🏙️ The Project Everyone’s Debating

Good morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s cozier than pulling on a hoodie that’s still warm from the dryer.

Let’s get to it!

— Sam Harper

Yesterday dipped below freezing, offices are knee-deep in Secret Santa swaps, and inboxes everywhere are filling up with “see you after the holidays.” It’s that stretch of December.

Quick thank you before we roll on. The response to last week’s email celebrating having more than 10,000 subscribers was awesome. I’ve loved reading your notes and seeing the connections forming across the community. The end-of-year survey responses are still rolling in too, and loud and clear themes are emerging. More restaurant reviews, more local guides, and a lot more Best Of lists where you get a vote. Duly noted.

Also, the 24 Days of Giveaways continues. It’s been a blast so far, and there are still some really good ones coming up this week. Follow along on Instagram so you don’t miss them.

🎄 Wondering what restaurants are open on Christmas Day?
If your holiday wish is not cooking dinner, you’re not alone. Here are a few Waco spots planning to be open:

🥩 Casa Do Brasil
🍳 Black Bear Diner
🥩 Saltgrass Steak House

More to come as we get closer, but if eating out is part of your Christmas tradition, now you know where to start.

🌴 Waco → San Juan, Puerto Rico — $239 round trip
Yes, really. Sub-$250 flights from Waco to San Juan are popping up right now, which is about as rare as it gets. Think beaches, old town cobblestone streets, and Caribbean vibes without needing a passport.

These deals don’t hang around long and usually disappear once a few people book. If Puerto Rico has been on your “someday” list, this is one of those prices that turns someday into “why not.”

Check dates and grab it while it’s live.

Human trafficking isn’t something that only happens “somewhere else.” It shows up in communities like ours, often intersecting with schools, hospitals, and law enforcement in ways most people never see. Unbound Now is one of the organizations doing the behind-the-scenes work to meet those moments with clarity and care.

Their advocates respond to crisis calls, support survivors through recovery, and help coordinate long-term care. Just as important, Unbound Now trains teachers, medical staff, first responders, and community partners to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond the right way. That systems-level approach is why state leaders and local agencies consistently rely on their expertise.

What stands out is the balance of compassion and professionalism. Survivors aren’t treated as cases to close, but as people to walk with, while communities are better equipped to prevent the next situation before it happens.

If you want to learn how to get involved in the fight against human trafficking or support this work through giving, Unbound Now is a great place to start.

👟 Vans lands at Richland Mall
NOW OPEN. Vans is officially up and running at Richland Mall, located near Tilt Studio. Another national brand checking the Waco box.

🧀 Roni’s Mac House opens by Cinemark
The viral mac-and-cheese spot everyone’s seen on social is now open near Cinemark with a soft opening happening all week. Pro tip: first-time app downloads get $5 off their first order. Cheap comfort food wins every time.

⚽ Downtown just got a matchday home
Barnett’s Whiskey House and the patio at Drunken Duck are going all-in on watch parties, with some of the largest outdoor screens in town for these games. Guinness on draft, big crowds, and marquee matchups like Manchester United vs Tottenham (Wed, Dec 17) and Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich (Sat, Dec 20) already on the calendar. With the World Cup coming next summer, this feels like the start of something bigger.

🌮 National spotlight for a Waco builder
Eduardo Garcia, co-founder of Helados La Azteca, just made Forbes 30 Under 30 (Class of 2026). A well-earned national nod for a local entrepreneur who’s grown a Waco-born brand into something much bigger while staying rooted in the community.

📣 Bubba’s 33 is hiring a marketing lead
They’re looking for a Local Store Marketer to own community outreach, local partnerships, and local buzz. If you know someone who loves connecting brands to the community, this could be a great fit. Apply here.

^{Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just the things you need to know around town.}

⚖️ City Council Meeting
On the agenda for Tuesday’s Waco City Council meeting:

🏙️ Downtown mixed-use development near City Hall
🏥 Waco Family Medicine update on primary care access
🚦 Major street, bridge, and infrastructure projects citywide
🏘️ Housing and zoning changes, including affordable home development
🚌 Free Waco Transit rides for Baylor students

Location: Waco Convention Center, Bosque Theatre
Time: 3 PM Work Session | 6 PM Business Session
View full agenda ›

Also this week: A proposed multi-billion-dollar data center campus in Lacy Lakeview is in the spotlight. We first shared this announcement back in August, and the conversation has only gotten louder since.

InfraKey Capital is pitching up to six data centers on roughly 520 acres, a project valued as high as $10 billion. City leaders see it as a potential infrastructure win, while residents have organized petitions and packed council meetings with concerns about environmental impact and quality of life. The project is still in early planning, with studies, financing, and community buy-in ahead. Want to see what’s on the table? You can explore the proposal directly from the developer here.

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Looking Ahead

🎉 Mayborn Museum Noon Year’s Eve Bash - Dec 31
Ring in 2026 without staying up past bedtime. The Mayborn is throwing a family friendly countdown at noon with balloons, music, and hands on fun for the kids.


🎰 New Year’s Eve: A Trip to the Strip — Dec 31
AC Hotel transforms its ballroom into a full Vegas style celebration with casino tables, live music, a DJ, late night bites, and a midnight taco spread. Room packages are available if you want to make it an overnight getaway. Tickets for $85.

👩‍💼 Women of Waco Level Up 2026 Conference — Jan 30
A full day women’s business conference at the AC Hotel featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking, swag, a coffee bar, lunch, and a sponsored happy hour. More info.

🏀 Women’s Basketball (10–2, #13)
Baylor ran into a reality check over the weekend, falling 89–54 to No. 2 Texas in Fort Worth. It was a clear look at the gap between the top tier and the rest, but also a good measuring stick in December. Now it’s about the response. The Bears are back home Thursday at 7 PM against Southern University, then host Texas Tech on Sunday at 3 PM, both at Foster Pavilion.

🏀 Men’s Basketball (7–2)
After more than a week off, the Bears are back in action with a full Foster Pavilion weekend. Baylor hosts Alcorn State on Friday night at 7 PM, then turns around to face Southern University on Sunday at noon. A good chance to build rhythm before the schedule tightens up later this month.

🎓Your Plan. Your Way. Your Breakthrough Starts Here.
Discover 140+ degrees and certificates at McLennan Community College—without the burden of debt. Whether you’re starting college or changing careers, MCC makes it simple with guidance, financial aid, and support every step of the way. Your future starts now in Waco at MCC.

✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best.

🏗️ From Waco landmarks to new local favorites, Arise Construction builds projects that last — combining precision craftsmanship with a reputation for getting it done right, on time, and with integrity.

💧 Need a boost? IViT Hydration & Wellness offers IV therapy and wellness treatments to help you feel better, recover faster, and boost energy. Waco Buzz readers get $35 off by clicking the link.

💪Move better. Recover Faster. Live Stronger. Waco Bodymend is a world class space built for everyday movers, athletes, and anyone who wants to feel their best. From red light therapy and PEMF to alterG anti gravity treadmill sessions & home to CrushCycle Waco, we combine science backed recovery with your training that fits your life. Click the link to the get the exclusive offer for Waco Buzz readers.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your neighbor who goes overboard with Christmas decorations.

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