New Businesses Coming to Abilene, Texas in 2026

Abilene, Texas, is continuing to grow rapidly, and 2026 is bringing a long list of new restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops, and major developments to the city.
In our latest video, we break down some of the biggest businesses either opening, under construction, or officially announced in Abilene this year.



Whether you already live in Abilene or are thinking about moving here, these new businesses are a major sign of how quickly the city is evolving.

Ziggi’s Coffee

The newest coffee shop coming to Abilene is Ziggi’s Coffee, located near Craig Middle School off Judge Ely Boulevard.
While many people say that Abilene already has enough coffee shops, Ziggi’s offers much more than traditional coffee. Their menu includes:

• Energy drinks
• Specialty sodas
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Blended drinks
• Drive-thru convenience

Fuego Tortilla Grill

Fuego Tortilla Grill is one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Abilene.
Originally founded in College Station, Fuego is known for:

• Homemade tortillas
• Creative tacos
• Burrito Bowls
• Margaritas and Beer
• 24-hour service

The new location is taking over the old Chick-fil-A building on Southwest Drive and is should become a major favorite among college students and locals alike!

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

If you’ve been wondering what’s being built in the Mall of Abilene parking lot near Casa Herrera and Lowes, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is the confirmed addition!

Freddy’s is a fast food chain that specializes in:

• Smash burgers
• Frozen custard
• Shoestring fries

This gives South Abilene another fast-food restaurant option in a very busy area of town!

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

One of the most requested chain restaurants is finally coming to South Abilene. Located in the shopping center along 83/84 south of Antilley Road.

Five Guys is known nationwide for:

• Fresh burgers
• Hand-cut fries
• Large portions
• Customizable burgers

Construction is currently in progress and they should be open by the end of 2026!

R Lux Charcuterie Lounge

R Lux Charcuterie Lounge brings a more upscale dining option to South Abilene! Located in the shopping center along 83/84 south of Antilley Road. R Lux is now open!

Despite the name, they offer much more than charcuterie boards, including:

• Full entrees
• Signature cocktails
• Brunch
• Appetizers
• Lounge atmosphere

This is another sign that Abilene’s dining scene is continuing to expand beyond traditional chain restaurants.

Teriyaki Madness

Teriyaki Madness is another fast-casual restaurant joining the growing southside shopping developments along 83/84 south of Antilley!
The restaurant offers:

• Teriyaki chicken bowls
• Steak bowls
• Salmon bowls
• Rice and vegetables
• Quick takeout meals

Think of it as a Japanese-inspired fast-casual alternative to Panda Express.

Angry Cactus

Originally from San Angelo, Angry Cactus is bringing its modern Texas-style menu to Abilene.
Known for:

• Steaks
• Smoked meatloaf
• Modern twists on Texas classics
• Craft cocktails
• Upscale atmosphere

The new restaurant will be located in the Soda District on South 1st and Oak.

Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar

Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar is offically coming to Abilene, near the Walmart on Highway 351, north of town! 
This seafood restaurant chain is known for:

• Seafood boils
• Cajun flavors
• Crab legs
• Shrimp boils

The restaurant is expected to open sometime in 2027.

GLO Tanning

GLO Tanning recently opened near the Mall of Abilene and offers more than just tanning beds.
Services include:

• Spray tans
• Tanning Beds
• Red light therapy
• Hydro massage
• Wellness treatments

This is another example of the growing number of wellness and lifestyle businesses coming to Abilene.

Bass Pro Shops & Rainey Creek Development

One of the biggest announcements for Abilene is the new Rainey Creek Development, breaking ground in 2026 and opening sometime in 2027. Bass Pro Shops will anchor this development near I-20 and Ambler.

This area is also expected to include:

• Additional retail stores
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• A Gym

Additional anchor tenants are expected to be announced in the future.

New Flights at Abilene Regional Airport

Travel is becoming easier for Abilene residents thanks to new airline routes through American and United! Along with a planned terminal upgrade, this is a major improvement for both business travel and tourism!
Current and upcoming direct flights include:

• American
  • Dallas
  • Phoenix (June 2026)
• United
  • Houston
  • Denver

New McDonald’s Locations

Abilene is also adding two new McDonald’s locations:

• Buffalo Gap Road & Antilley area
• North Abilene near Interstate 20
  
  

Abilene ,Texas, Is Growing Fast

From restaurants and retail to large-scale developments, Abilene is entering a new phase of growth. Areas near ACU, south Abilene, and north Abilene are all seeing major commercial expansion, giving residents more dining, shopping, and entertainment options than ever before. Whether you love the growth or miss the quieter version of Abilene, there’s no denying that the city is changing rapidly.

Thinking About Moving to Abilene, Texas?

Our YouTube channel focuses on everything happening in Abilene, including:

• New developments
• Neighborhood tours
• Restaurants
• Real estate
• Things to do
• Local lifestyle

If you’re thinking about relocating to Abilene, we’d love to help. And don’t forget to subscribe for weekly updates on Living in Abilene, TX.