As New Braunfels continues to grow, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the new businesses and restaurants that are planning to come to town. But while there’s plenty to look forward to, we wanted to take a moment to look back at some of the great new small businesses that have already opened their doors in 2025. It’s the small, locally owned businesses that keep New Braunfels’ charm alive.
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These 13 newcomers have already made a splash in 2025, and they’re well worth checking out next time you’re out and about.
Brackish Goods
230 W. Mill St., New Braunfels
Instagram: @brackishgoodstx
New Braunfels native Kayleigh Bryan is bringing a touch of coastal charm to her hometown with the opening of Brackish Goods, a boutique swim and lifestyle shop that debuted in May. Located just steps from the Comal River, the shop carries a curated selection of men’s and women’s swimwear, apparel, sunscreen, jewelry, sunglasses, and other beach-inspired essentials.
Bryan, who has lived in Australia and traveled to beaches around the world, wanted to bring that laid-back, seaside energy to the Hill Country. With its breezy aesthetic and focus on high-quality, stylish essentials, Brackish Goods captures the relaxed coastal vibe perfectly. Whether you’re heading to the river, Canyon Lake, or just want to channel beach days year-round, it’s a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.
Thai Isan House
596 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
www.thaiisanhouse.com
Bringing the bold, aromatic flavors of northeastern Thailand to the heart of New Braunfels, Thai Isan House is the city’s newest destination for authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant, which opened March 22, offers a menu packed with traditional dishes like Thai Isan sausage, pineapple fried rice, and fermented sausage — each crafted to highlight the region’s signature balance of spice, sweetness, and tang.
Guests can enjoy their meals in a relaxed, welcoming setting with a selection of beer and wine to pair perfectly with the food. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of fried rice or looking to explore new flavors from Thailand’s Isan region, Thai Isan House delivers a genuine taste of Thailand without leaving New Braunfels.
Gong Cafe
111 S. Union Ave., Ste. 123, New Braunfels
www.gongcafenbtx.com
New Braunfels’ dining scene continues to expand with Gong Café, a new Japanese restaurant bringing authentic sushi, hibachi, and ramen to the heart of town. Opened in September, the restaurant took over a former pizza spot at the corner of Union Avenue and Common Street and has already become a hit with locals craving fresh, flavorful Japanese cuisine.
Operated by the same team behind Ebi-Ebi Sushi in Seguin, Gong Café offers a wide-ranging menu that includes more than 50 sushi rolls, hibachi plates, bento boxes, and scratch-made ramen bowls — the first of their kind in New Braunfels. Co-owner Immelda Cowsert says the team is excited to connect with the local community through great food and hospitality. With a cozy, modern space and plans to introduce alcoholic beverages soon, Gong Café is quickly becoming a favorite for both casual lunches and dinner outings.
The Fun Bug
2055 Central Plaza, Ste. 108, New Braunfels
www.thefunbug.com
Parents looking for a fun, safe, and air-conditioned spot for their little ones now have a new go-to destination in New Braunfels — The Fun Bug, Play Studio & Parties. Opened in June, this locally owned play studio is the creation of husband-and-wife team Clay and Kameron Saur, who designed the space with families in mind.
The indoor play studio features a large, colorful play structure built for kids ages 0–6 (though children up to 10 are welcome), giving little adventurers plenty of room to climb, slide, and explore. Beyond playtime, The Fun Bug transforms into an after-hours party venue, perfect for birthdays or private events.
River City Refillery
2165 Gabriels Place, Ste. 1101, New Braunfels
www.rivercityrefillery.com
New Braunfels residents looking to live a little greener now have a new local favorite: River City Refillery, a sustainable shop that makes it easy to ditch single-use plastics and shop more consciously. Opened in July, this locally owned refillery is the brainchild of Kelley Pacillas, who saw a need in the community for a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional shopping.
At River City Refillery, customers can bring their own containers to refill everything from shampoos and lotions to dish soaps and surface cleaners—all made from naturally derived, non-toxic ingredients. The store’s shelves are stocked with household and personal care staples like cream deodorants, dishwasher tablets, and glass cleaner, all sold by weight to reduce waste.
The Cake Bar
173 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels
www.thesweetspottx.com
Downtown New Braunfels just got a little sweeter with the opening of The Cake Bar & Coffee Co., the latest venture from Debbie De La Cruz and her daughters, Katarina and Kasandra — the same family behind The Sweet Spot. What started as a dessert food truck in 2022 has now grown into multiple locations, with their newest spot taking over the former Le Citron European Café space on Seguin Avenue.
The Cake Bar & Coffee Co. is all about indulgence and creativity. Guests can build their own cake slice or choose from decadent options like cookie cake, brownie cake, cheesecake, and mini pancakes, all paired perfectly with locally inspired espresso drinks, chai tea, matcha, and infused Red Bulls. There’s even ice cream for those looking for something cool and classic.
Wafflelicious
2188 SH 46 W, Ste. 109, New Braunfels
www.wafflelicioustx.com
Breakfast lovers, rejoice — Wafflelicious has come to New Braunfels! Locally owned by husband-and-wife team David and Franziska Krinninger, this new restaurant brings something different to the city’s breakfast scene: waffles as the main event. The couple, who have long been part of the local restaurant community, saw an opportunity to create a place that truly celebrates everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Wafflelicious specializes in made-to-order waffles, offering both signature combinations and a “build-your-own” option so guests can craft their perfect plate. Alongside the creative waffle menu, customers can expect baked goods, breakfast favorites, and a full lineup of specialty coffees, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a mid-day treat.
The Book Haus
344 Landa St., New Braunfels
www.thebookhaus.com
After a two-year hiatus, one of New Braunfels’ most beloved independent bookstores has reopened its doors. The Book Haus, owned by Sabrina Caldwell, officially returned on April 26 — fittingly, on Independent Bookstore Day. Originally opened in 2018, the shop closed in 2023 when Caldwell’s family temporarily relocated, but the pull of New Braunfels (and the local reading community) brought them back home.
The newly reopened store offers a welcoming space for book lovers to browse used titles, discover new releases, and support local authors. Visitors will also find a buyback program that allows customers to trade in gently used books for store credit, keeping great reads circulating in the community.
Clubhouse on Castell
822 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
www.clubhouseoncastell.com
New Braunfels locals Linda and Darrell Panozzo are raising a glass to their newest venture Clubhouse on Castell, a cozy new wine bar set that opened in spring in downtown New Braunfels. The couple wanted to create a place where people could unwind, catch a live performance, and enjoy great wine in a relaxed setting.
The bar features a rotating selection of 25 wines each month, giving guests something new to discover with every visit. In addition to wine, Clubhouse on Castell offers coffee beverages in the mornings and charcuterie boards for pairing in the evenings.
Up & Downs Golf Bar
2163 Stephens Pl, Ste. 100, New Braunfels
www.upanddownsgolfbar.com
Locally owned by husband-and-wife team Dace and Carmen Downs, Up and Downs Golf Bar brings a new kind of entertainment to New Braunfels. Opened in February, this family-friendly golf simulator bar combines the laid-back atmosphere of a sports bar with the fun of a virtual golf experience. The venue features four simulator bays where guests can tee off on famous courses from around the world — no membership or perfect swing required.
Alongside the virtual rounds, guests can enjoy a menu of casual favorites like nachos, chips and salsa, and chicken tenders, plus a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar also hosts special events and watch parties for major sporting events. Whether you’re a serious golfer looking to refine your swing or just want to hang out with friends, Up and Downs offers a fun, relaxed spot to play, eat, and unwind.
Texas Salt Co.
144 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels
www.texassaltco.com
Bringing a taste of the Hill Country to downtown New Braunfels, Texas Salt Co. officially opened its doors in early September. Founded by brothers Daniel and Andrew Almand, the Bandera-based brand is known for its premium smoked salts, bold peppercorns, and handcrafted seasoning blends. Their new storefront gives locals and visitors a chance to experience the flavor firsthand — from gourmet gift sets and cocktail salts to classic Texas beer salts.
Each product is hand-packed in small batches, highlighting the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for the perfect finishing salt for your next meal or a unique local gift, Texas Salt Co. offers something distinctly Texan. Their motto says it best: Shop local. Taste Texas. Stay salty.
Legends & Loot
1410 S. Business I-35, Ste. B, New Braunfels
facebook.com/LegendsandLoot
For fans of trading cards, tabletop games, and all things pop culture, Legends & Loot has quickly become New Braunfels’ newest go-to hangout. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Joe and Cheyenne Leon, the shop opened in June with a mission to create a welcoming community space where gamers can shop, play, and connect. Inside, visitors will find everything from Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards to anime figurines, paints, miniatures, and board games — all housed in a cozy, medieval tavern–inspired setting.
More than just a retail store, Legends & Loot hosts game nights, lessons, and tournaments for players of all experience levels. Large tables invite groups to stay and play, and refreshments are available for those settling in for an afternoon session. Joe’s goal is simple: to give locals a place to enjoy their favorite hobbies, learn new ones, and meet people who share their interests. Whether you’re a collector, a casual player, or a total beginner, this new game shop offers a fun, inclusive space to roll the dice and feel right at home.
The Path Bike Shop
273 E. Mill St., New Braunfels
www.thepathnb.com
New Braunfels’ cycling scene has found a new home at The Path Bike Shop, a full-service destination for riders of all levels. The locally owned shop offers everything from kids’ bikes and hybrids to high-performance mountain, road, gravel, and electric bikes. With top brands like Specialized, Giant, Liv, and Pivot, The Path caters to casual riders and serious cyclists alike — with prices ranging from $149 to $15,000.
Beyond its extensive selection, The Path provides professional repairs, maintenance, and custom bike builds for those who want a truly personalized ride. The shop’s mission goes beyond selling bikes. It’s about supporting the city’s growing cycling community with expert service, premium gear, and a passion for helping locals hit the road or trail with confidence.
It’s been a big year for small businesses in New Braunfels, and these 13 newcomers are just part of the story. Unfortunately, we couldn’t feature everyone that opened in 2025, but if you know of another business that opened this year and deserves some love, share it in the comments below so more locals can discover it!
I enjoy receiving your new letter – it was great to see you at the Senior Expo yesterday.
Thank you, Janet!
I opened my business as well!
http://Www.pumaedu.com
Puma educational consulting llc
Thank you for keeping the updates on new places in New Braunfels. Im not real familiar with NB because Im from Corpus Christi area and just moved here a couple of yrs ago. So Im still learning things about the city. Thank you again!