New Braunfels, December 24, 2025
New Braunfels, Texas, is set to witness significant commercial growth in 2026 with the introduction of new retail and dining establishments, including a Costco and a Portillo’s restaurant. The Costco warehouse and fuel station will serve as a key anchor within the Mayfair community, while Portillo’s expands its presence in Texas. Additional developments, including national chain restaurants and hospitality options, are also on the horizon, reflecting the city’s robust growth and appeal for businesses.
New Braunfels, Texas, Braces for Major Retail and Dining Expansions in 2026
New Braunfels, Texas, is gearing up for substantial growth in 2026 with the anticipated arrival of several prominent retail and dining establishments. The most notable additions include a new Costco Wholesale warehouse and a Portillo’s restaurant.
Costco’s Expansion
Costco’s expansion into New Braunfels is set to include a new warehouse club and fuel station, projected to open in the spring of 2026. This $33.8 million investment will span approximately 158,000 square feet and is expected to serve as a critical retail anchor within the Mayfair master-planned community. Construction is currently in progress, ensuring the project remains on schedule for a debut in early 2026.
Portillo’s Arrival
The Chicago-based restaurant chain Portillo’s is also on track to open a location in New Braunfels in 2026. Known for its hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, this addition is part of the brand’s broader expansion strategy in Texas, which recently included openings in Houston and plans for Lubbock and El Paso.
Additional Developments
Beyond Costco and Portillo’s, New Braunfels is poised to welcome a variety of other commercial anchors, national restaurant chains, enhanced hospitality options, and public investments in 2026. Numerous developments are currently underway, while others are set to break ground in early 2026, reflecting a robust momentum in retail, tourism, and infrastructure.
Background Context
In recent years, New Braunfels has experienced significant growth, attracting an increasing number of major retailers and dining establishments. Strategically positioned between San Antonio and Austin, the city boasts a vibrant community and numerous cultural attractions, making it an appealing location for businesses looking to expand in Central Texas. The addition of Costco and Portillo’s is expected to further enrich the retail landscape, providing residents with more shopping and dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Costco opening in New Braunfels?
Costco is planning to open a new warehouse club and fuel station in New Braunfels by spring 2026. The construction is currently underway, keeping the project on track for its early 2026 debut.
Is Portillo’s opening a restaurant in New Braunfels?
Yes, Portillo’s is set to open a location in New Braunfels in 2026. This addition is part of Portillo’s broader expansion in Texas, following recent openings in cities like Houston and plans for Lubbock and El Paso.
What other developments are coming to New Braunfels in 2026?
In addition to Costco and Portillo’s, New Braunfels is slated to welcome other commercial anchors, national restaurant chains, expanded hospitality options, and public investments in 2026. Several developments are already under construction, while others are scheduled to break ground in early 2026, signaling sustained momentum across retail, tourism, and infrastructure.
Why is New Braunfels attracting major retailers and dining establishments?
New Braunfels has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, attracting major retailers and dining establishments. The city’s strategic location between San Antonio and Austin, along with its vibrant community and cultural attractions, make it an appealing destination for businesses looking to expand in Central Texas. The upcoming additions of Costco and Portillo’s are expected to further enhance the city’s retail landscape and provide residents with more shopping and dining options.
Key Features of New Braunfels’ 2026 Developments
| Development | Description | Expected Opening | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco Wholesale | New warehouse club and fuel station | Spring 2026 | Mayfair master-planned community |
| Portillo’s | Chicago-based restaurant known for hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches | 2026 | New Braunfels |
| Sprouts Farmers Market | Health-conscious grocery store | January 23, 2026 | Town Center at Creekside |
| Tesla Service Center | Full-scale Tesla repair and service facility | December 2026 | New Braunfels |
| Riverfront Hotel | 40 million dollar hotel with direct access to the Guadalupe River | 2026 | New Braunfels |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sprouts Farmers Market to Open New Store in Waco, Texas
San Antonio’s Winning Streak in the Texas Lottery
Texas Gambling Landscape Wades Through Legal Waters
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
