TXST Family Choice Awards Rank Local Businesses
New students and families can use the list of 80 award-winning San Marcos businesses to find trusted local services.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Local Services
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The Texas State University Office of New Student and Family Experiences launched the TXST Family Choice Awards in October 2026 to highlight local San Marcos businesses. The initiative features 80 recognized companies across categories like dining, auto services, and pet care.
Why it matters
This program helps incoming students and their families identify reputable service providers in San Marcos. By vetting local resources, the university aims to strengthen the connection between campus life and the surrounding business community.
The TXST Family Choice Awards highlight 80 winners selected by the Texas State University Family Association. These businesses serve categories including dining, transportation, personal care, and pet services.
The players
Texas State University Office of New Student and Family Experiences
The administrative department responsible for supporting student integration and campus-community relations.
TXST Family Association
A member-led organization that provides support and resources to the families of Texas State students.
Jax Burgers
A San Marcos dining establishment recognized in the 2026 awards that opened in 2022.
On Paws Professional Pet Services
A local pet care provider established in 2015 that received recognition in the 2026 awards.
The details
The program relies on nominations submitted by members of the TXST Family Association, ensuring the winning businesses reflect the preferences of the university community. Following the voting process, the university compiled the winners into a pamphlet distributed to students and parents during orientation. This resource guides new families toward trusted local options, such as businesses like the Jax Burgers location opened in 2022 or the pet care provider On Paws, which was founded in 2015.
Timeline
2015: On Paws Professional Pet Services was founded.
2022: Jax Burgers opened its San Marcos location.
October 2026: The TXST Family Choice Awards were finalized.
The Home Front
The TXST Family Choice Awards represent a growing trend in university-led efforts to bridge the gap between student life and local municipal economies. By curating this list, the university helps integrate students into the San Marcos business ecosystem while providing families with reliable local references.
If you are a student or family member at Texas State, review the orientation pamphlets to identify recommended local businesses for your ongoing needs in San Marcos. Keep this curated list handy when selecting new auto, pet, or dining services throughout the academic year.
The takeaway
The TXST Family Choice Awards provide a crowd-sourced resource for identifying reputable service providers across San Marcos. Keep your orientation pamphlet as a reliable reference for your next local service search.
Further reading
Learn more about finding reliable providers in the Local Services directory.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch.
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