🛍️ New Businesses Coming in 2026, Gruene Construction, + More

January 06, 2026

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Good morning, New Braunfels! A new year is officially underway, and the momentum around town isn’t slowing down anytime soon. From big announcements about what’s coming next to longtime favorites returning and important updates to know before you head out.

Here’s what’s inside today’s email:

Now that the holiday rush is behind us and 2026 is officially underway, it’s the ideal moment to start planning travel for spring break, summer, and beyond. Royce Staley of Cruise Planners makes the process simple, stress-free, and tailored to exactly what you’re looking for, from relaxing beach trips to unforgettable international adventures.

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A preview of the shops, restaurants, and experiences shaping what’s next

New Braunfels is heading into 2026 with serious momentum. From nationally known brands like Costco, Sprouts, CAVA, and Portillo’s to locally driven concepts like Kennedy’s Tavern, Hunter Road Country Club, and Back Nine Golf, the city’s next chapter is already taking shape. We’ve put together a guide that highlights everything from new dining destinations and fitness centers to grocery stores and entertainment concepts that reflect how quickly the community is growing.

Three days of true vintage finds and collector favorites

The New Braunfels Antique Extravaganza Show returns January 9–11, bringing some of the best antique dealers from across Texas and beyond to the Civic & Convention Center. Now in its 13th year, the show is known for prioritizing authentic antiques over reproductions, offering everything from furniture and estate jewelry to vintage clothing, Texas pottery, advertising, and rare collectibles.

Whether you’re a serious collector or just love the thrill of the hunt, this is one of those events where every booth holds the potential for a one-of-a-kind find. Doors open daily, with extended hours Friday and Saturday and a shorter Sunday finale.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

Here are some of the events we’re most excited about over the next few days:

TUESDAY
🧬 Genealogy Help at New Braunfels Public Library
🥩 Steak Night at Happy Cow Bar
🎸 Slim Bawb & Elvis Birthday Celebration at Gruene Hall
🧒 Tween Tuesday at New Braunfels Public Library
🌮 Taco Tuesday at Pat’s Place
🎨 Tasty Tuesday at McKenna Children’s Museum
🎮 Game Night at Mill Street Gym

WEDNESDAY
🧶 Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Public Library
🎧 Bookin’ It: Audiobook Walking Club at Landa Park
🎶 The Georges at Gruene Hall
🍺 Off The Grid at Krause’s Café
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove
🎤 Trash Karaoke at Bobby’s Ice

THURSDAY
🎱 Pool Tournament at Happy Cow Bar
🎸 Josh Baca & The Hot Tamales at Guadalupe Brewing
🍷 Wine-O Bingo Night at Water 2 Wine
🎶 Clayton Chapin & Gunnar Latham at Freiheit Country Store
🎬 Family Movie Night at Klein Road Elementary

A new year is the perfect time to take a hard look at your numbers and make sure your business is set up for smarter decisions in 2026. If you’re unsure where your cash flow stands, what’s actually driving profit, or where you should focus this year, now’s the time to get clarity.

ClearView Bookkeeping helps small business owners move beyond basic bookkeeping with Strategic Financial Advisory Sessions that reveal trends, uncover opportunities, and create a clear financial roadmap for the year ahead. Start 2026 knowing exactly where your business stands and where it can go next.

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GRUENE ROAD CLOSURES COMING AS MAJOR UTILITY PROJECT BEGINS

What to expect from January through May in the historic district

Starting this month, New Braunfels Utilities will begin a multi-phase sewer rehabilitation project in the Gruene Historic District, leading to months of road closures and traffic changes. The $7 million project is designed to increase wastewater capacity and reliability, including replacing aging sewer lines and upgrading infrastructure beneath and around Gruene Road and the Guadalupe River.

The work will roll out in two phases, with the first impacting downtown Gruene streets through March and a second “River Phase” extending into May. While the upgrades are long-term improvements, locals and visitors should expect detours, limited access, and periodic full closures throughout the project timeline.

DID YOU KNOW?

New Braunfels once had a sanitarium. Back in 1921, the Comal Sanitarium opened along the river with state-of-the-art operating rooms, a 24-foot laboratory, and even the very first X-ray machine in Texas. Doctors Hagler and Bergfeld treated thousands of patients here, never turning anyone away, and generations of New Braunfels families were born at the Sanitarium before it closed in 1965.

🔥 Tuesday = Steak Night at Happy Cow Bar & Grill!

Get a juicy NY Strip from Granzin’s Meat Market plus a baked potato for just $16, and wash it down with a $2.50 Shiner.

😋 Their kitchen opens at 5. Arrive hungry!

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WEATHER FORECAST 

Tuesday: High: 84º | Low: 56º | 0% chance of precipitation

Wednesday: High: 80º | Low: 56º | 0% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 80º | Low: 63º | 0% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2 (In Stage 2, watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week based on the last digit of your address BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m.)

If starting the year feeling better is on your list, Massage Heights New Braunfels and Spring Branch/Bulverde are here to help. Both locations are locally owned by the same mother-daughter team and focus on personalized care that supports recovery, relaxation, and overall wellness.

Whether you’re managing stress, easing muscle tension, or building healthy routines for the year ahead, Massage Heights makes it easy to put your well-being first.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

Thanks!

That’s all for today. Thanks for spending a bit of your time with us, and we hope you have a great rest of your day.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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