☕️Big wins for Waco. One you can jump on (literally).

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s as satisfying as a large Schmaltz and a root beer for lunch.

In today’s edition:

Thank you to everyone who's been sending me stories about the local businesses that really get it right—you know, the ones you'd tell your friends about because they actually care about Waco and the people here.

I'm working on a new Community Champions section where we'll spotlight these businesses right here in the Waco Buzz. Got a local business that deserves some love? Hit reply and tell me about them.

— Sam Harper

Seinfeld's J. Peterman Is Coming to Waco

Well, sort of. John O’Hurley—the actor who played J. Peterman on Seinfeld—is coming to town this October. He’ll be the featured speaker at the Guardian Angel Society’s Champagne Brunch on October 3 at Ridgewood Country Club.

The event supports Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter that relies on community funds for lifesaving emergency care for animals. If you love animals and/or Seinfeld, this is your kind of event.
🔗 More details from KWTX

$5 Million Boost for Mental Health in McLennan County
McLennan County is getting a major state investment to improve mental health services—a total of $5 million over the next two years. The funds will help expand crisis intervention teams, add psychiatric beds for uninsured residents, and enhance support for people transitioning out of the county jail. Local leaders, including the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network CEO Ryan Adams, are working closely with the McLennan County Behavioral Health Leadership Team to decide how best to use the money.
🔗 Read the full story via the Waco Tribune ($)

Flying with Kids Just Got Easier✈️

✈️ TSA's rolling out dedicated family lanes nationwide—shoes stay on, less chaos, more smiles. Texas airports are getting them soon, which means smoother travel for Waco families.

And speaking of travel—if you're already dreaming about your next family trip, Southwest just dropped a pretty sweet deal: 100,000 points plus a 10,000-point companion pass boost. Not bad if you're planning to visit the grandparents more than twice over the next 18 months. ✈️ Check it out if you're interested*

Waco’s Getting a Sky Zone!
A brand-new Sky Zone Trampoline Park is bouncing into town—taking over the old Burlington Coat Factory building at 5050 W Waco Drive.

It’s part trampoline park, part ninja course, part energy-burning playground. Perfect for birthday parties, weekend fun, or just letting the kids burn off the 3 p.m. wiggles. 🎉
Opening date TBD, but construction is underway!
👀 Sneak peek here

Sewing Community Scores a Win 🧵
After Joann’s shut its doors, Waco’s sewing and quilting crowd was left in the lurch.

Enter: Ultimate Sewing Gallery, now open at 5180 W Waco Drive. This specialty shop offers high-end machines, materials, and expert guidance—with locations in Phoenix, Conroe, and now Waco.

If you love embroidery, quilting, or custom stitching—this is your new happy place.
🧵 Check them out

Bonus: A Downtown Gem Is Up for Grabs
The historic Phoenix Ballroom Building—home to Pignetti’s and steps from the Silos—is officially for sale.

This 1907 building features original hardwoods, 14-foot ceilings, and a live/work/VRBO unit upstairs. With steady rental income and prime location between Waco’s biggest tourist draw and its next wave of riverfront development, it’s a serious opportunity for investors (or dreamers with deep pockets).

🔗 See the listing

The Victory Employer Services

Elaine F. Botello, PHR, SHRM‑CP, spent over 30 years leading Human Resources at the highest levels. In 2020, just four days after retiring from Waco ISD, she launched the Victory Employer Services—a Waco-based HR consulting firm with one mission: to bring PEACE of Mind to organizations navigating today’s workplace challenges.

The Victory Employer Services provides tailored HR support to small businesses, nonprofits, churches, and mission-driven organizations. That includes strategic planning, recruitment, compliance audits, workplace investigations, leadership training, and more. Think of Elaine as your on-call HR department—backed by experience and rooted in purpose.

Why Waco?

Elaine’s family legacy of service, her commitment to culturally grounded leadership, and her deep ties to Waco (including board roles with the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber and Dr Pepper Museum) shape everything she does. Her impact goes beyond HR—she’s also the Founding Board Chair of the Hispanic Leaders’ Network and a mentor to emerging community leaders.

What she’s most proud of? Helping clients build stronger, healthier teams—from conflict to cohesion, burnout to balance, confusion to clarity.

Know a business, church, or nonprofit that could use HR support? Send them to victoryes.com or email [email protected].

^{_{This spotlight is brought to you in partnership with Startup Waco which exists to support and uplift entrepreneurs in Waco.}}

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday Event Spotlight

Baylor Hoops Takes Silver 🏀

After a week of competition and six hard-fought games, Team USA—represented by Baylor Men’s Basketball—brought home the silver medal from the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany.

They dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to Brazil, 94–88, but for the first tournament with this entirely new squad, the future looks bright.

March 2026 can't come soon enough.

Football Tickets = Live 🏈

Baylor Football single-game tickets are officially on sale, starting at $22.

You can now snag your seats for the highly anticipated Blackout on the Brazos against Auburn (August 29), plus other home matchups throughout the season like Kansas State, Utah, and Houston.

🎟 Get tickets here

Clickbait headlines won’t grow your portfolio. That’s why over 1M investors — including Wall Street insiders — start their day with The Daily Upside. Founded by investment bankers and journalists, it cuts through the noise with clear insights on business, markets, and the economy. Stop guessing and get smarter every morning.

Subscribe free today.

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, share it with your friend who has a flip phone.

^{**This article contains product recommendations from our writers. When you buy through these links, the Waco Buzz may earn a commission.}