🐝 Waco Buzz Turns 1 + GEN Korean BBQ Opens

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz — the local newsletter that turns one today, and like bourbon, broken-in boots, unexpectedly thriving houseplants, and marriages that improve once you agree on how to load the dishwasher, it’s only gotten better with age.

In this weekend’s edition of the Waco Buzz:

Let’s get to it.

— Sam Harper

🎂 Waco Buzz Turns One

Exactly one year ago today, I sent the very first Waco Buzz to 34 of my friends who said they’d read it. Now? Over 6,000 people across Waco open every newsletter—and that still blows my mind.

I started this because I kept hearing the same thing: “There’s nothing to do in Waco.”
And if you’ve spent any time in local Facebook groups, you might think the sky is falling and this is the last place anyone would want to live.

So I decided to flip the script and believe that local news doesn’t have to be primarily car wrecks, politics, and mugshots.

I started this newsletter to show that Waco isn’t boring. That it’s full of people, events, and businesses worth celebrating. And the support? It’s been incredible. So truly—thank you.

This next year? Big things are coming:
Merch. Events. Collabs. Taco Passport with Waco Restaurant Week. Date Night Passport (think free apps and BOGO activities). And plenty more.

If you see me out and about, come say hey! Meeting y’all in real life is the best part of this whole thing. And if you’ve got feedback—good, bad, or somewhere in between—drop it in the poll at the end. I read every single one.

Oh, and if you or someone you know owns a business and wants to get in front of a packed crowd, picture Foster Pavilion with Baylor basketball playing Duke or Kansas, let’s talk. That’s what keeps this rolling.

Thanks for being here. Truly.
Let’s keep making Waco better—together.

Gen Korean BBQ has officially opened next to Cinemark and TopGolf, and if you’ve driven by and wondered whether it’s worth a visit—the short answer is yes. The longer answer involves beef bulgogi, honey chicken, sizzling grills at every table, and your kids asking when you can go back.

This isn’t your average buffet setup. It’s a choose-your-own-meat adventure where you grill everything yourself (don’t worry—they’ll walk you through it). Early diners are already calling it “phenomenal” and “fun for the whole family.” One reviewer said their very picky spouse gave it a “1000% satisfied” rating—which we assume is higher than Michelin stars.

Here’s what to know:
💸 Lunch: $20 | Dinner: $25–$30 (all-you-can-eat)
It’s the first Gen Korean BBQ in Waco—but with 55+ locations across the U.S., they’ve got this down to a science.

Go hungry. Leave happy. Maybe bring stretchy pants.

Waco’s biggest week for movie lovers is back—and bigger than ever. The Waco Independent Film Festival (WIFF) returns for its 9th year with 143 films, fresh new venues, and a spotlight on local talent.

Why it matters? WIFF was just named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee”—a big deal in the film world. That’s bringing more filmmakers (and more buzz) to Waco.

🗓 Highlights include:

🪑 Screenings and events are spread across town: the Hippodrome, Startup Waco, Brotherwell, the Grand Lodge, Fabled, and more. A shuttle connects the venues, so you can festival hop in style.

This isn’t just a film fest—it’s a four-day culture highlight right here in Waco.
More info + passes here

Want to see your business here next week or just want to say hi to 6,000+ neighbors? Shoot me a note and let’s make it happen.

🌟Serenity Medspa & Wellness Center
Serenity Medspa, led by Ronda Van Meter, a 30-year RN turned aesthetics pro, is all about helping you feel confident and vibrant. Whether it’s smoothing out a nose bump, softening lines, or boosting lips, Ronda listens and tailors a plan just for you with care. She even offers a unique non-surgical treatment to lift and tighten skin, the only one in Central Texas! Book a free consult at serenitywaco.com or call (254) 265-6510 today.

🎭 The Prince of Egypt by Waco Civic Theatre
Waco, don’t sleep on this! The Prince of Egypt hits Midway ISD stage July 18–27. This epic musical, with a huge cast and Stephen Schwartz’s soaring score, is a must-see story of faith and freedom. Use code BUZZ for 10% off —grab tickets now before they’re gone! Get yours here.

Friday

- Café y Pan Dulce 9:30 AM | NeighborWorks Waco
- The Lion King JR 4:00 PM | The Performing Arts
- Willie Wonka KIDS 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- Summer Nights with KWBU 6:00 PM | Brotherwell Brewing
- Monte Rose 6:00 PM | Slow Rise on the Brazos
- Country Throwdown: A Night of ’70s, ’80s & ’90s Hits 7:00 PM | The Will
- Johnny Bustamante & The Yacht Crew 7:30 PM | Lounge ’93
- Scandalton: A Bridgerton Burlesque Parody 8:00 PM | Brazos Theatre | Tickets here
- Out Loud 8:00 PM | Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar
- Kayla Ray 8:00 PM | Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon
- The Selena Experience 8:30 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets here
- Billy Holt Band 9:00 PM | Melody Ranch


Saturday

- Downtown Farmers Market 9:00 AM | Bridge Street Plaza
- Shark & Ray Day 9:00 AM | Cameron Park Zoo
- Waco Premier Gun Show 9:00 AM | BASE at Extraco
- Cats vs. Dogs Day 10:00 AM | Mayborn Museum Complex
- Harley Workshop Day 10:30 AM | Harley-Davidson of Waco
- Texas Ranger Talks 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM | Texas Rangers Hall of Fame & Museum
- 2nd Annual Father Fest Car & Truck Show 11:00 AM | University High School
- The Lion King JR (matinee) 11:30 AM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- 3D Printer Club 12:00 PM | HobbyTown
- Hadestown: Teen Edition (matinee) 2:00 PM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- Aloha Luau Night 6:00 PM | Baylor Club | Tickets Here
- Zachary Hill 7:00 PM | Union Grove
- Live Jazz Saturday with Greg Bashara & Evan Klaras 7:00 PM | Segovia Wine Bar
- A Night With The Mammoths Anniversary Gala 7:00 PM | Waco Mammoth | Tickets here
- Jo James with Jon Holt 8:00 PM | Texas Music Cafe | Tickets here
- Rewind Party Band 8:00 PM | The Will
- Frida Fest 8:00 PM | Route 77 Food Park
- Collin James Band 8:30 PM | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar
- Tyler Halverson 8:30 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets here

Sunday

- Homegrown Sunday & Outdoor Market 12:00 PM | The Will
- Vow & Virtue: A Curated Bridal & Quince Experience 1:00 PM | AC Hotel | Tickets here
- Sunday Sessions: Jettee 2:00 PM | Waco Surf
- Mystery Book Club: Die Before Sundown 2:30 PM | South Waco Library
- Eric Howell: Under the Francis Tree 4:00 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | Tickets here
- The Lion King JR 6:00 PM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- Skellington Night Oddities Market 6:00 PM | Skellington Curiosities

Welcome to Open House, where we firmly believe a brick amphitheater wall is just a backyard flex. We’ll give you the details and you guess the price.

Today’s property sits in the heart of Castle Heights, and it’s turning 100 in style. Built in 1925, this historic home blends timeless elegance with updated comfort. Think original hardwoods, sky-high ceilings, and cabana vibes in the backyard.

Highlights include:

So, what’s the price for this century-old stunner with a backyard built for garden parties?
💰 Guess now. Answer at the bottom of today’s Buzz.

🎉 Senior Events Producer — Magnolia
Plan and produce big-time Magnolia events that wow guests and tell great stories. You’ll manage everything from budgets to vendors—all based right here in Waco.
💵 Pay: $85,000–$95,000/year
📍 Location: Magnolia HQ, Waco
🔗 Apply Here

💼 Franchise Business Coach — Neighborly
Coach franchise owners, boost performance, and help grow some of Waco’s best-known service brands. Hybrid schedule with some travel and a lot of impact.
💵 Pay: Based on experience (plus equity + bonus)
📍 Location: Waco Neighborly HQ
🔗 Apply Here

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, share it with your friend who still calls Central Texas Marketplace “the new mall.”