Real Estate Photographer in San Marcos, TX

A popular, locally owned kolache bakery is continuing its Central Texas climb. this time setting its sights on one of the busiest stretches between Austin and San Antonio.

Brothers Chase and Seth Katz, founders of Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery, are planning their second San Marcos outpost, this time along the I-35 corridor, placing the homegrown brand in the middle of a high-traffic commercial hub.

The 1,694-square-foot space will take over a former convenience store, undergoing a $350,000 renovation, with construction expected to begin in July and wrap by November, according to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filings. All TDLR filings are subject to change without notice.

The location puts Dos Gatos alongside a cluster of high-volume restaurants like Pluckers Wing Bar, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden and Whataburger, all positioned to capture the steady stream of commuters, travelers and residents moving between Austin and San Antonio, or navigating the Texas college town of San Marcos.

"I think that the location that we chose for Dos Gatos there is kind of an underserved area a little bit," Chase Katz said to MySA. "There's some redevelopment that the city wants to happen along that I-35 strip, where some businesses have closed. We're going to be the first over there. Hopefully we're providing some breakfast, some kolaches and coffee for the neighborhood that needs to be there."

For the Katz brothers, that environment represents both an opportunity and a shift. Chase Katz confirmed to MySA that the new location will feature a drive-thru, walk-in ordering and indoor seating.

The menu will remain consistent with other locations, blending Czech-style sweet kolaches with Texas-style savory options, but the setting introduces a more flexible customer experience, from quick coffee runs to longer, sit-down visits.

The expansion builds on a strategy already taking shape in New Braunfels, where Dos Gatos opened along Hunter Road in December 2025. That location, which leans on drive-thru and walk-up traffic, has served as a learning curve for the team outside their original San Marcos footprint.

That growth traces back to 2009, when Dos Gatos first opened near the Texas State University. As first reported in The University Star in 2021, the original LBJ Drive shop helped build a loyal following among students. Five years later, the footprint has expanded, with the Wonder World location remaining in San Marcos, joined by the New Braunfels shop and the upcoming I-35 store.

Chase Katz, a Texas State alum, noted that opening in a new market like New Braunfels in December has come with its own challenges. The company tested a model that combines drive-thru and walk-up service, rather than the traditional walk-in setup. He acknowledged to MySA that there is still work to be done to refine and grow the concept. Even so, early response in New Braunfels has been positive, with strong turnout signaling demand for the brand beyond its hometown base.

Next door to that bakery, construction is ongoing on Hunter Road Country Club, a bar-and-grill concept that will expand the brothers’ presence in the growing New Braunfels market. Chase said the project is now targeting a late spring opening and will center on a patio-driven atmosphere with food and drinks, though details remain limited.

Alongside Dos Gatos, the Katz brothers have expanded into a broader hospitality portfolio that includes Zelick’s Icehouse and other concepts like San Marcos’ Pie Society, steadily building a presence in San Marcos With the upcoming I-35 location, that growing portfolio enters a new phase in one of the most high-traffic audience yet.

Find it: 1004 I-35 N. Frontage Road, San Marcos, TX 78666

The grocery wars are heating up in this fast-growing college town, and one Texas titan is tightening its grip. With construction moving and brisket smokers on the way, the balance of power in the checkout line is about to shift.

In a city already served by two Targets, a Walmart, Sam’s Club and a Poco Loco Super Mercado, it’s H-E-B that appears poised to deepen its dominance in San Marcos. As of early 2026, San Marcos is home to two active H-E-B stores, both centrally located but serving slightly different slices of the community, with a third much larger store under construction along I-35.

The store at 641 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, TX 78666, functions as the more expansive, full-service hub. Located in a busy commercial corridor minutes from Texas State University and downtown, it draws a blend of students, families and commuters living beyond the immediate downtown core. The East Hopkins location offers a gas station and car wash, a business center and notary services and a drive-thru and compounding pharmacy. Inside, shoppers will find prepared food options including Flaming Bird chicken, Sushiya Sushi and Meal Simple selections, along with self-checkout lanes and curbside conveniences that position it as a one-stop destination.

Just down the road, the 200 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos, TX 78666 store operates on a smaller footprint closer to The Square and the heart of downtown. The West Hopkins location primarily serves nearby residents and Texas State students looking for quick grocery trips within walking distance of apartments, restaurants and nightlife. While it still includes a pharmacy, Meal Simple offerings and Sushiya Sushi, it lacks the gas station, car wash and broader service range of its East Hopkins counterpart. Its size and location make it more neighborhood-focused, catering to convenience over scale.

H-E-B’s reach in the area goes well beyond its grocery stores. According to the Hays CAD Property Search, the company also owns land at 2301 Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX 78666, designated for warehouses and distribution. Among them is a 264,298-square-foot warehouse built in 2000, valued at $13.1 million, a 535,419-square-foot warehouse valued at $7.9 million and another 426,600-square-foot warehouse all located on the outskirts of San Marcos.

And H-E-B isn't slowing down expansion plans either. A third 114,000-square-foot store is under construction at I-35 and McCarty Lane, with an anticipated opening this fall. Positioned along one of the city’s busiest retail corridors near Tanger Outlets and surrounded by rapidly growing subdivisions, the site places H-E-B directly in the flow of daily commuter and shopper traffic. The corridor already draws steady crowds to major anchors like Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors and JCPenney, along with a mix of fast-casual and sit-down dining options, making it a convenient stop for residents who would otherwise have to navigate downtown congestion or cross the interstate for groceries.

The new store will introduce the city’s first True Texas BBQ, complete with indoor seating and meats smoked in-house over Texas oak. Plans also include a fuel station, car wash, drive-thru pharmacy, dedicated curbside parking, home delivery services and an H-E-B Fresh Bites convenience component. The project marks one of the most significant retail expansions in the city in recent years and reflects continued population growth along the I-35 corridor, anchoring a rapidly developing stretch of San Marcos with a full-service grocery destination.

Beyond that flagship build, the company has plans for a roughly 6,000-square-foot convenience store and fuel station at 3375 S. IH-35, San Marcos, TX 78666, a $4 million addition that would further extend its reach along one of Central Texas’ busiest highways.

With two established central stores, a massive new flagship on the way and another convenience concept in development, its clear H-E-B has a stronghold in San Marcos and is showing no signs of leaving anytime soon.

At last month's UIL high school state wrestling meet in Cypress, five Central Texas wrestlers were crowned state champions: Cedar Park's Nathan Reilly, San Marcos' Mila Juarez, Dripping Springs' Jackson Shipley, Leander's Mauricio Bryant and Liberty Hill's Alyciana Rogers. Several other Austin-area competitors made it to state and won medals as well.

The American-Statesman's 2026 All-Central Texas Wrestling Team recognizes outstanding achievements this season. It was selected by the Statesman's high school coverage team.

2026 All-Central Texas Wrestling Team

The Dripping Springs senior won state for the second straight year. He was almost perfect this season, going 47-1. In the Class 6A state finals, he defeated James Murray of Lake Travis 19-3 in the 120-pound division.

The San Marcos junior earned a gold medal in the Class 6A 120-pound division with a 9-3 victory over Grace Romans of Allen. This came after the silver medal she won in the same weight class as a sophomore at the 2025 state championships.

Mauricio Bryant, Leander: After finishing fourth at state at 157 pounds last year, Bryant (39-3) this season won the state meet at 165 pounds in Class 5A.

Shawn Harden, Round Rock: The Dragons senior (48-3) won a pair of matches at the state meet before losing in the semifinals in the Class 6A 165-pound division.

Nico Maurici, Westlake: The Region IV-6A champion at 175 pounds, the junior (48-3) won a pair of matches at the state meet before losing in the semifinals.

Pasquale Maurici, Westlake: The Region IV-6A champion at 190 pounds, the senior (47-2) won a pair of matches at the state meet before falling in the semifinals.

Nathan Reilly, Cedar Park: Our 2025 Central Texas boys wrestler of the year followed that up with a 49-2 season this year and his third state title.

Jackson Shipley, Dripping Springs: Finishing his career in style, our boys wrestler of the year avenged his only loss of the season by defeating Allen's Oliver Pulliam 5-3 at the state tournament.

Lucy Clarno, Dripping Springs: The defending Class 6A champion in the 125-pound division, Clarno won a pair of matches at the state meet before falling in the semifinals. She went 31-1 this year.

Layla Hines, Glenn: The junior went 40-5 and won district and regional titles before falling in the Class 5A state semifinals in the 155-pound division.

Mila Juarez, San Marcos: Our girls wrester of the year went 31-1 this year and won only the second gold wrestling medal in San Marcos history.

Yurianna Lippinghoff, Georgetown: A district and regional champion, the senior (38-2) earned a pair of victories in the Class 5A 130-pound bracket before falling in a semifinal match.

Ashley Marron Rodriguez, Anderson: Competing in the Class 5A 100-pound division, Rodriguez (37-2) won first- and second-round matches at state before falling to eventual state champion Noah Kovach of Azle by majority decision in the semis.

Alyciana Rogers, Liberty Hill: One year after earning silver at state, the Panthers junior (39-2) captured gold in the Class 5A 235-pound division.

After throwing a complete game against Tarleton State the game before, Head Coach Ricci Woodard handed the ball off to pitcher Madison Azua in the top of the sixth inning with the Bobcats leading No. 14 ranked Texas A&M 3-1.

Despite having her nerves going through the roof, Azua was able to find a sense of calm through her team.

“My teammates helped calm me down and get me in the right headspace because they know exactly what to say to me,” Azua said. “It felt so good (to get that final strikeout).”

Azua got the final six outs, including two strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh as Texas State secured a 3-1 win over ranked Aggies.

It was an emotional win for the Bobcats who had three transfers come from Texas A&M including redshirt freshman Harley Vestal who hit a two-run RBI double to give Texas State the lead.

This one is huge,” Vestal said. “ For the Bobcats in general, it's a huge win, but it obviously feels amazing coming from us. It was a great one. I could not be more happy.”

The Aggies scored first in the top of the third inning, hitting a solo home run into right field off the scoreboard to take the early 1-0 lead.

But the Bobcats answered back in the bottom of the fourth inning as freshman Harley Vestal, a Texas A&M transfer, connected with a two-run RBI double to give the Bobcats a 2-1 lead.

Later in the bottom of the fifth inning, senior Keely Williams, another Texas A&M transfer, extended the lead with an RBI single through the right side, putting the Bobcats up 3-1.

“At the beginning, we were a little slow to get it started,” Azua said “But I think once we picked up the energy and the momentum, we had it. It was our game the whole time.”

The Aggies put runners on second and third with two outs in the top of the sixth inning but a strikeout by Azua, who entered the sixth inning following Emma Strood, ended the at-bat.

Azua closed out the seventh inning with two strikeouts to seal the win.

“That's the thing we've been talking about, is that it's not okay to lose,” Head Coach Ricci Woodard said. “Sometimes I feel like they kind of give in, and we're going to get beat by somebody good, it's okay. We talked before this game that if anything's going to happen, they have to believe it's going to happen. … the whole team in that dugout believed we could win that game”

Texas State gets their revenge against Tarleton State

The Bobcats rallied in the sixth inning, defeating the Tarleton State Texans 8-2.

Tarleton State struck first in the top of the fourth inning, hitting a two-run home run to go up 2-0 over the Bobcats.

After struggling to find any offensive momentum, the Bobcats found their way onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth. With runners on first and second with one out, Harley Vestal connected with an RBI single into left field as Karmyn Bass scored from second, beating the throw home.

Later in the at-bat with the bases loaded, freshman Chesney Davis hit a bloop single to score two runs as the Bobcats took their first lead of the game. Later with runners on the corners, Davis stole second, allowing senior Sami Hood to take home.

Following a walk by senior Sidney Harvey, senior Keely Williams hit an RBI single, extending the lead to 5-2.

Following Williams, Bubela crushed a three-run home run into center field, pushing the lead to 8-2.

Madison Azua closed out the game, sitting the Texans down in order to complete the win. Azua finished the game with 11 strikeouts.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The No. 15 Texas A&M softball team travels to open the San Marcos Showdown against Tarleton State at 11 a.m. Friday at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

Texas A&M (16-7) will play Texas State Friday at 4 p.m., while the game can be streamed on ESPN+ with former Texas A&M pitcher Brooke Vestal on the call as the analyst and Brant Freeman as play-by-play. Fans can also tune in on the 12th Man Mobile app or locally on Willy 1550 AM.

WHERE THE AGGIES ARE NATIONALLY The Aggies rank No. 14 in the NFCA poll, No. 15 in the ESPN/USA Softball and No. 18 in the D1 Softball rankings, while Softball America dropped the Aggies to No. 19. Individually, Micaela Wark's 10 home runs rank 11th most nationally, while Sydney Lessentine has the ninth best strikeout-to-walk ratio at 8.80.

OL' RELIABLE Senior Kennedy Powell has been a permanent fixture at the "hot corner," starting every single game of the 2025 season at third base. Since joining the Aggies in 2024, she has appeared in 140 total games, starting 139 of them. The run scoring machine began the season crossing home plate at least once in the 10 first games, while she has scored a run in all but five games this season. Powell along with Mya Perez are the lone Aggies to have reached base successfully in each game this year, while the pair are holding a nation-leading 26 game streak dating back to 2025. Powell has also successfully swiped an NCAA-leading 35 consecutive bases, a streak that dates back to early February 2024 after finishing a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen base attempts in 2025. The Conroe, Texas, native has hit safely in 22-of-23 games this season and is batting .459 at the dish (34-for-74) with 14 RBI, 26 runs and three doubles.

THE LONG ROAD TO AGGIELAND Redshirt sophomore Ariel Kowalewski made her highly anticipated Aggie debut after sitting out the 2025 season due to SEC midyear transfer rules. Kowalewski reached base safely in three of five games on opening weekend and slashed .400/.471/.533 with six hits. Kowalewski hit her first Aggie home run against No. 19 Duke and finished 6-for-17 with seven RBI, two home runs, one double and five runs at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational. The versatile defender has made the start at catcher in the last four games, while she is batting .423 at the plate with 11 hits, four doubles, seven runs and seven RBI in the team's last 10 games. As a freshman in 2024 at Florida, she started 56 games at third base, hitting .308 with eight home runs, 33 RBI and 45 hits.

SAN MARCOS SHOWDOWN Texas A&M is 2-0 all-time against the Texans, while both wins were via run-rule in five innings in 2023. The Aggies are 73-12 all-time against the Bobcats, including a 23-9 ledger in San Marcos. A&M has won three straight against Texas State, while on its last trip to San Marcos the Aggies dropped a 4-3 decision in 2024.