its groundbreaking in January 2026, with the fitness center scheduled to open in the summer of 2026 and healthy meal services planned for a later phase. (Source: Lampasas Chamber of Commerce)

Liberty Hill & Surrounding Area

• Denny’s & Q-Mart: Hwy 29 & 183, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — Major travel stop and 24-hour diner. (Source: Liberty Hill EDC)
• La Tequila Jalisco: 13800 W Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — Authentic Mexican dining on the cusp of opening in a new 3,400-square-foot build. (Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings)
• Mackey’s Pizza: 719 Hwy 183, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — Traditional pizza in the former Angela Ronzoni’s. Expected to open this summer. (Source: Liberty Hill Independent)
• Marisol’s Mexican Restaurant: 15240 Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — Family-owned eatery is moving into the former Bella Sera space. (Source: Liberty Hill Independent)
• Target: Hwy 29 & Ronald Reagan Blvd, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 — New 148,000 sq. ft. retail anchor. Slated to open in Summer/Fall 2026 alongside the massive Ace Square project. (Source: Santa Rita Ranch Updates)
• The Square at Crystal Falls: Liberty Hill / Leander Area — A highly anticipated 27,000-square-foot boutique retail and dining destination bringing locally oriented businesses to the corridor. Expected to open later this year. (Source: Leander Chamber of Commerce)
• Other Pipeline Projects: Various Locations, Liberty Hill, TX — Bojangles, Hopdoddy, Popeyes, Sai Gon Cafe, Sai House of Desi, Scribble Land Studio, and T Liquor are all moving forward. (Source: Liberty Hill EDC)

Marble Falls

• Falls Creek Park Expansion: 900 Yett St, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — Parking and infrastructure expansion to support downtown growth. (Source: Marble Falls City Council)
• La Tequila: 957 Canton St, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — The authentic Mexican restaurant chain announced it will be expanding its footprint and opening a new location in the old Doc's Fish Camp & Grill space. (Source: Local Commercial Real Estate Listings)
• Shops at Flatrock Crossing: US-281 & FM 2147, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — Massive 330,000 sq. ft. retail center. Developers and the Planning & Zoning Commission re-approved plats on April 23, officially pushing the grand opening to Fall 2027. Dirt has officially begun moving on the site as of late May. (Source: DailyTrib Development Update)
• The Ophelia Hotel: Main & Yett St, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — 127-room boutique hotel and conference center. (Source: Marble Falls EDC)
• Wendy's: 1409 U.S. 281 North, Marble Falls, TX 78654 — After a 10-year hiatus, the fast-food chain is nearing completion on its brand-new build, squeezed between Tractor Supply Co. and the former Sonic. It is projected to wrap up construction in early summer 2026. (Source: City Permit Records)

👋 Gone or Going

• Bella Sera (Liberty Hill) — Closed to make way for Marisol’s Mexican Restaurant. The location in Marble Falls is still operating. (Source: Liberty Hill Independent)
• Collier’s Sand Mining Operation (Llano) — Leaving the local operation after contract non-renewal. (Source: Llano News)
• Doc's Fish Camp & Grill (Marble Falls) — The beloved local seafood staple officially closed its doors earlier this year. Its former location on Canton Street is currently being remodeled to become the area's newest La Tequila restaurant. (Source: DailyTrib BIZ Brief)
• Llames Candies (Austin) — Closing after years of sweet service. (Source: Austin American-Statesman)