Brunch chain Famous Toastery to open first San Antonio location

Brunch and comfort-food chain Famous Toastery will make its Texas debut with the opening of a San Antonio location by the end of next year, officials with the North Carolina-based company said. San Antonio entrepreneur Rachell Bonds, a Louisiana native and a 27-year Army veteran, will own the Alamo City's forthcoming franchise unit. She hasn't yet secured a location for the restaurant.

San Antonio Coffee Festival launching holiday night market Hot Holidays on Houston

The San Antonio Coffee Festival is expanding its offerings with a new nighttime holiday market called Hot Holidays on Houston. The new event will take place downtown from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 along Houston Street between the Alameda Theater and the Frost Bank Promenade, according to organizers. The gathering will feature holiday lights along with warm seasonal beverages and treats.

Hill Country's Gruene Hall named Music Venue of the Year by Texas Country Music Association

The Texas Country Music Association has named New Braunfels' 146-year-old Gruene Hall as its Live Music Venue of the Year. Gruene Hall, which bills itself as the Lone Star State's oldest continuously operating dance hall, received the recognition at the 8th Annual Texas Country Music Association Awards ceremony Nov. 10 in Fort Worth. "We’re proud to be the stewards of the oldest dancehall in Texas,” said Ryan Weinbrandt, CEO of Molak Corporation which owns and operates Gruene Hall, in an emailed statement.

John Cornyn loses longtime bid to be next Senate Majority Leader to John Thune

Sign up for the We the Texans newsletter to receive twice-monthly updates on our year-long initiative dedicated to boosting civic engagement and chronicling how democracy is experienced in Texas. WASHINGTON — Sen. John Cornyn lost his election Wednesday to become the next Senate majority leader to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, ending a years-long effort to lead his party conference.