🏪 The store everyone's been waiting for?

Good morning, Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the newsletter that feels like getting to the front of the HEB self-checkout line with a full cart and zero errors.

In this edition:
🏪 City Council votes tonight on a $50M+ big box deal
🐧 Someone threatened the zoo. The penguins are fine.
✈️ Waco to San Diego for $375
🍽️ Two new restaurants on the way
🎶 The best midweek music and events

Let's get to it!
— Sam Harper

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🐧 Bomb threat at Cameron Park Zoo. The penguins are unimpressed.
Cameron Park Zoo closed over the weekend after Waco PD responded to a bomb threat on the property. Everyone is safe, officers handled it fast, and the zoo was back open quickly. I have a firm policy of not covering crime in this newsletter, so I'll leave it at this: really? The penguins?

☀️ Summer is almost here
If you haven't locked in summer plans yet, now's the time to maximize value out of available summer passes. Here are a few passes worth grabbing before the heat really sets in:

And if your kids need something more structured, we put together a summer camp guide with the best options around Waco. Worth a look before spots fill up. Check the summer camp guide here.

🍽️ The next Waco Buzz Dinner Club is Tuesday, May 27, presented by Skin and Body Refinery. 50+ seats already filled. Grab yours here.

✈️ Waco to San Diego: $375 roundtrip
A week in June, near-perfect weather, and you're on the coast in under three hours from the time you leave your house. Waco Regional has cheap long-term parking and security lines that don't require a therapy session afterward.
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🏪 $50 million. One mystery retailer. City Council votes tonight.
The City of Waco is considering one of the largest economic incentive packages in its history: $29.4 million in road infrastructure, $18 million in sales tax rebates, and $3.5 million to purchase 28 acres along I-35 South between New Road and Loop 340. The deal is with developer Waco Gateway LLC, and the retailer's name has not been released.

The site is 252 acres, one of the largest undeveloped tracts left in Waco, sitting right on Texas' busiest interstate. I'm not going to say the C-word and jinx it, but when a city puts this kind of money on the table, it's not for a Tuesday Morning. Council votes tonight at 6 PM. You'll hear it here first when a name surfaces.

🍽️ Two new restaurants worth watching
The owner of Casa Do Brasil is opening a new concept called Tapas right behind the original restaurant at Webster Market (1001 Webster Ave). After spending time in Spain and falling in love with the small plates and social energy there, he's bringing that whole experience here. The goal is to open before the end of the year.

The former John Lillies Steakhouse space, which briefly became Papa Bears, is now becoming Casa Compadre. Renovations are underway, they're hiring staff, and opening day sounds close.

🏛️ On tonight’s City Council agenda:

The big box vote is the headliner, covered above. Here's what else is on the table tonight at 6 PM:

Sanger Ave is getting work done. Council is expected to approve a TxDOT agreement for traffic improvements between Dickens Dr. and New Sanger Ave. About $1.2 million comes from federal funding, with the city covering roughly 10%.

Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center gets more tech. Cisco is extending its technology donation to the center at no cost to the city, with the agreement now running 36 months.

The Public Art Commission is being clarified. An ordinance on second reading would sharpen the commission's advisory role on public art citywide. Low-key but worth noting as downtown keeps growing.

Read the full agenda here.

🎉 FEATURED EVENT of the Week: Kilwins Waco Turns One

It's been a full year since Kilwins opened in Waco, and they're celebrating all Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25. Expect tastings, giveaways, games, and an appearance by the Kilwins Moose. If you've been meaning to stop in for fudge or an ice cream cone, this is a great excuse. The whole family will thank you.

Event details here

Tuesday, May 19:

Wednesday, May 20:

Thursday, May 21:

Want your event featured? Reserve an upcoming Featured Event listing here.

🐻 Bears on three fronts

Baseball earned the No. 8 seed in the Big 12 Tournament after closing the regular season with a series win over Utah. They open Wednesday at Surprise Stadium in Arizona. Go get 'em.

Softball is officially headed to the NCAA Tournament for the 17th time in program history. Seven Big 12 teams made the field this year, and Baylor is one of them. Regional details coming soon.

On the track, the Baylor men's 4x400 relay team won the Big 12 Outdoor Championship. That one's worth a moment of appreciation.

🔥 HOTWORX Woodway: Join for $1 this month and get your first workout free. Claim it here and mention Waco Buzz

🧗‍♀️ This summer, Basin Climbing + Fitness is offering $25 off their summer camp using code WACOBUZZ. If you or your child wants to try climbing before signing up, swing by the gym any day and give it a try together.

🚗 Your neighbors at Chevrolet of West have been taking care of Waco drivers for years with new and pre-owned trucks, SUVs, and cars just 20 minutes up I-35 in West, TX. Stop by or browse their inventory today.

🪙153 five-star reviews, free appraisals, and a reputation for fair market value. Reliable Coins is where Waco goes to sell gold and silver the right way.

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💧 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.

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