☕Waco’s Biggest Cinnamon Rolls, $1.2B Tech Boom

You might have noticed something different when you opened this email. I’ve updated the Waco Buzz look and feel, with a new logo and cleaner design to make your reading experience even smoother. Think of it as your favorite local spot getting a little facelift — same great place, just easier on the eyes.

At the bottom of today’s newsletter, there’s a quick poll asking what you think of the new look — I’d love your feedback!

And there’s a lot more on the way: just signed on the 15th restaurant for the Date Night Passport, new merch items coming soon, plus a brand-new website in the works. A lot happening behind the scenes, and I can’t wait for you to see it all.

Let’s get to it!

— Sam Harper

🪑 Don’t be a keyboard warrior—help shape Waco
It’s way too easy to sit behind our keyboards and complain about what’s wrong. One big reason I do the Waco Buzz? To give you the scoop on what’s happening right here in your own backyard — so you can roll up your sleeves and make a difference.

Currently, there are open volunteer board and commission seats where real decisions get made that shape your parks, your neighborhood’s growth, how public transit runs, and even how Waco preserves its history.

Want cleaner parks, better bus routes, smarter city planning, or keeping our local landmarks looking sharp? This is your chance to bring your ideas, your expertise, and that good ol’ common sense to the table.

📋 Open spots include:
Aviation Advisory Board • Parks & Rec Commission • Plan Commission • Transit Board • Urban Renewal Agency • Historic Landmark Preservation • and more
👉 Start your application

🍦 Kilwins + Shepherd’s Heart = Sweet Impact
Kilwins Ice Cream is scooping up a tasty way to give back all August long. Grab one of their iconic buckets in store, fill it with non-perishable food items, bring it back, and they’ll hook you up with free ice cream. Every bucket donated goes straight to Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, helping folks right here in Waco. It’s a win-win: you get a treat and the community gets support. Swing by and spread some kindness this month.

🎵🎵Grammy nominated local artist Forest Frank update: After breaking his back in a skateboarding accident two weeks ago, the Waco-based musician says he’s been miraculously healed. It’s worth watching his story — and sharing in the joy — here.

Hilltop Tavern
Chef Alejandro and Chef Alyssa (the team behind Butcher’s Cellar) are cooking up something new—literally across the street. They’re opening Hilltop Tavern, a classic sports bar with a warm, family-friendly vibe. Expected to open in November. Check it out here. hilltoptaverntx.com

Slumber Rollz
They teased it last month, and now they’ve officially opened their doors at 101 S. New Road (by Franklin). Expect comfy vibes and Texas-sized gourmet cinnamon rolls—each one’s so big, your fitness tracker might start judging you. Swing by this week and see if you can finish one without calling for backup

KidStrong Waco
Got little ones with big energy? KidStrong is opening a new location next week on Monday, August 11 at Westview Village Mall (Valley Mills & Waco Drive). It’s a training program for kids ages 1 to 11 that blends fitness, brain development, and character-building into one high-energy 45 minute experience. waco.kidstrong.com

Dallas-based CyrusOne and Houston’s Calpine are teaming up on a massive data center campus just north of Waco. Why care?

It’s called DFW10, and the first phase is expected to open in late 2026.

This isn’t just a warehouse with servers—it’s a signal that Central Texas is becoming a tech hub to watch. Read more.

On the agenda for Tuesday’s City Council meeting:

The meeting is at 6:00 PM at the Waco Convention Center - Bosque Theatre. The public is welcome to attend. 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX, 76701

📆 Tuesday:

Tyler Davis: God of the Whirlwind @ Fabled Bookshop & Cafe - 7 PM

Beer Garden Yoga @ Brotherwell Brewing - 7 PM

Smarty Pints Trivia @ Southern Roots Brewing Co. - 7 PM

Slap Stix Trivia Tuesday @ Slap Stix Trivia Tuesday - 7:30 PM

Open Mic Night @ Thrst Coffee - 8 PM

📆 Wednesday:

The Meetup @ Startup Waco - 9 AM

Story Time with the Woodway Public Safety Department @ Carleen Bright Arboretum - 3 PM

Wild Wednesdays Hikes @ Cameron Park - 5:45 PM

Robert Fuller: The Sapphire Song @ Fabled Bookshop & Cafe - 6 PM

Trivia Night @ Hemingway’s Watering Hole - 6 PM

Wednesday Game Night @ The Will - 6 PM

Music Bingo @ Brotherwell Brewing - 7 PM

📆 Thursday:

August Discovery Activity: Scavenger Hunt @ Urban REAP - 10 AM

Mint to Be: Wedding Vendors Open House @ Anthem STORIES - 5 PM

KRIS with a K Music Bingo @ Waco Ale Co. - 6 PM

Trivia Night @ Brotherwell Brewing - 7 PM

Back to School Bash with Sloppy Joe Band @ Carleen Bright Arboretum - 7 PM

Summer Melodrama: Along Came Joan or Savin’ Sweet Stu’s Bacon @ Brazos Theatre - 7:30 PM | Tickets

Troubadour Tales Songwriter Series @ Texas Music Cafe - 8 PM

It’s not every day you flip on ESPN and see a bunch of 11- and 12-year-olds from Waco playing their hearts out—let alone see ESPN broadcasting from Waco.

That’s right. Waco played host to the Little League Baseball Southwest Region Tournament, and Midway’s 12U All-Stars made the most of their home-field advantage, putting on a show in front of friends, family, and a national audience.

Their run came to a heartbreaking end Sunday afternoon, but this squad gave the hometown something to cheer about.

And if you’ve been keeping score, Midway’s on a roll—recent high school baseball and softball championships, and now a Little League team that went toe-to-toe with the best in the region.

Waco’s baseball future looks very bright.

🏠 Evergreen Enterprises - Honest, reliable, and on time general contractor
☕ Homestead Weekly Market – Saturday mornings 10A-2P
⭐Adam Rogers - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance - Local, trusted guidance designed specifically for your family.

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