Although Austin is change-fatigued, sometimes change tastes good. Thankfully, some of the folks doing new, exciting things are already longtime Austin favorites. This week, locals receive an update from a farmers market of two decades, a reminder from one of this city's best festivals, and news of several openings or service expansions by newcomers.

Openings and closings

Jack Allen's Kitchen, focusing on Texas cuisine and local ingredients, is now up to five locations in the Austin area, paying special attention to the surrounding towns. Next up is Hutto, the farthest flung so far. Construction has started on a spacious 7,500-square-foot restaurant with seating for at least 200 inside and 50 outside on the patio. The space is part of the Co-Op District, a 35-acre mixed use development that also includes a Mexican sports bar, a farmers market, a barbecue joint, and a new Top Notch Hamburgers — the only outpost from the iconic original. Jack Allen's will be open seven days a week starting in late 2024.

ICYMI: Still in the suburbs, La Riv, a popular Italian-ish restaurant from Temple is moving into Georgetown with a creative, upscale menu. Two very experienced restaurateurs have also announced projects in the past week: From the team behind Paperboy comes Loudmouth, a pizza spot in a historic East Austin house, while Chefs Amir and Ali Hajimaleki of Keepers and Oasthouse dive into their Persian heritage at the swanky new Daisy Lounge.

Other news and notes

If you've ever wondered just how sustainable the Sustainable Food Center really is, here's your answer: The Austin-based nonprofit shared its 2023 impact report this week, boasting a statewide expansion, plus a doubled reach of 34,258 Texas SNAP households and 400 participants in nutrition education classes. In the same period, it celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Downtown Austin farmers market — and the need for fresh produce is never going away.

If your brunch and happy hour routines are getting old, two new Austin restaurants are throwing their hats in the ring. Italian-American newcomer Casa Bianca is launching a whole menu of small bites only available during happy hour. It includes artichoke leaves, gorgonzola-stuffed fried olives, and tiramisu doughnuts, plus $9 cocktails. On top of Thompson Austin, poolside Mexican loungeArriba Abajo is rolling out both weekend brunch and a new happy hour. Brunch will feature dishes like horchata French toast, chilaquiles enmoladas, a Milanesa de pollo. Happy hour (and reverse happy hour on the patio) include 25 percent off a some sharable appetizers, signature cocktails, wine, and single pours. Check their websites for more information on hours.

Easy Tiger has not had the easiest time in recent years, culminating in a Department of Labor investigation into withheld tips — apparently tips that were incorrectly diverted to back-of-house positions. A leadership change might do the brand good. Todd Coerver, previously CEO of P. Terry's Burger Stand, is stepping into the CEO position at Easy Tiger. Perhaps a new CEO is not a silver bullet for all the chain's problems, but the goodwill P. Terry's has garnered is worth aspiring to.

Hot Luck, Pitmaster Aaron Franklin's food and live music festival, is a week away, and some tickets are still available. Even if you don't snag a ticket, you can look forward to a sandwich takeover at Uptown Sports Club. New Orleans' Turkey and The Wolf is bringing a collard green melt and a fried bologna sandwich, and collaborating on chicken fried steak sandwich and a classic smashburger. The pop-up takes place May 25 from 11 am until food is sold out.