Waco, we’re launching something new 🎓

Good morning, Waco. This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s as thrilling as getting the whole row to yourself on the plane.

Let’s get to it!

— Sam Harper

If you have ever been curious about Dysport but unsure what it is, here is the straightforward version.

Dysport is an FDA-approved injectable used to temporarily soften frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and other facial lines by relaxing the underlying muscles. It does not “freeze” your face. When administered properly, it simply reduces the muscle movement that causes deeper lines while preserving natural expression.

Most treatments take just a few minutes, involve minimal downtime, and many patients notice results quickly.

Skin & Body Refinery is offering a February special: get a qualifying Dysport treatment between February 2–28 and receive $50 off your next Dysport, Restylane, or Sculptra treatment.

If your goal is to look refreshed, not different, this is one of the most trusted options available.

Schedule your appointment this month and take advantage of the offer.

Back in December, I asked if you wanted more ways to meet people, learn interesting things, and do it somewhere other than behind a phone screen.

Hundreds of you said yes.

After four Dinner Clubs and many of you showing up to the after-dinner meetups, one thing has become clear. We want places to gather. We want more reasons to sit at a table with neighbors, hear a great idea, and walk away feeling a little more connected to the city we call home.

So on March 5, we’re launching something new called Social Studies.

We’ll be on the outdoor patio at Barnett’s (420 Franklin Ave) from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The format is simple. Grab a drink or some food. Listen to a 45-minute talk from an expert in our community. Ask a few questions. Then stay, talk, and meet the people sitting next to you. They might be a neighbor you didn’t even know.

Our first lecture is “Waco Time Machine: Waco History at 50, 100, and 150 years ago,” led by Dr. Stephen Sloan, Professor of History and Director of the Institute for Oral History. He’ll walk us through pivotal moments that shaped Waco and help us better understand how we got here and where we might be headed.

This is about creating a space where you learn something that sticks, meet someone you didn’t expect to meet, and leave feeling more connected to Waco than when you arrived.

Would love to see you there…and while we’re talking about showing up for Waco.

Everyone loves a good tee or sweatshirt. A Waco Buzz shirt that helps support community energy is even better. This is the last week to grab Waco Buzz merch from this run whether you want a shirt to wear out, a sweatshirt to cozy up in, or something to remind you (and everyone around you) that Waco is worth celebrating.

Waco (ACT) → Seattle (SEA) for $268 round-trip

Seattle is one of those cities that checks a lot of boxes. Coffee capital. Waterfront views. Pike Place Market where Starbucks originated. Easy access to the Cascade mountains. And yes, home of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

You can leave from ACT, connect once, and land in the Pacific Northwest for under $300. That is often less than the cost of driving to/from Dallas, parking, and grabbing airport food along the way.

👉 See this flight deal*

This is a good reminder that flying out of Waco can possibly save you money, gas, and time. 👉 See how much you can save flying out of Waco
Price is subject to change and may no longer be available at the time you check this link.

Union Grove Closing
Union Brands Eateries Texas announced it will close operations at Union Grove on Woodway Drive within the next 90 days as its lease expires. Union Hall downtown continues to do well. Worth noting: this news was a surprise to several of the restaurants operating inside Union Grove. Expect some movement and announcements in the coming weeks.

Kings Wing’s Going into former Five Guys Burgers
One of those moves is already happening. King’s Wings is planting roots in the former Five Guys space at 4300 W Waco Dr by Jamba. They’re targeting a March opening. We shared it on Instagram this weekend. Wings are clearly having a moment in Waco.

China Spring Grocery Store
Jayce’s Grocery Store opened at 10412 China Spring Road. For a community that has mostly relied on Dollar General Fresh or a 20–25 minute drive into Waco, this is a meaningful addition. They’re starting with a growing inventory and partnering with local vendors. Hours are Monday–Friday 9–6 and Saturday 9–1, with expanded hours coming soon.

Nightlight Donuts for Sale
Nightlight Donuts in Woodway is listed for $350K. Established 2019 with $650K in revenue. Fully built out with kitchen, staff, recipes, and systems. Lease runs through 2030. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a donut shop, this is worth looking at.
_{^{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}}

🏛️ Police Chief Shares 2025 Crime Report
Overall crime in Waco dropped 7 percent in 2025 compared to last year. Property crime and drug-related offenses both declined, and crimes against persons are still down 16 percent compared to 2021. That is steady progress and worth recognizing.

One area to keep an eye on: crimes against persons rose slightly year over year, with most of that increase tied to family violence. Encouraging direction overall, with clear work still ahead.👉 Read more from KWTX

🏗️ Downtown Waco Is Asking: What Should Go Here?
The City of Waco and Hunt Real Estate are inviting private developers to submit proposals for eight parcels totaling about 8.5 acres surrounding the new Barron’s Branch Park. This is the land just east of Heritage Square between Franklin Avenue, University Parks Drive, I-35, and the Brazos River.

The City has built the public framework. Now they’re asking the private market to step in and help shape what fills it. The vision calls for up to one million square feet of mixed-use development including retail, housing, office space, and parking.

This is where public vision meets private investment. The City sets the direction, and developers help bring it to life. 👉 Read more

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Looking Ahead

📚 Local Author Book Faire
Feb. 19 | 6–9 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Café
Fifteen to twenty Waco authors, one room, come-and-go style. No RSVP. Just pop in, meet the writers, and leave with a signed book from someone who lives down the street.

🎭 Baylor Sing
Feb. 19–21 & 26–28 | Waco Hall
Sing is officially sold out, which tells you everything you need to know. If you grabbed tickets, enjoy the Broadway-level production that somehow happens every year right here in Waco.

🎤 Jelly Roll & Post Malone
Tickets go on sale to the general public this morning at 10 AM. Set your alarm.

🏀Baylor Men’s Basketball grabbed a much-needed win over Colorado last Wednesday, 86–67, before traveling to No. 7 Iowa State and falling in a tight one, 72–69. The improvement is noticeable. They competed on the road against a top-10 team. But at this stage of the season moral victories do not move the needle. If they want to hear their name called on Selection Sunday, they need to stack wins quickly. At the current pace, even an NIT invite in March would feel like progress.
Coming up:
BYU at Foster Pavilion | Tonight at 6 PM
Louisville in Fort Worth | Saturday the 14th at 3 PM
BYU features potential No. 1 NBA Draft pick AJ Dybantsa, so Foster Pavilion will have future NBA talent on the floor tonight.

🏀Baylor Women’s Basketball picked up two strong wins last week, beating Cincinnati on the road 76–70 and Arizona State at home 67–64. Both were competitive, controlled finishes that show this group finding its rhythm at the right time.
Coming up:
TCU at Foster Pavilion | Thursday at 6 PM
UCF in Orlando | Saturday at 1 PM

⚾ Baylor Baseball (Opening Weekend)
Baseball is officially back at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark. Opening weekend brings New Mexico State to Waco with a three-game series: Friday at 4 PM, Saturday at 2 PM, Sunday at 1 PM

⚾ MCC Baseball (Record: 2–1 last week)
MCC dropped a close one to New Mexico Junior College, 6–4, but bounced back with two wins over Iowa Western, 17–6 and 9–8. The offense showed up in a big way in that first win.

Coming up:
Blinn College at home | Friday at 2 PM

The Reset Experience at Holistic Bodywork Waco combines therapeutic bodywork with a complimentary nervous system check-in to get to the root of your aches. New clients save $15 on their first booking through February 28th! Book your intentional start right here.

🔥Kick off 2026 with the Fit in ’26 deal from HOTWORX Woodway: just $99 all in for enrollment, February dues, plus a mat and towel. This Waco Buzz reader promo ($276 value) expires February 28, 2026. Call (254) 870-4508 or stop by 13701 Woodway Dr. to claim it.

✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best. Waco Buzz readers get 15% off the Event Ready treatment plan.

💧 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 co-worker who called out sick yesterday due to the Super Bowl.

Whenever you’re ready, there are three ways I can help you:

1. Dinner Club: Making new friends as an adult is hard. We make it easy by coordinating a dinner with five others at the table, provide conversation starters, and take the awkward part out of the evening. Next Dinner Club is on March 25.

2. Job Board: The best place to find open roles at growing companies in Waco with opportunities in media, marketing, sales, communication, tech, and engineering. Hiring? Use code STARTUP to post your first job today FOR FREE.

3. Promote your business or event to 25,000 highly engaged Waco locals across our newsletter and social media channels.