New Braunfels Edition | July 2025

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 JULY 8AUG. 7, 2025

2025 Home Edition

State looks to cut down property taxes

Homestead exemptions aim to alleviate property tax burden in Comal County

Page 30

New developments like Veramendi have brought new homes to the Northwest area of New Braunfels. Tax revenue comes from existing value or new value, and for growing communities like New Braunfels, new construction plays a signicant role in the existing tax base, New Braunfels Assistant City Manager Jared Werner said.

MADDY MORALESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue Impacts: Learn about the opening of a full-service custom hat studio (Page 6)

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INSIDE

Real Estate: Read about how a nonprot aims to prevent homelessness (Page 29)

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

3 Ruple Ranch & Land The rural brokerage company—owned by Garrett Ruple—represents buyers and sellers with land across

HUNTER RD.

COUNTRY RIDGE DR.

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HOFFMANN LN.

the state of Texas. • Opened March 1

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• 145 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.rupleproperties.com

HUNTER RD.

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4 Hacienda del Rio Hotel and Bar All 48 rooms in the hotel were completely remodeled, with diverse options from a standard king suite for two and a family suite that sleeps six, according to a news release. Hacienda del Rio has a pool, pickleball and basketball courts as well as a beach volleyball area. The hotel is also equipped with a conference room, private bar and larger outdoor event area. • Opened June • 1273 River Terrace, New Braunfels • www.hacienda-delrio.com 5 Rewaxation The business—owned by Shayana Flick—specializes in Brazilian waxing and sugaring. • Opened June 13 • 323 Saint Mary Street, New Braunfels • www.rewaxation.com/tx 6 Gruene Mini Golf The nine hole mini-golf course is themed around the rich history of Gruene, with famous landmarks like the Gruene Water Tower and Gruene Dance Hall scattered throughout the greens. Each of the nine holes has a dedicated landmark to putt through, around or under. • Opened March • 1632 New Braunfels St., New Braunfels • www.texasgolfclub.com 7 The Outpost Barbershop The barbershop is locally owned by Urban Garcia and o ers a wide variety of haircuts, ranging from fades to general scissor cuts. • Opened early May • 193 1/2 W. San Antonio St., Ste. 302, New Braunfels • Instagram: theoutpostbarbershop

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2 The Fun Bug, Play Studio & Parties Locally owned by husband-and-wife duo Clay and Kameron Saur, the indoor children’s play studio has a large play structure for children ages 0-6 years old, but it can accommodate children up to 10 years old. The Fun Bug also has a co ee shop at the front and serves as an after-hours event venue. • Opened June 28 • 2055 Central Plaza, Ste. 108, New Braunfels • https://thefunbug.com

Now open

1 Blackbird Brims The locally owned, full-service custom hat studio o ers hat shaping and branding. The hat studio also o ers suede, hemp and jute hat cords and hat ribbons. • Opened June • 5481 FM 1102, New Braunfels • www.saintoctavio.com

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8 Honey & Oat The boutique sells clothing for newborns and children up to the size 6T. Honey & Oat also sells gifts for babies, toddlers and mothers. • Opened May 31 • 2405 S. I-35 S. frontage road, New Braunfels • www.honeyandoat.com 9 Fattboy Burgers & Dogs The food truck serves burgers, fried mushrooms, onion rings and wings. Fattboy Burgers & Dogs is parked at

13 WellMed The business provides healthcare services for individuals with Medicare plans and focuses on preventative care. • Opening November • 1037 State Hwy. 46, Ste. 107, New Braunfels • www.wellmedhealthcare.com 14 Favorite Neighbor The European-inspired restaurant—owned by Abigail Porter— will o er scratch-made small plates, sandwiches on homemade breads, and more. • Opening July • 494 N. Union Avenue, New Braunfels • www.thefavoriteneighbor.com

Now open

The Reserve on 1863. • Opened end of May • 1272 FM 1863, New Braunfels • www.fattboyburgers.com

18 Waelicious The restaurant—owned by German immigrants Daniel and Franziska Krinninger—serves gourmet wa¢es, sandwiches, salads and specialty co ee. • Opened May 16 • 2188 Hwy. 46, Ste. 109, New Braunfels • www.wafflelicioustx.com

Relocations

10 Oberbahn Biergarten Bar The new bar is an addition to Schlitterbahn’s Ahn Tap Bar and o ers frozen alcoholic drinks for adults 21 and older, according to a Facebook post. • Opened May 10

15 Saskuatch Customs Saskuatch Out¦tters rebranded to Saskuatch Customs and relocated from 165 S. Seguin Ave. The business is now focusing solely on the branding side of the company and will no longer operate as an apparel store. • Relocated early June • 186 E. Garden St., New Braunfels • www.saskuatch.com 16 Savannah’s Eats & Treats The food truck relocated from its temporary location at 1450 W. Klein Road. Savannah’s Eats & Treats is owned by Vicente Reyes and David Turner and sells sandwiches, burgers and loaded fries. • Relocated June 17

• 400 North Liberty St., New Braunfels • www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels

11 Petopia Pet Salon The home-based pet salon—owned by Jennifer Sutton— will o er traditional dog grooming, including nail and claw clipping. Cat grooming and care will also be available to pets with good grooming history. • Opened June 18

• 295 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.princesolmsinn.com

19 Linked Por Vida Permanent Jewelry The jewelry studio expanded into the ¦rst ©oor of the former Saskuatch Out¦tters building June 1. The expansion gives the jewelry studio more space to host events and small business pop-ups from the community. • 165 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • https://linked-por-vida-permanent-jewelry.square.site 20 Simply Detailed Boutique The apparel and accessories shop—previously owned by Diana Stowers-Pearson—is now owned by husband and wife duo Matt and Liz Carr and Liz’s mother Karen Holtman. Simply Detailed Boutique sells women’s clothing and accessories. • 1244 Gruene Road, Bldg. B., New Braunfels • Instagram: simplydetailedboutique

• Near Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.petopiapetsalon.com

Coming soon

• 971 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: Savannah’s Eats & Treats

12 River City Rellery The business—owned by Kelley Pacillas—looks to reduce plastic waste and increase the use of non-toxic home goods by giving customers the ability to re¦ll their items using glass jars and other reusable containers brought from home. • Opening July • 2165 Gabriels Place, Ste. 1101, New Braunfels • www.rivercityre§illery.com

In the news

17 Parlour Bar The bar reopened in March following bar maintenance and renovations to the space. The Parlour Bar is locally owned by Terry and Celina Muckenfuss and serves craft cocktails and select beer and wine. • Reopened in March

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

NBEDC considers incentives for Canada-based manufacturer

The city of New Braunfels is being considered as a site for the expansion of Canadian-based manufacturing company Leo USA, Inc. Leo Plastics was founded in 1957 and began operating in concrete and plastic. Today, the company—which is actively pursuing an expansion project of Leo USA, Inc. into the United States—is exclusively dedicated to plastic blow molding. Project overview The company’s expansion into New Braunfels would be for a new, 70,000-square-foot, custom blow-molded plastic parts, components and prod- ucts manufacturing facility. The facility would serve customers in Mexico and Southern United States, according to agenda documents. Mexico is the only other area being considered for the facility’s expansion, according to a June 24 Economic Development Corporation meeting presentation. The impact The proposed project—dubbed Project Ellie—is being considered for a $950,000 economic incentive, which would be delivered over a 3-year period. There are several terms the city is proposing that must be met for the company to receive the incentive. The rst is a payment of $450,000, which would be paid once the company receives its Certicate of Occupancy. Leo would also have to invest at least $4 million in the building and machinery before that payment is made, said Michele Boggs, senior vice president of economic development for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. The second payment, which is $250,000, would

Potential revenue The proposed project is being considered for a $950,000 economic incentive, and estimates a 7-9% annual rate of return to the city, according to agenda documents.

Entity City of New Braunfels

Bene ts

Costs

Net benets

Present value*

$666,340

$3,862,696

($3,005,924)

$856,772

$260,573

$459,487

($125,605)

$333,883

Comal County

$400,298

$1,653,539

($1,123,269)

$530,270

Comal ISD

Lateral Road - Comal County

$54,743

$72,430

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

*THE PRESENT VALUE OF NET BENEFITS EXPRESSES THE FUTURE STREAM OF NET BENEFITS RECEIVED OVER SEVERAL YEARS AS A SINGLE VALUE IN TODAY’S DOLLARS.

LATERAL ROAD COMAL COUNTY IS THE COMBINED PROPERTY AND INFRASTRUCTURE TAX RATE FOR COUNTY ROADS AND FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE.

come after the company has 20 full-time employ- ees and has invested $6 million in machinery, equipment and tenant improvements. The third and nal payment, which is another $250,000, would come after Leo hires 50 full-time employ- ees and has $10 million of taxable value, Boggs said. “It’ll be a 10-year contract where they will be required to employ 100 full-time jobs over that 10-year period and have a minimum taxable value of $10 million. So again, this has a great economic impact for New Braunfels and the community,” she said. What they o er Leo creates products for a variety of indus- tries, including powersports, transports, indus- trial, medical and recreational. The company also creates custom blow molding, specializing in medium to large plastic parts like air ducts,

The proposed project, dubbed Project Ellie, would be for a plastic blow molding manufacturing facility.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN COMMUNITY IMPACT

hospital bed parts, trac barrels and oating docks, according to the presentation. Stay tuned The item will come back for a nal decision at a future meeting date, Jonathan Packer, presi- dent and CEO of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, told Community Impact .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY MADDY MORALES AND AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

City Council postpones vote to rezone 35 acres for condo development New Braunfels City Council postponed voting to rezone 35 acres of land at the intersection of Hunter Road and FM 1102 for a single-family condominium development on June 9. The details The property is currently zoned as a single-family district with airport hazard overlay and a light industrial district with airport hazard overlay. The proposed zoning change would be for a multifamily low-density district with airport hazard overlay and a special use permit to allow for multiple single-family dwellings, according to agenda documents. The rezoning would have restrictions that would decrease the chance of the properties being turned

Bike, pedestrian network plan OK’d The New Braunfels City Council unan- imously approved a professional services agreement of $250,000 with Kimley-Horn and Associates for the development of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Network plan June 23. The overview The plan, which is fully funded by the city’s Capital Improvements budget, looks to improve sidewalks, bike lanes and trails across New Braunfels, according to agenda documents. It will include a pedestrian network map showing residents where sidewalks exist and where more are needed and a bicycle network map showcasing current bike routes and o ering safer routes for riders. The plan is slated to be completed in July of 2026, according to agenda documents.

Proposed 35-acre rezoning

1102

306

into Airbnbs, Shannon Mattingly, director of land use and entitlements at Drenner Group, said. Drenner Group is a real estate law and consulting rm and Mattingly is the applicant representing the property owner. What else? The proposed rezoning was presented to the city’s planning commission on May 6. The com- mission voted against the proposed rezoning in a 6-1 vote, with Planning Commissioner Jerry Sonier being the single dissenting vote. The item will return to the dais for nal consider- ation on July 14.

Council approves increase to electric, water rates

Bill breakdown The rates for Fiscal Year 2025-26 take e ect August 1.

New Braunfels City Council approved an increase to New Braunfels Utilities, or NBU’s, elec- tric, water and wastewater utility rates on June 23. The decision to increase rates for water and wastewater was unanimously approved by the dais, but the decision to adjust electric rates passed 6-1, with council member Toni Carter dissenting.

What residents should know The average residential monthly bill will increase: • $16 a month for customers who receive electric, water and wastewater, and use water for essential indoor needs • $26 a month for customers with electric, water and wastewater who also chose to water their lawns or landscapes

Water: $3.77 Wastewater: $5.39 Electric: $7.25 Irrigation: $9.75

Total $26.16

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Enjoy a variety of events, activities, and programs that highlight the value of our parks and recreational facilities. From free fitness classes to unique recreation programs and family-friendly events, there's something for everyone to enjoy! JULY IS PARK & RECREATION MONTH Celebrate with the City of New Braunfels!

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN, SIERRA MARTIN & MADDY MORALES

NBU begins waterline improvement project On May 27, New Braunfels Utilities began con- struction on an infrastructure project in the Guada Coma Estates neighborhood. Zooming in To prepare for upcoming city road work along Simon St., the project will replace aging water and wastewater mains and add a second water feed. According to a news release, the project will replace over 1,300 feet of aged 6-inch wastewater pipes with more ecient 8-inch mains along Hampe St., Simon Ave. The project will also replace 1,070 feet of outdated 6-inch water lines with new 8-inch pipes to increase capacity. New valves will be installed along Guada Coma Drive, improving control over water ow in the neighborhood. Until Nov. 21, sections of Simon St. will be reduced to one lane between Hampe St. and Guada Coma Drive so crews can safely

Gruene Historic District parking lot

GRISTMILL RIVER RESTAURANT & BAR

Replace aged valve Install valve bank Waterline improvements

GRUENE HALL

800-space parking lot opens in Gruene A new parking lot, located at 1622 Gruene Road, opened within Gruene’s Historic District on May 23. The overview Molak Corporation, the parent company of Gruene Hall and Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, was constructing the parking lot in two phases. The next phase of the project will include planting native trees in the lot, Chief Marketing Ocer Anna Tauzin said.

GUADA COMA DR.

HAMPE ST.

maneuver equipment. Drivers may also experience varying lane conditions and aggers directing traf- c on Guada Coma Drive, according to the release. For the project’s duration, access to homes within the construction area will be maintained. The utility will notify customers of any planned water outages, which would occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., 48 hours in advance, according to the release.

Road repaving underway on South Walnut Avenue

W. COUNTY LINE RD.

project is being paid for using the additional $2 million of dedicated street maintenance funding approved in the scal year 2025 budget, the release states. Stay tuned Once the nal paving is complete, utility adjustments and striping will take two weeks, but will have minimal disruption to trac.

Contractors with the city of New Braunfels began repaving a section of Walnut Avenue from County Line Road to Klein Road on June 22, according to a news release. Lone Star Paving will have alternating, over- night lane closures to allow construction crews to mill and repave that portion of the roadway. Roadwork will begin daily at 7 p.m. and end at 7 a.m., the release states. The $1.2 million

The project will be complete by July 30, according to the release.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

BY MADDY MORALES

NBISD teachers to receive at least 2% pay increase in 202526

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved a 2% general pay increase for all eligible teachers in the 2025-26 school year on June 16. In addition to this increase, eligible teachers with three or more years of classroom experi- ence will receive additional pay halfway through the school year through the Teacher Retention Allotment. The allotment was a part of the Texas Legislature’s Texas House Bill 2, which passed on June 4, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. The details Eligible auxiliary and paraprofessional sta members will receive an additional raise of 2% for a total of 4% for the 2025-26 school year. First- and second-year teachers, special educa- tion facilitators, and librarians will receive the 2% raise but are not eligible for the additional payment under the state’s Teacher Retention

Allotment, according to a news release. The 2% pay scale median increase will amount to $1,261 for all teachers, and teachers in their third and fourth years will receive a payment of $1,239, which is a total of $2,500 for the 2025-26 school year, according to agenda documents. Teachers with 5 or more years of teaching experience will receive an additional $3,739, bringing their total raise to $5,000 for the 2025-26 school year. Trustees also approved the FY 2025-26 com- pensation plan, which established a starting teacher salary of $57,000 for teachers with a bachelor’s degree and $58,500 for teachers with a master’s degree. Under the new plan, teachers with 10 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree have a starting salary of $66,246, while master’s degree holders have a salary of $67,746, according to board documents.

Breaking it down The board of trustees approved a 2% raise for eligible teachers. Eligible sta will also receive an additional pay increase through the Teacher Retention Allotment at the midpoint for the 2025-26 school year.

All teachers: $1,261

Additional pay increase

3-4 year teachers

$2,500

5+ year teachers

$5,000

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Notable quote Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury thanked the board for investing in sta. “Their support reects that our employees are appreciated for their contributions to the success of our students,” Arterbury said in the release.

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BY MADDY MORALES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

CISD approves 3% pay raise for eligible teachers The Comal ISD board of trustees approved a 3% pay increase for eligible teachers and sta as part of its $341 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. At its June 26 meeting, the board approved a new compensation plan including a raise for teachers with 0-2 years of experience and all additional sta. In case you missed it Eligible auxiliary or non-teaching employees, along with paraprofessional sta members, will receive a raise of 3%, according to a news release. Teachers who qualify for the Teacher Retention Allotment will not receive the 3% raise. The Teacher Retention Allotment was a part of the Texas Legislature’s Texas House Bill 2, which passed on June 4. Teachers in their third and fourth years will receive a payment of $1,239, and teachers with ve plus years of experience will receive $3,739 under the allotment, according to previous Community

NBISD announces new principal New Braunfels ISD announced Robert Strever as the new Principal of Lone Star Early Childhood Center on May 23. He will replace Susan Peery, who announced her retirement earlier this year, according to a

“Even though many districts across the state of Texas are not giving pay raises and many districts did trim stang,

we are not doing any of those things, and I do feel condent that with our nance team, we are going to continue to nd ways and navigate.”

JOHN CHAPMAN III, SUPERINTENDENT

news release. Some details

Strever has served as an assistant principal at Klein Road Elementary School since 2022. Before becoming an assistant principal at Klein Road, he was the academic dean at Koennecke Elementary in Seguin ISD. Strever said he was honored to join the Lone Star Early Childhood Center. “Together, we will create a nurturing and inspiring environment that supports each child’s growth and success from the very start,” Strever said in the release.

Impact reporting. The pay increase will be based on each eligible teacher and sta member’s salary. The district’s budget is built on a Maintenance and Oper- ations tax rate of $0.7369, which will be approved at the August board meeting, according to the release. Even with the additional $8.5 million in funding that HB 2 provided to public schools, Comal ISD is experiencing an unanticipated funding shortfall. The district is currently anticipating a $19 million shortfall this year, according to the release.

Comal ISD approves design services contract for new elementary school

residential community led by Crown Community Development, for a new elementary school in April, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. The $3.5 million property was funded through the district’s 2023 bond Proposition A. The new elementary school project is part of the district’s ongoing eorts to manage enrollment growth, according to board documents.

The Comal ISD board of trustees approved an agreement with LPA, Inc. for architectural services relating to the design and delivery of Elementary School #22 in the Meyer Ranch development on June 26. What we know The board approved the purchase of a 13-acre property from Meyer Ranch, a master-planned

S. CRANES MILL RD.

Meyer Ranch

3009

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Events

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

July

The Wedding Singer Catch the theatrical performance of “The Wedding Singer,” a 1980s-inspired rock musical, at the Circle Arts Theatre throughout July. • July 3-27, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. • $28 • Circle Arts Theatre, 124 Elizabeth Ave., New Braunfels • www.circleartstheatre.org/shows 1st Annual Co ee Festival Head to the 13 Trees Coee Haus for a day of tasting coee from local vendors, enjoying live music and participating in engaging festive activities. Live brewing demonstrations will also take place. • July 12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. • $10 • 13 Trees Coffee Haus, 1450 West Klein Road, New Braunfels • Facebook: 13 Trees Coffee Haus

New Braunfels Gun Show There will be hundreds of tables with dierent guns, knives and ammunition. The public is also invited to buy, sell or trade. Uniformed peace o¨cers and children 11 and under are free. Parking is free. • July 26; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., July 27; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $10 (general admission), $9 (military discount), $15 (weekend pass) • 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.premiergunshows.com/gun-show/new-braunfels E ective Landscape Use of Native Plants Head to the Headwaters at the Comal to learn more about planning landscapes and planting native gardens in your backyard, led by Texas master gardener Deedy Wright. Headwaters Members can attend for free. • July 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • $5 for adults, $4 for military, ¬irst responders, educators and college students • Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St., New Braunfels • www.tickettailor.com/events/headwaters/1729466

the park after dark. Children under 3 are free, while all others must register online. • August 2, 8:30-10:00 p.m. • $8 • Fischer Park Nature Education Center, 1946 Monarch Way, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3379/Fischer-Park Floatin’ the Comal This event features a day of fun on the Comal River with live music, food and drinks. A portion of the proceeds go to families who have lost their children. • August 9, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Ticket prices vary • Float In, 462 East Mill St., New Braunfels Masskrugstemmen Finals This event is a German-inuenced physical strength challenge. Attendees can watch the nal match of participants holding a pint of beer in front of them for as long as possible. The winner gets a trip to New York City to participate in the national nals. • August 2, 8 p.m. • Free (admission) • Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten, 148 South Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.krausescafe.com/event/ masskrugstemmen-bier-stein-holding-contest-6

Stars and Stripes Half Marathon and 5K/10K

Run on a fast and at course in New Braunfels to nish at the Stars and Stripes Dine-In. Choose from your choice of a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, and Kids K in this competitive summer race. Online registration required. • July 19, times vary based on race • Tickets range from $15-$90 based on race distance

• Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre, 1178 Kroesche Ln., New Braunfels • www.athleteguild.com/starsandstripes

Zak Mirz Magic The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre is hosting magician Zak Mirz, who has appeared on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He will perform an

illusionary magic show. • July 19, 7:30-9:00 p.m. • Tickets range from $37-$43

August

• 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org/event/zak-mirz-magic

Nightlife Hike The city of New Braunfels is hosting a night hike at Fischer Park for families and kids of all ages to explore

• www.kylierosefoundation.com/ event-details/floatin-the-comal

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BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Live music

The Villa 1190 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.drinklokal.com • July 13: Abe Mac, 2 p.m.; Stephanie Ross, 5 p.m. • July 17: Kyle Garrett, 7 p.m. • July 18: Bo Luna, 5 p.m.; Alli Mattice Band, 8:30 p.m. • July 24: Buddy Vargas, 7 p.m. • July 25: Elle Townley, 5 p.m.; TX 46 Band, 8:30 p.m. • July 26: Elle & Delaney, 2 p.m.; Krissy Stephens 5 p.m.; Wrangler Country 8:30 p.m. • July 27: Prairie Rattlers, 5 p.m. • July 31: Damon Curtis, 7 p.m. Gruene Grove 1263 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.gruenegrove.com • July 13: Gruene Grove Blues Jam, 6 p.m.; Grant Ewing, 7 p.m. • July 14: Michael Kelton & Keith Davis, 7 p.m. • July 15: Bill Whitbeck’s Songwriter Night, 6 p.m.;

Benjamin Cole & JP McCabe, 7 p.m. The Red Bird Listening Room 1260 Elliot Knox Blvd., New Braunfels www.redbirdlisteningroom.com • July 18: Scott H. Biram, 7:30 p.m. • July 19: Rio Tripiano, 7:30 p.m. • July 20: Jimmy Davis, 4 p.m. • July 23: Patrick Sullivan, 7:30 p.m. • July 25: Matthew Robinson, 7:30 p.m. • July 26: Stephen McClintock, 7:30 p.m. • July 27: Kelly Mickwee, 4 p.m. • August 1: Lisa Morales, 7:30 p.m. • August 2: Wes Shipp, 7:30 p.m. • August 3: Frank Martin Gilligan, 4 p.m. • August 8: Sundance Head, 7:30 p.m. • August 9: Ryan Quiet, 7:30 p.m. The Phoenix Saloon 193 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels

Traditional German music is often played on the stage at Krause’s.

Geo Jo Martin performing an acoustic set at The Villa.

COURTESY THE VILLA

COURTESY KRAUSE’S CAFE

Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels www.krausescafe.com • July 13: Harfmann Duo, 11 a.m.; Ryan Waguespack, 3 p.m. • July 16: The TubaMeisters, 6 p.m. • July 17: Uncle Brent & The No Stone, 6 p.m. • July 18: Gus Miller, 6:30 p.m. • July 19: Trunk Monkeys, 10 a.m.; Jacob Augustine, 2 p.m., Yesenia & The Groove Doctors, 6 p.m. • July 20: Bill Caisse, 11 a.m.; Kade Isakson, 11 a.m. • July 23: Madelyn Abrameit, 6 p.m. • July 25: Jesse Stratton, 6:30 p.m. • July 26: Tony Taylor, 10 a.m.; Luke Leverett, 2 p.m.; Lonely Hearts Club, 6 p.m. • July 27: Rich Lockhart Duo, 11 a.m.; Bret Mullins, 3 p.m.

• July 26: Aname Rose Band, 9 p.m. • July 27: All Mixed Up, 2 p.m. • August 2: Paul Eldridge Band, 8:30 p.m. • August 8: Tiffany Dawn Band, 9 p.m. • August 9: Whiskey Rebellion, 9 p.m. Riley’s Tavern 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels www.rileystavern.com • July 13: Picker’s Circle with Bo Porter, 4 p.m. • July 17: Mike Ethan Messick and Friends, 7 p.m. • July 18: The Homebodies, 7 p.m. • July 19: John “Del Toro” Richardson, 9 p.m. • July 24: David Harris, 7 p.m. • July 26: Billy Dee Band, 9 p.m. • August 1: Gus Clark, 8 p.m. • August 2: Calloway and the Prickly Pears, 9 p.m.

www.thephoenixsaloon.com • July 13: Bobby Deal, 1 p.m. • July 19: I-35, 9 p.m. • July 25: Lefty Lucy, 8:30 p.m.

• August 7: Manzy Lowry, 7 p.m. • August 8: Mark Jungers, 7 p.m.; The Joel Hoffman Band, 8:30 p.m.

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956 N. Walnut Ave. 830.629.2401

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Dining

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Owners David and Heather Larson said that they took ownership of Pat’s Place in 2022.

ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

202 S. Union Ave., New Braunfels www.patsplacenbtx.com

The brunch menu includes dishes like the Short Stack O’ Pancakes ($9.29) , the Croissant French Toast ($12.99) , and the Chicken & Waes ($14.99) .

COURTESY LEVI HAKE

Pat’s Place dishes out classic comfort food in New Braunfels Since opening in 1977, Pat’s Place has served New Braunfels with pride and tradition, providing the classic comfort food experience with a Texas inspired air. Owners Heather and David Larson said it is a place where locals call home.

The background The Larsons took ownership of Pat’s Place in 2022 and were given a unique challenge—main- taining a storied tradition but also keeping up with the times. The Larsons said that they wanted to keep Pat’s Place how it always was, but also allow it to grow as the future progresses. “Just keeping it family-oriented and still bring- ing it forward has been the biggest challenge,” co-owner Heather Larson said. As a result, they’ve added two new bar areas called Pat’s Prohibition and the outdoor Pat’s Tree Haus over the past year.

Must-try menu items The restaurant’s menu is packed with about 120 items, oering a diverse selection ranging from Tex-Mex to spaghetti to traditional sandwiches. Customer favorites include the burger menu, enchilada plates, Pat’s Meatloaf and chicken fried steak, Larson said. “Everything is homestyle comfort food,” she said. Pat’s Place also added a brunch menu—which is available on weekends—with dishes like chicken & waes, Oma’s Breakfast Casserole and the classic all-American breakfast with eggs, bacon, hash browns or toast.

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Real estate

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Home Edition

2025

Howdy neighbors! In this year’s Home Edition, we’re digging into property taxes—what’s driving them up and how homestead exemptions and new state laws might bring some relief to homeowners. A heartfelt thank you to our advertisers and sponsors for making this kind of local coverage possible, and to you for reading and staying connected to what’s happening around town.

Premium sponsors:

Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com

Mayfair mayfairtx.com 8302516791 A new community coming to life in New Braunfels with a variety of homes now selling and models open daily.

GVEC gvec.org 8336823800 Expert AC/heating, solar and battery, and electrician solutions from a Cooperative rooted in your community.

What's inside

Learn how rebates can save you money (Page 20)

Check out a locally owned interior design company (Page 27)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

The Abbey apartment complex nearing completion in Veramendi

Construction on The Abbey at Veramendi is nearing completion. The details The $70 million apartment complex, which broke ground in 2023, will oer one-, two- and three-bedroom units equipped with smart home technology, full-size washers and dryers, and walk-in closets, Property Manager Denise Corona said in an email to Community Impact. The complex has an outdoor re pit, electric vehicle charging stations, state-of-the-art tness center and swimming pool. The swimming pool is equipped with an outdoor kitchen, barbecue grills and cabanas. The Abbey has a clubhouse with a cafe and coee bar, pet salon and biergarten social space, Corona said in the email. Looking ahead The complex is slated to be complete in August, the email states.

The complex is located at 2015 Oak Run Parkway in New Braunfels.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE ABBEY AT VERAMENDI

OAK RUN PKWY.

337

BORCHERS BLVD.

The Abbey at Veramendi will lease one-, two- and three- bedroom units.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Real estate

Rebates oered by New Braunfels Utilities look to give money back to customers while encouraging conservation. Rebates are programs designed to assist NBU customers in implementing water or energy conservation practices or technologies at their homes, said Andrew Cummings, NBU’s director of customer solutions. The rebates are credited to customers’ bills. NBU oers a variety of commercial and residential rebate programs for its customers, which have an average of 300-500 participants annually, Cummings said. “It’s relatively low when you consider that we have a total customer base of around 70,000 for electric and about 55,000 for water,” he said. NBU rebates aim to lower utility bills

Average number of rebates submitted by month from 2022-2025

40 60 80 100

20 0

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Tolerant Tree rebate requires a customer to purchase a drought-tolerant tree for their home and reduce watering while providing shade. The utility oers a Gardening Guide rebate where residential customers can purchase the guide and learn best management practices for planting and maintaining drought-tolerant landscaping. NBU oers an Ultra-High Eciency Washing Machine rebate where customers can purchase an Energy Star or Consortium for Energy Eciency- rated washing machines to conserve water.

The utility has provided $1.61 million in cost savings to its customers through rebates from 2020-2024, according to an email from Enterprise Communications Manager Becca Graham. “Our rebates are designed to assist with number one, the initial cost, but then the target technology that we’re getting,” Cummings said. “We want them to have savings that would equate with payback in [a] certain amount of years.” NBU oers four residential-only rebates, including an Air Conditioner Checkup and a Drought-Tolerant Tree rebate. The Drought-

From weddings to storage: How 1 local family built a smarter facility in New Braunfels Sponsored by: New Braunfels Executive Storage

When COVID-19 brought weddings to a stand- still, one business owner saw an opportunity to pivot. After selling their wedding venue, Briscoe Manor, located in Richmond, in 2021, Jorden Mahler and his wife began building something to last. “I told my wife, Stephanie, ‘I want to do something that’s bulletproof, something that’s likely going to survive through anything,’” Mahler said. at vision became New Braunfels Executive Storage, a locally owned, family-run facility that ocially opened April 28 and oers a wide range of storage options tailored to local needs. What types of units are available? “We have a little bit of everything,” Mahler said. “We have climate [controlled units], which are doing really well. en we have traditional, non-climate [controlled] units.” What sets it apart from other storage facilities? One word: convenience. Located on Hwy. 46 near neighborhoods such as Meyer Ranch, Copper Ridge, Vintage Oaks and Mission Hills Ranch, the facility is just minutes from thousands of local homes.

“I personally had a storage unit across town,” Mahler said. “I would never go over there simply due to its proximity to our home. Our location is very important.”e development sits on 9 paved acres and includes modern conveniences such as a break room, customer restroom, ice/water kiosk and vending machines. Soon, food trucks will be available to anyone driving by, oering a unique aspect to draw the New Braunfels community together. “I have a space along the highway for food trucks that I want to invite out. ere aren’t any food trucks out this way, so I think it would be great,” Mahler said. “[We could] team up with a coee [truck]. It’s going to be nice for people just to whip in, grab a coee and go into town.” How does the leasing process work? Leasing is designed to be seamless. Mahler is on-site during the week. To cater to all prefer- ences, customers can either lease through him or online. For added convenience, a QR code on the front door directs after-hours visitors straight to the rental site.

“People are dierent, so I make it easy and painless [for everyone],” Mahler said. “I think it’s

worked for everybody so far.” How secure is the facility?

Scan To Rent Now.

e facility was intentionally designed for secu- rity, with perimeter buildings forming a fortress style layout, access-controlled gates, fencing and over 45 surveillance cameras. “From an architectural standpoint, all of the non-climate buildings are on the outside perim- eter, so that creates a wall around [the facility],” Mahler said. “We also have fencing and boulders in place. Really, the only way into the property is through the gates themselves.”

Covered parking: aordable protection from sun and hail Pull-through units: easy in-and-out access for RVs and fth wheel travel trailers Open parking: low-cost option for trailers or equipment In addition to those options, the facility is also well equipped for boat and RV owners, with options for dierent needs:

4655 State Hwy 46 W. | 830-310-2662 Nearby: Copper Ridge, Mission Hills Ranch, Vintage Oaks, and Meyer Ranch

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