Franchisee Sizzling Hospitality has signed leases for four Pepper Lunch sites across Austin and Houston; the Leander location is due to open by year‑end. The rollout is part of a 20‑unit Texas plan.

Mosswood Meltdown expands its 2026 program: Iggy Pop and Bikini Kill headline, and organizers added six official late‑night afterparties at two downtown clubs. Tickets and VIP tiers are on sale now.

Four masked suspects pistol‑whipped an Uber driver outside the Oakland Marriott early Friday and fled with his wallet and phone. Police recovered a vehicle at a nearby gas station as the investigation continues.