🍜 Just opened: Round Rock’s new pho spot is a family fave

_{Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.}

We got some fantastic Santa pics again this year with the incredibly talented Sarah Saiz, and we’re so grateful we did. She made the whole experience easy, fun, and the photos turned out just beautiful.

Chances are you’ve already wrapped up holiday photos for this season, but definitely keep Sarah in mind for the next time you’ve got a special occasion or want updated family or kid photos. She’s the real deal and so great to work with.

You can check out her website HERE!

If you’re a business owner, real estate pro, investor, or ambitious professional in Williamson County, you should not be flying blind.

WilCo Grind is TJ’s new, 100% free weekly email about:

🏗️ Big projects, new companies, and founder stories happening in Williamson County
💸 Local money moves, deals, and investment ideas
🚀 The best jobs and career plays worth chasing
🤖 Simple AI tips for non-technical people who want an edge
🤝 Business events where you’ll connect with the brightest minds around

It’s about all things business, money & careers for ambitious people here in WilCo, written from TJ’s perspective; value-first, engaging and fun.

👇Subscribe for FREE here

The Gist: PEGATRON just bought a 168,784-square-foot building in Georgetown’s Blue Springs development for its first U.S. manufacturing site. The Taiwan-based Fortune 500 company plans to invest at least $35 million, hire hundreds of workers (with 100 jobs in the first three years), and start construction by December 31. City and state partners helped land the project, bringing high-tech electronics manufacturing to Central Texas.

Why It Matters: The plant strengthens Georgetown’s role in high tech manufacturing and supports long term job growth. Big momentum for a region that keeps drawing major global players.

Read more here.

The Gist: Texas families can start applying on Feb. 4, 2026 for the state’s new $1 billion Education Freedom Account (ESA) program, rolling out ahead of the 2026–27 school year. If approved, most students can receive around $10,300 a year to use on things like private school tuition, textbooks, transportation, tutoring, or certain therapies. Homeschool families can receive up to $2,000, and students with disabilities may qualify for as much as $30,000. Priority goes first to students with disabilities and lower income families, and awards are expected to be announced by early May.

Why It Matters: This could be a meaningful boost for families who are considering different education paths for their kids. Public school, private school, homeschool, or a mix of supports, every family’s situation is a little different, and it’s nice to see more options available for those who want them. Applications open early next year, and plenty of parents will be watching closely to see how it rolls out.

Read more here.

These meringue Christmas trees are light, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies piped into adorable tree shapes and sprinkled with holiday cheer. They’re easy to make but dangerously hard to resist!

Get the recipe here.

Cheyanna’s Champions for Children supports children with rare and undiagnosed medical conditions and their families.

💌 Create birthday cards for CC4C children
🎁 Make gifts and notes for parents and caregivers
🎨 Craft holiday items for seasonal projects
🧡 Support families through mentoring or service projects

✅ Ages 12+ (with adult)
⏱ Flexible remote projects

Your kindness brings comfort to families who need it most.

For more details or to sign up, visit CC4C.

Fresh on the scene and already winning people over, Noble Phở delivers the kind of broth that makes you stop talking for a moment because it’s just that good. The spring rolls are huge, and the lemongrass pork keeps stealing the spotlight.

The space feels warm and welcoming, helped by clever table call buttons that make service a breeze. It’s a brand new family favorite in the making.

More details here.

Georgetown is getting a cozy new ramen stop just in time for cooler weather. Haji Moto Ramen & Sake Bar plans to open later this month, bringing homemade noodles, chicken karaage, and gyoza to downtown.

The team is also leaning into Japanese cocktails, sake and whiskey, which should make this spot an easy favorite for evening plans. A warm, slurp worthy addition to Seventh Street.

More details here.

🍎 WE’RE HIRING: BASIS Ed Pflugerville

BASIS Ed seeks a kindergarten teaching fellow to support classrooms, assist teachers, guide students, and help maintain a strong academic environment. Learn more here.

🚚 WE’RE HIRING: Muvr Round Rock

Muvr seeks furniture delivery drivers to transport and place large items, complete home and retail deliveries, and provide light in-home assembly. Learn more here.

🥪 WE’RE HIRING: Subway Hutto

Subway seeks a manager to lead daily operations, train staff, maintain food quality and safety, manage inventory, and support guest experience. Learn more here.

Need to spread the word about your business or job opening (or really anything else)? Reach thousands of local readers - submit your FREE classified ad here.

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

Click here to follow us: Facebook | Instagram