A new LongHorn Steakhouse is in the works

Can you believe it's Halloween week already?! October has absolutely flown by, but we managed to squeeze in some really fun Halloween events this year!

Our favorite so far was probably Halloween at the Y, hosted by Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park. We couldn't have asked for better weather, and I was seriously impressed with how much they packed into a free event!

Noelle and Charlie loved the huge variety of bounce houses and games, and I was especially impressed with how long Charlie managed to stay on the mechanical bull!

The face painters were fantastic, and the vendor trick-or-treating was a fun bonus.
We had such a great time and will definitely be keeping an eye out for this one next year!

🥩 LongHorn Steakhouse is planning a spot in Hutto

The Gist: Hutto could be getting a new option for steak night. LongHorn Steakhouse is planning a 5,780-square-foot restaurant at 2800 Innovation Blvd., according to a state project filing.

The chain’s menu includes steaks like Flo’s Filet and the bone-in Outlaw Ribeye, along with ribs, chicken, seafood, burgers and plenty of sides.

Why It Matters: This would be LongHorn’s first Hutto location, adding another full-service restaurant to the city’s growing dining scene. The filing lists construction from March through August 2027, though that timeline could change. An opening date hasn’t been announced.

🗳️ Last call for early voting!

The Gist: Haven't made it to the polls yet? Here's your friendly reminder that early voting ends this Friday, October 30! With Election Day coming up Tuesday, November 3, now's a great time to check voting off your to-do list. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. this week and you don't have to vote at one specific location!

Why It Matters: Whether you're squeezing it in on your lunch break, after work, or between errands, you can cast your ballot at any early voting location in the county where you're registered. Just find a convenient spot, grab your ID, and you're good to go!

💻 Round Rock is landing 60 new tech jobs

The Gist: Round Rock-based PulseForge is planning a major expansion in the city. The semiconductor-equipment company has agreed to invest at least $20 million in a roughly 65,000-square-foot facility and create at least 60 new jobs with average salaries of $100,000.

PulseForge develops technology used in advanced semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. The city approved up to $600,000 in incentives, but the company must meet its investment and hiring commitments to receive the money.

Why It Matters: With salaries averaging $100,000, these new positions could give more people the opportunity to build a strong career without leaving Round Rock. The expansion also adds to the city’s growing role in Central Texas’ semiconductor industry.

🥢 Fluffy buns and warm noodle bowls

525 Chris Kelley Blvd Suite 500, Hutto, TX 78634

A bao bun called the Piggy Pillow is a pretty persuasive dinner suggestion. At Chopsticks in Hutto, it's filled with pork belly marinated in five-spice and braised in sweet soy sauce. You can follow it with mango beef in Szechuan sauce, or go straight for a noodle bowl. Can't pick between egg and rice noodles? The Hu Tieu Mi Go soup puts both in the same bowl.

Meet Tina

Tina is a sweet, playful dog who loves spending time with friends and rolling around in the grass. While she can feel nervous in unfamiliar environments and needs a little patience when meeting new people, she forms deep bonds and greets her favorite volunteers with joyful full-body wiggles. If you would like to meet this special girl, shelter staff are ready to help coordinate an introduction.

🐶 Name: Tina
♀️ Sex: Female
🎂 Age: 5 years
🏛️ Shelter: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
💛 Temperament: Affectionate and playful

📖 A cozy circle for your reading obsession

205 W 6th St #101, Georgetown, TX 78626

Talking about your favorite stories is way more fun with other people. Lark & Owl Booksellers is an independent bookstore in downtown Georgetown, filled with new and used books, gifts and plenty of cozy corners. You can even grab food or a drink from Alouette Bistro without leaving the bookstore.

Lark & Owl also hosts several themed book clubs each month, making it easy to find your fellow readers. Romance fans can join Lovebirds, while sci-fi and fantasy lovers have Odyssey. There are also groups for general fiction, mysteries, thrillers, horror and more.

Seating is limited for better conversation, so remember that registration opens on the first of each month.