Business
March 5, 2020
How Texas Restaurants Are Dealing With Coronavirus Panic
In Austin, a scaled-down SXSW could hit eateries hard; in Houston, Asian restaurants have seen a huge decline.
Business
Reporting and commentary on Texas businesses and the trends and innovation happening in our state
Music
March 3, 2020
What It Would Mean to Cancel SXSW
Suspending the festival amid coronavirus fears would be The Big One for Austin’s economy.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
February 14, 2020
The Recline of Western Civilization
An imbroglio aboard an American Airlines flight has divided our nation. Let us instead unite in accepting the inherent awfulness of flying coach.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
February 11, 2020
A Group of Texas News Veterans Aim to Revolutionize How Women Are Covered in Media
Emily Ramshaw and Andrea Valdez discuss their vision for the 19th*, a nonprofit venture where politics, policy, and gender will converge.
By
Katy Vine
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Boomtown
January 28, 2020
Boomtown, Episode 8: Wild West Texas
The uneasy alliance between ranchers and the oil industry goes all the way back to the early wildcatting days in West Texas. But today, that relationship is more fraught than ever.
Business
January 22, 2020
Can a Dallas Ride-Hailing Company Catch Uber?
Alto is betting that if a safer, more expensive ride-hailing service can turn a profit in Dallas, it can do it just about anywhere.
By
Dan Solomon
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Boomtown
January 14, 2020
Boomtown, Episode 6: A Thin Line
During booms, the Permian Basin sees a rise in prostitution charges. But misperceptions and stereotypes about sex work have led to policies that may actually harm the women involved.
Boomtown
January 7, 2020
Boomtown, Episode 5: Boobtown
We explore a different kind of boom in the Permian Basin. Meet the women working at a lingerie coffee shop, a “breastaurant,” and two area strip clubs.
Boomtown
December 31, 2019
Boomtown, Episode 4: Life and Death on the Rig
Working in the oil patch is incredibly dangerous. But March 10, 2015, brought unimaginable tragedy for one Andrews family.
Politics & Policy
December 30, 2019
The Best Texas Monthly Longform of 2019
Settle in for a by-no-means comprehensive list of some of the most popular stories in our pages this year.
Boomtown
December 24, 2019
Boomtown, Episode 3: Dust to Dust
A devastating bust transforms the Permian from the promised land into a wasteland.
Boomtown
December 17, 2019
Boomtown, Episode 2: The Rise of the Permian
The Santa Rita oil well, named after the patron saint of impossible dreams, launched the first Permian Basin boom and has been fueling the dreams of West Texas wildcatters ever since.
Music
December 12, 2019
Nashville Now Owns a Major Piece of Texas Music History
The owners of the Grand Ole Opry snapped up ACL Live At The Moody Theater earlier this week.
Boomtown
December 10, 2019
Listen to the First Episode of Boomtown: “Highway to Hell”
In the first episode of our new podcast series, host Christian Wallace takes us back to his hometown in the Permian Basin, which is nearly unrecognizable to him today. We meet a few of the people whose lives have been upended by the biggest oil boom in U.S. history.
Business
December 3, 2019
How One Texas Entrepreneur Aims to Transform the World With Artificial Intelligence
A conversation with Ben Lamm of Hypergiant, on solving climate change, the surveillance state, and our automated future.
By
Jason Heid
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Energy
December 3, 2019
Boomtown
A 10-part podcast series from Texas Monthly and Imperative Entertainment.
Energy
December 3, 2019
Announcing ‘Boomtown,’ a New Podcast on the Greatest Oil Boom in History
Our new 11-part series takes you inside the rugged Permian Basin of West Texas, where roughnecks and billionaire wildcatters are fueling a boom so big it’s reshaping our climate, our economy, and our geopolitics.
Politics & Policy
November 26, 2019
In a First, the New Homeland Security Chief Met With South Texans About Cross-Border Trade
Chad Wolf was in the Rio Grande Valley last week for a border wall photo-op, but over a meal of cordon bleu he heard from businesspeople about economic woes.
Film & TV
November 14, 2019
The Suncoast Motion Picture Company’s Last Stand Is Happening in Southeast Texas
Beaumont is home to one of just a handful of stores in a chain once beloved by movie nerds.
Film & TV
September 20, 2019
How a Former Karaoke Video Outpost in Plano Became a Hollywood Mainstay
Well Go USA has become one of the leading distributors of Asian action films in the U.S.
Business
September 12, 2019
T. Boone Pickens Was a Helluva Storyteller—and That’s Why We Couldn’t Resist Him
In his plainspoken, hilariously vivid vernacular, the Texas oilman constantly spun tales about good times and bad.
Business
September 11, 2019
Remembering T. Boone Pickens, the “Aw-Shucks” Billionaire
The Dallas oilman and corporate raider's long, complicated history as an aw-shucks billionaire.
Business
August 30, 2019
Break’s Over: Texas Is Only the Fourth-Hardest-Working State in America
A new study finds the Lone Star State lagging behind in backbreaking labor.
Business
August 10, 2019
Meat Church BBQ Supply Is a One-Stop Shop for Barbecue Newbies
Matt Pittman parlayed a reality TV appearance into a thriving Waxahachie business.
Business
August 1, 2019
The K-Rigg Pressure Smoker Cooks a Ten-Pound Brisket in Two Hours
Kyle Riggen of Leander, allergic to wood smoke and boredom, is trying to invent a faster way to barbecue.
The National Podcast of Texas
July 29, 2019
Russell Gold: “Texas Has Become an Incredible Leader in Renewable Energy”
On this week’s National Podcast of Texas, the author of ’Superpower’ outlines the state’s pioneering role in America’s transition toward fossil fuels alternatives.
Business
July 25, 2019
Bill Karau’s Quest for the Perfect Barbecue Smoke
Dirty smoke can ruin meat. The designer of KBQ smokers says he’s invented an easier way to ensure cleaner, sweeter smoke.
News
July 12, 2019
The Last Boy Scout
Long before Texans had heard of “no pass, no play,” and before free trade was a major political issue, H. Ross Perot entered my life as a super-patriot who believed perseverance was the key to success.
Business
July 9, 2019
H. Ross Perot (1930-2019) Was a Larger-Than-Life Texan
The eccentric Texan billionaire and former two-time independent presidential candidate leaves an outsized legacy.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
June 25, 2019
Talking With a Leader of the Next Generation of Rocketry Companies
Tom Markusic, the founder and CEO of Cedar Park’s Firefly Aerospace, explains how the next generation of rocketry companies is different from NASA—and from SpaceX and Blue Origin too.
By
Tom Foster
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Business
June 24, 2019
Take an Exclusive Look Inside H-E-B and Favor’s New East Austin Tech Hub
The 81,000-square-foot office space is part of H-E-B’s reimagining of itself as a technology company.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
June 20, 2019
The Restoration of Mineral Wells’ Historic Baker Hotel Is (Finally) About to Begin
After a decade-long effort, developers says they’ve secured the funding they need for a $65 million, three-year renovation.
By
Jason Heid
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Business
June 14, 2019
Whataburger’s Been Sold to the Yanks
Is it the burgerpocalypse?
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
June 13, 2019
On Texas Time: Jane Claire Hervey, Founder of #bossbabesatx and Creative Powerhouse
The nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, and musician talks work-life balance, her inspiration, and fostering a community.
Energy
May 29, 2019
The Permian Basin Is Booming With Oil. But at What Cost to West Texans?
Though some will reap serious profits, the region’s dealing with skyrocketing rents, overcrowded schools, and potholes as big as VW Beetles.
Business
May 17, 2019
Does a Sale of Whataburger Mean the Whatapocalypse Is Nigh?
The beloved Texas chain is reportedly seeking investors to fund an expansion. Should we panic?
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
May 17, 2019
Is a Proposed Ban on a State Income Tax Really a Stealth Move to Undermine the State’s Business Tax?
The Legislature’s own budget advisors have warned that a constitutional amendment prohibiting an income tax could cost the state billions in lost revenue from the business tax.
Business
May 16, 2019
The Owner of a Pflugerville Chinese Buffet Is the John Wick of Yelp Replies
Going scorched earth on customers who level criticism is an unwise business practice—yet it’s also strangely riveting to see.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
May 15, 2019
H-E-B Opened Its Latest North Texas Store, and People Flipped the Heck Out
The supermarket chain inches closer to Dallas and Fort Worth.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
May 3, 2019
The Paid Sick Leave Fight is All About Whose Interests Matter Most at the Legislature
In a dispute between cities and the state, employees and employers, you can probably guess who has the upper hand.
Business
April 30, 2019
Founded by Two Texans, the Mom 2.0 Summit Is Serious Business
The conference—which is all about empire-building, networking, and big ideas—had a triumphant return to its home state, complete with Brené Brown.
The National Podcast of Texas
April 22, 2019
Kendra Scott: “If You’re Doing What Everybody Else Is Doing, You’ve Already Failed.”
On this week’s National Podcast of Texas, the jewelry designer and entrepreneur talks philanthropy, the future of retail, and the benefits of a company led by women.
Business
April 19, 2019
Schlotzsky’s Is Rebranding its 300-Plus Locations as Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery
The restaurant chain’s updated menu—which now includes tacos, sliders, and ‘tins’—features Texas favorites like, uh, Pastrami Stackers? And California chicken flatbreads?
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
April 11, 2019
Does Buc-ee’s Texan-Accented Mystique Translate in Alabama?
A visit to the beloved mega-convenience chain’s first store outside its home state.
Business
March 20, 2019
The Rest of the World Wants a Piece of the SXSW Action
Cities, countries, and regions capitalized on Austin’s premier international event to seek tourism and economic development dollars.
Business
March 19, 2019
On Texas Time: Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, Founder of Bird Bakery
The Bird Bakery CEO talks Texas cravings and rates Armie Hammer as an ”Instagram husband.”
By
Cat Cardenas
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Business
March 18, 2019
How Many Domains Does Austin Need?
With yet another billion dollar mixed-use development in the works, Austin may be nearing its saturation point.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
March 13, 2019
Lettuce Grow’s Subscription Service Promises to Make Texas Gardening Much Simpler
Actress Zooey Deschanel and her husband, entrepreneur Jacob Pechenik, launch an Austin-based effort to help you grow your own vegetables.
Business
March 8, 2019
At SXSW, HBO and Amazon Go Over-the-Top on “Immersive Experiences”
The entertainment giants are going all out— think a ’Game of Thrones’ renaissance faire, angel/devil cosplay, and puppies. And manicures.
By
Dan Solomon
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Business
February 20, 2019
Is the World Ready for Dell 3.0?
Michael Dell has transformed the stodgy computer manufacturer that bears his name into a nimble data-management outfit. He’s hoping that's enough to bring the pride of Round Rock back to its former glory.