Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of Austin’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.

Openings

Healthy sips and bites are practically overflowing at The Well, a well-regarded Austin bar that calls itself "nutrition-focused and flavor-forward." A third location will open on September 1 in Westlake (6317 Bee Caves Rd. #200), where it will serve up brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks to go. The Well is known especially for its drinks, which include wellness shots, protein smoothies with adaptogens, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Although some find this type of cuisine unrelatable, The Well has pledged to donate meals on an ongoing basis to women and children in local shelters.

Oregon's Black Rock Coffee Bar is quickly starting to take over Austin and its suburbs. Cedar Park got a new location on August 11 (1909 E. Whitestone Blvd.), and Kyle's new location is opening on August 25 (20160 Marketplace Ave.). This is the company's 27th store in 15 years. (It's celebrating the birthday with a giveaway.) The coffee chain is in such a boom that it seems to have brought autumn early, with new pumpkin spice and kettle corn-inspired drinks. The latter is described as having "notes of salty, sweet and freshly popped corn." Sorry to coffee purists, but that sounds (and probably smells) amazing.

Other news and notes

Two new Austin restaurants have generated a lot of buzz in their first months open, and are expanding their service to keep up. Yamas, a fancy new Greek restaurant that diners agree offers both style and substance, has extended its hours for late-night kitchen service, and added Mondays to the schedule. That means it's open daily: Sunday to Thursday, 4-11 pm; and Friday and Saturday: 4 pm to midnight. Bar Toti, a new bar on coastal Mexican restaurant Este's property, will now be open Thursday to Monday, 4-10 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 4-11 pm. The bar has also added new menu items.

People are still watching Maui for recovery progress after wildfire containment, and it'll be a long time before things are really back to normal there. Bakery Lorraine is among the Central Texas business that are helping out, offering a limited edition piña colada macaron that will generate proceeds to the Maui Food Bank. The yummy, supportive treat will be available at the Domain NORTHSIDE location from now until September 30.

The dog days of summer are still here — especially on August 26, which is National Dog Day. Several local businesses are throwing parties, but one can't-miss event for dog lovers is Lick Honest Ice Creams' Pet Parade in the Mueller neighborhood. Interspecies duos in costume (encouraged, not required) will take a walk starting and ending at the ice cream shop. The event begins at 10 am, and a portion of ice cream sales benefit Austin Pets Alive! Pup cups are complimentary. RSVP on Eventbrite. If you don't have a dog to parade around with, consider stopping by adoption events at the Lucky Rabbit and Lefty's Brick Bar.

Four major Austin restaurants are coming together on August 27 to help a longtime industry friend in need. Joe Carr, director of operations and partner at Rosen’s Bagel Company, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Dovetail Pizza will host chefs from Easy Tiger, Canje, and Emmer & Rye for a "Porchetta on the Patio" benefit supporting Carr's medical expenses. The menu will include porchetta (an Italian pork roast), wood fired focaccia pizzas, savory mezze, and desserts. There will also be beer from St. Elmo and Meanwhile Brewing, and other drinks. Tickets ($45) are available on Eventbrite.

Bulevar Mexican Kitchen has a birthday coming up. August 31 marks Cocina ATX's sister restaurant'sfirst year in business, and it's celebrating with a fiesta. It starts with a happy hour a 4 pm that never ends, with discounted cocktails and drink specials all night, plus live flamenco music by local guitarist Louis Banuelos. A release hints at other "fun birthday surprises," but you'll have to stop by to find out.