‘Contrast Brings Clarity’ is the new book on homeschooling by Teressa Kennedy. Photo: Teressa Kennedy, used with permission.
My name is Teressa and I am a proud homeschool mom, entrepreneur, and author with a passion for education. At this point on our homeschooling journey, I feel it is necessary to share our story with the goal of helping parents, and educators like yourself, work towards building stronger partnerships between schools and families in our mission to educate our children. From my personal experience, children learn best when parents, educators, other family members, and community members work together to encourage and support them along their journey. (Teressa Kennedy, 2021)
As parents, we want the best for our children, but sometimes we stand in our own way by solely relying on our experiences to help educate them. My son gave me gentle reminders to show me that he and I have two different learning styles. As much as I tried to teach him the way I was taught, it was not effective. Also, I came to the realization that I had limitations, and needed others to help support my son and me along our educational journey.
We have an amazing village of fellow parent educators, family members, teachers, and clients who all share the same vision about supporting our children’s unique educational journey. I hope our story will encourage you.
Does one size really fit all? As lovely as that might sound, people come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. It is therefore virtually impossible to design a clothing item that can truly fit all people. In reality, the ‘one size fits all’ ideal is actually designed to fit sizes within a specific range.
Much like clothing items, traditional education centers around a ‘one size fits all’ methodology. As a result, a single-core teaching model is used for all students, regardless of their individual learning style. And this applies to teaching styles as well as to student evaluations. So, as a parent, what do you do when your child does not fit into that one core teaching model?
In “Contrast Brings Clarity,” Teressa answers that very question. Her courageous response completely changed the course of her life — and that of her son. While she struggled to build a suitable educational experience for him, Teressa overcame countless obstacles and, in due course, answered the homeschooling call. Eventually, side by side, mother and son embarked on the adventure of a lifetime.
Along her incredible journey, Teressa learned numerous strategies that helped her son succeed academically — and she would like to share those strategies with you.
‘Lineage: Life and Love and Six Generations in California Wine’ by Steven Kent Mirassou. Photo: amazon
Steven Kent Mirassou is an acclaimed winemaker and a descendant of one of the oldest and most respected wine families in California. He received his BA in American Literature from the George Washington University and his MA in Literature from NYU. He started his wine career in sales but found his true passion after moving into the production side of the business in 1996. Steven has made the highest rated wines from the Livermore Valley, and he is a co-founder of the Mount Diablo Highlands Wine Quality Alliance and the President of the Livermore Valley Wine Growers Association. With his decades of winemaking expertise, and with his extraordinary gift for haunting writing, Steven takes readers straight into the heart of his calling in his first book “Lineage: Life, Love and Six Generations in California Wine.” (amazon, 2021)
Steven Kent Mirassou starts “Lineage” with a description of the critical hour at the vineyard before the harvest starts. It is a cold night and it is “wondrously lonely out now” before the workers arrive. He is alone with his thoughts as they wander to the past and he reflects on the path that brought him to the wine making business. As the narrative moves along, he takes readers deep into the art of his craft, through the six generations that the Mirassou family has been growing grapes and crafting wines in California, the last thirty years in the Livermore Valley. As with every story, there is family drama, including the highs and lows of running a business. But through it all, he loves what he does and he learns that every loss brings on new beginnings. The book is divided into two parts: Part One consists of chapters like The Deep and Simple Immensity, Making Wine is Morning Work, and Thanks You Can Never Repay and Part Two has chapters like The True North of Civilization, Imprisoned in These Barrels, and Each Dusty Sunset Observed. It is an inside look deep into the art, the craft, the passion, and the 8,000 years of history that lie inside the finest of wines. As he puts it, “I work to take care of people, to add richness and joy to their lives, to make the people who drink my wine a little happier after than than they were before, each day.”
Images of beautiful Italian vineyards often accompany thoughts of wine and the wine making business. What the general public does not see is what happens behind the scenes: the long cold nights with the only illumination coming from the lights around the perimeter which are powered by generators, the tired workers who show up to work the vineyards, and the winemakers with arms deep in crushed grapes. Told in the first person point of view, it is a deeply personal look into the history of winemaking and his family business. This is a book like no other. It is a combination of autobiography and beautiful poetic prose: “This sweaty ferment that is the wine production business is like the snake attracted to its own tail, making eternal circles.” Accentuated with hauntingly beautiful pictures that tell their own story, it is more than just a book about the history of winemaking, it an impressive work of literature. “Lineage” brings the art of winemaking to the general masses and is recommended for readers interested in books about winemaking with a genuinely personal touch as well as poetry fans.
“To taste a wine with one’s heart is to come to know the dirt between the farmer’s fingers, the exhalations of the vineyard as it sleeps in the black night.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch on Sunday December 26, 2021. Photo: Naco 210, used with permission.
To help guests get over the strain of the holidays, Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch all day on Sunday, December 26 from 8a.m. until closing at 6p.m. The Naco team will be serving up pozole, tamales Oaxaqueños, special chilaquiles, and more, in addition to Mexican fruit punch and cafe canela, a cinnamon infused coffee. Pricing is based on a la carte items. (Naco 210, 2021)
The restaurant, an extension of the popular Naco Mexican Eatery food truck, just opened its first brick and mortar location earlier this month at Los Patios. The menu at Naco 210 includes all the food truck fan-favorites, but also includes all-day chilaquiles, a selection of breakfast egg benedicts made with traditional Mexican toppings including huitlacoche and Naco’s Mexican brisket, Mexican-inspired croissants with options like guava and cheese, all-natural aguas frescas, and more.
Holiday Hangover Brunch at Naco 210 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop San Antonio, TX 78217
“The Sweetest Ladybug” by Isabel Cintra is a fantasy-based tale about kindness and inclusion. Photo: amazon
Isabel Cintra grew up in the small town of Sao Joaquim de Barra, Brazil. At an early age, she entered the magical world of writing and literature. Her book “Corvo-Correio” was a winner of Brazil’s 2017 Off Flip Literature Prize. (Black Château, 2021)
Isabel Cintra brings a message of representation and diversity to children around the world. She grew up wondering why the characters in her favorite fairy tales did not look like her and now she is changing that. Through her vibrant picture books, illustrated by her brother Zeka Cintra, Isabel strives to introduce kids to a world where diversity is valuable and beautiful. Her stories feature black and brown heroes and sheroes.
Award-winning author Isabel Cintra introduces children to the magical world of small insects in her new illustrated book, “The Sweetest Ladybug.” This fantasy-based delightful tale brings a message of representation and diversity, as well as the importance of kindness and inclusion.
Imagine if everything happening in your imagination also happened in real life. This is exactly what happens one day in the life of a curious, sweet, and intelligent girl named Johana. Guided by a beautiful ladybug, Johana discovers all the mysteries and beauties hiding in her own garden.
“When I was a child, I imagined being inside a hole where little ants were going. Playing with that imagination and wondering how the small insects in the garden live was the thought process behind this story.” – Isabel Cintra
“The Sweetest Ladybug” is a modern version of Alice in Wonderland for children aged 7-12. Johana becomes small, makes odd friends, and goes through some fantastic adventures full of kindness and challenges. It is available in paperback on Amazon and other major retailers. Paperback price: $15.99
EVO Entertainment Group is celebrating the blockbuster Spiderman: No Way Home with a special superhero themed event. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
EVO Entertainment Group is bringing everyone’s favorite heroes, both on and off the screen, to celebrate the highly-anticipated blockbuster Spiderman: No Way Home. Spider-Man, Little Spider Gwen, Little Miles Morales, Iron Man and Hawkeye characters will appear in-costume at EVO Entertainment Kyle Crossing on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. and EVO Entertainment Schertz on Saturday, December 18, 2011 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2021)
EVO Entertainment is partnering with non-profit Cap’s Crusaders to bring these classic Marvel characters to life and give guests the chance to be a hero themselves. To take a snapshot with their friendly neighborhood heroes, guests are encouraged to bring a new or gently used children’s toy, book, or donation to benefit local children’s hospitals and shelters. Of course, photos can still be captured without a donation. So grab your popcorn, camera and web shooters and head to EVO Entertainment to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
For those still looking for the perfect last minute gift this holiday season, EVO Entertainment is offering a Buy $50, Get $10 digital gift card for purchase to guests starting today, December 16, 2021. This offer is available through Friday, December 24, 2021 and terms and conditions of purchase may be found below. Guests can visit EVO Cinemas to purchase a $50 digital gift card and get their $10 bonus. Each card is redeemable at any EVO location so guests can experience unlimited excitement in EVO’s state-of-the-art gaming centers. Once players are done riding the Virtual Rabbids VR Coaster and fighting off the alien invaders in HALO: Fireteam Raven, they can head to any redemption shop and claim their prize.
Terms and conditions: *Order must be placed between 12/16/21 at 12a.m. CT through 12/24/21 at 11:59p.m. CT. Valid online only. One (1) $10 gift card will be awarded for each increment of $50 purchased in gift cards, up to $500. Limit of five (5) gift cards per customer, per day. Qualifying purchases will receive gift card via email within three hours of purchase. The gift card is redeemable at any EVO location. Promotion only eligible within the United States. Not valid on previous purchases. No backorders or substitutions.
The unfamiliar red Mustang pulled up alongside Lily Reyes, matching her pace as she walked on the sidewalk. Lily didn’t like the feeling of being stalked. She began walking faster, and looked around to see if anyone was outside. The Tallahassee heat and humidity had the neighborhood looking like a ghost town; everyone was at work or had retreated inside their air-conditioned homes. The Mustang continued to creep along and pace her. Its windows were tinted, only offering her a general outline of the male driver wearing a baseball cap.
Maybe I should run up to a house and ring the doorbell, Lily thought. But what if no one was home, and her stalker took that opportunity to come after her?
The car came to a hard stop right next to her. As the passenger window inched downward, Lily took a breath to scream.
“You getting in?”
“Oh, god,” she said, blowing out pent-up air. “I thought you were like some disgusting creep. Where’d you get the car?”
“Borrowed it from a friend.”
Lily opened the passenger door, tossed her backpack inside, and got comfortable in her seat. The cooling AC blew over her. “Nice ride. Must be a good friend to let you borrow it.”
“It’s a business thing.”
Lily decided not to press him for answers. Carlos never liked it when she asked too many questions, and she didn’t want him getting uptight. He seemed distracted about something. Why, he’d barely looked at her.
Lily was kind of hoping he would have noticed how she’d dressed up for him.
“I thought you were going to pick me up at Subway,” Lily said. “Decided to spare you the walk.”
Lily’s mom, Sylvia, didn’t know about Carlos. No one knew about him, except for Lily’s best friend, Madison, and even she wasn’t supposed to know anything. Carlos was paranoid about being busted. When Lily had first started dating him, she’d lied about her age, telling him she was eighteen. It was only after they’d been going together for a month that Lily admitted she was only fifteen. Of course, she hadn’t been the only one stretching the truth. When they’d first hooked up, Carlos had said he was nineteen, not the twenty-one he really was.
“Did you bring some change of clothes?” Carlos asked.
“In the backpack, even though you never explained why I needed them.”
“Always nice to have options.” “Where we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Lily tried to play it cool, and hid her smile. Madison seemed to think that Carlos was just using her, but she didn’t know him like Lily did.
“Stopped and got you a wild cherry Slurpee,” he said. “Better drink it before it melts.”
He had remembered her favorite drink. She would certainly mention that to Madison. Lily reached for the Slurpee, and took a long sip.
“Want some?” she asked.
“Not without adding some rum.” “I’m okay with that.”
“Maybe later.”
Carlos liked to party, and liked it even more when Lily joined in with him. She had to be careful, though. Her mom was always in her business.
As if reading her mind, Carlos said, “How long did your mom let you off the leash?”
“I told her I’d probably be eating dinner at Madison’s.”
“That gives us a little time.” “Sure does,” she said.
Lily reached out her hand, and ran it along his leg. Carlos needed to see she was grown-up, and not some kid, but instead of positioning her hand on him like he usually did, Carlos acted preoccupied. Maybe he was just in one of his moods.
She withdrew her hand and began drinking her Slurpee. “Sure you don’t want some?”
He shook his head, and she continued to sip. Halfway through the cup, Lily’s skin began tingling.
“I feel weird,” she said.
“We can get some fresh air at Cascades Park.” “Is that where we’re going?”
Carlos nodded. He still wasn’t looking at her, and seemed unusu ally attentive to his driving, continually checking the rearview and side mirrors.
“It feels like we’re floating,” she said.
Lily flapped the hand not holding her drink. “I’m flying. Whoa.”
Something wasn’t right. Why was she feeling out of it? Her gaze fell to the Slurpee. One look, and the pieces came together. Lily’s accusation was shrill: “You put something in my drink!”
“Relax. I just made you a Molly and benzo cocktail to help loosen you up.”
Lily tried to process her panic, along with Carlos’s explanation. She wanted to feel reassured, but didn’t. One by one, words emerged from her mouth. Each syllable felt as if it were weighted down on her tongue. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted you to be calm while I explained a few things.” “Oh, shit.” This was bad. “You’re breaking up with me.” “No, baby, never.”
Lily struggled to find the words, and speak them. “We’re. Still.
Together?”
“Forever, baby. It’s just that things didn’t work out with my big plan.
Remember we talked about that?” “Big score.”
“That’s right. And it would have been, but my luck went bad, really bad.”
Lily managed to say, “That’s okay.”
“No, it’s not okay. Everything went to shit. It put me in the hole for almost five thousand bucks.”
“I can help you . . .”
Lily had earned almost two hundred dollars babysitting. She’d give it to him. But Carlos interrupted before she could finish.
“Thank you, baby. I knew I could count on you. They were going to mess me up bad, maybe even kill me. You were my only hope.”
Lily tried to follow what he was saying, but her brain couldn’t find its balance. Everything was hazy.
“After you work off my marker, baby, we’ll get back together. I promise.”
“Don’t understand.”
“A guy I know fronted the money I owed, but he needed collateral.” “What?”
“I had to put up something of value. And nothing’s more valuable to me than you. I love you.”
Lily had been waiting for a long time to hear those words. But now they sounded wrong. Felt wrong. Love?
Carlos said, “You’re a lifesaver. It will just be for a few months. And when you come back to me, things will be better than ever between us.”
Too dizzy to support her chin, Lily’s face dropped down to her chest.
Talking was beyond her. She didn’t know how long they drove, and was barely aware when they came to a stop. She heard two men talking, but it was like listening in to a dream.
“Is she good to go?”
Lily had never heard that voice before. She would have remembered it if she had. There was something scary about it, a rasp with a serrated edge.
“She agreed to work off what I owe.”
“You explain what would happen to you if she didn’t?” “I told her.”
“Okay, then. I’ll find you if there’s a problem. Count on it. Give me the keys.”
Lily heard retreating footsteps. Carlos didn’t say goodbye. There was a part of her that was still listening for his voice, that wanted him to declare his love for her once more.
She couldn’t lift her head to acknowledge the new occupant of the driver’s seat, but heard the ugly voice.
Bahnbrëcker’s Slow River Blend. Photo: Bahnbrëcker, used with permission.
Bahnbrëcker is a new spirits brand founded by an eclectic group of friends who wanted to pay tribute to their unique Texas town of New Braunfels. The town was founded by German pioneers in 1845 where the Comal and Guadalupe rivers meet. What better way to capture the spirit of New Braunfels, they thought, than with an easy drinking craft whiskey. They called it Bahnbrëcker, meaning ‘trailblazer’ in German, and like New Braunfels, it is a quirky combination of German engineering and Texan swagger. (Bahnbrëcker, 2021)
Slow River Blend, Bahnbrëcker’s first launched product, is a smooth Hefeweizen-Style Whiskey distilled from Texan and Midwestern winter wheats with notes of lemon peel, clove, caramel, and vanilla. The uniqueness of the Hefeweizen flavorings makes for a perfect gift for cocktail enthusiasts looking to expand their profile. Slow River Blend is available for nationwide shipping. Bahnbrëcker is co-founded by country music star Randy Rogers, Eric Chase, Cary Schindler, Ash Wineinger, Michael Devers, and spirits-industry veteran Steve Luttmann.
See below for cocktail recipes that are sure to be the star of any holiday party.
Cocktail Name: Only on the Weekends
Ingredients: • 2oz. Bahnbrëcker Slow River Blend Whiskey • .75oz. lemon juice • .75oz. simple syrup • 1 bar spoon raspberry preserves • 1 bar spoon cranberry preserves • Ice
Preparation: • Add raspberry and cranberry compote to bottom of rocks glass • Add ice to glass • Pour remaining ingredients over the ice • Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig
Cocktail Name: Mr. Claus’ Rock
Ingredients: • 2oz. Bahnbrëcker Slow River Blend Whiskey • .25oz. Shiner Holiday Cheer simple syrup o Equal parts Shiner Holiday Cheer and sugar • 4 dashes angostura bitters • Orange zest • Ice
Preparation: • Create a Shiner Holiday Cheer simple syrup o In a medium saucepan add Shiner Holiday Cheer and bring to a boil. o Slowly add in an equal amount of sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely • Add ice to a rocks glass and pour Slow River Blend, angostura bitters and Shiner Holiday Cheer syrup and stir • Top with an orange zest garnish
New Year’s resolutions meant to better yourself. Photo: google
The year is almost over and a new year on the horizon means people are looking forward to new beginnings. Making New Year’s resolutions is one way to greet the new year and improve your life. Some of the most popular include getting in shape, getting organized, and finding a better job. In the spirit of new beginnings, I wanted to look into unconventional resolutions, while shining the light on some of the tried and true ones that are worth mentioning.
Better fitness This often includes a combination of getting in shape and losing weight. One way to help you stick to an exercise routine is to have a workout friend. Another is to find an activity you enjoy, otherwise you will get bored and lose interest. I am particular to roller skating and riding my bike. Accountability is important to help you stay on track of your wellness goals and fitness technology like Fitbit is fast becoming the norm. While exercising is important for improved health, you will get better results if you combine it with cutting calories – it is all about moderation.
Live life to its fullest This does not necessarily mean making major life changes, but rather enjoying the life you already have. Do not wait for special occasions to give someone a gift. Celebrate the small moments. Create your own opportunities by taking action instead of waiting for life to come to you. When all else fails, make a bucket list. Carpe diem!
Accept change Life is full of changes; it is inevitable. It is what helps us grow because we become exposed to new ideas and experiences that come along the way. Embrace life’s little surprises and strive to think positively about changes. When life throws me a curveball, I just say to myself “Plot twist,” and move on.
Be kind to yourself Do not be so hard on yourself, we are not meant to be perfect. Let go of what you cannot control and try to get past what hurt you in the past, including heartbreaks, disappointments, and anger. Stop trying to please everyone and learn to say ‘no’ to make room for more important matters in your life.
Be empathic Try to see life through other people’s eyes. When we only see our own perspective, we tend to be judgmental and close-minded. Like my father always told us while we were growing up, “if everyone were the same, this world would be a very boring place.”
Better money management To help you make better financial decisions, consider setting a budget and looking for ways to cut costs or make extra money. This includes everything from selling your unwanted possessions to consignment shops to buying from thrift stores. It is surprising the excellent deals you can find at Goodwill. Remember that just because something is on sale it does not mean you have to buy it.
Give back to your community Depending on how much time you have to give, consider taking time out to volunteer. It does not take much to practice random acts of kindness and make someone’s day. Donating to charity organizations makes you feel better and is an excellent way to declutter your home. Nonprofit organizations that support your skills or values are always appreciative of your time and money.
Manage your stress Stress management and reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can do wonders for your nervous system. To keep yourself focused, practice mindfulness – the state of being in the present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Know your limits This is especially true during a major life event like moving to a new home, whether across town or across the country. We do not always have to do everything ourselves. To make moving easier and less stressful, consider hiring movers to handle the load. If you are in the Dallas area, consider Youngstars Moving & Delivery.
Youngstars Moving & Delivery specializes in local and long distance moving. The company is made up of movers with years of experience in the moving industry and pride themselves in competitive prices and above all, customer satisfaction. Moving can be a pain and their goal is to make your move as painless as possible. They are committed to providing service of the highest quality, paying particular attention to working efficiently while keeping the lines of communication with clients clear and concise. Their mission is simple: to provide high-quality services in a timely manner. Their team caters to each project’s specific needs to ensure excellence. If all you need is movers to do the heavy work, Moving & Delivery has labor movers in Dallas. Fee includes tools and dollies. There is a two hour minimum charge. Packages range from one mover for $45 an hour to 6 movers for $210 an hour, whatever it takes to get the job done.
Youngstars Moving & Delivery, for all your moving needs. Photo: Youngstars Moving & Delivery, used with permission.Youngstars Moving & Delivery offers residential and commercial moving services. Photo: Youngstars Moving & Delivery, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine’s gingerbread men. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission
For the month of December, Bakery Lorraine is adding new items such as a hazelnut tart and rum cake in addition to the classic gingerbread man, Buche de Noel, and apple pie options. No masterpiece is made instantly, so their specialty desserts require at least a 72 hour advance notice. Available for takeout to share with family and friends at home, you can check for their availability and order online or you can call a location directly to place an order. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
December 2021 Menu:
Redberry Tart – Vanilla mascarpone filling with fresh raspberry
Chocolate Caramel Tart – Caramel filling topped with a chocolate ganache and mini chocolate macaron
Gingerbread Man – Spicy gingerbread cookie dipped in dark chocolate
Sacher Torte Cake
Opera Cake
Red Velvet Cake – Layered with a light cream cheese frosting
BUCHE DE NOEL (Available December 13 – 31) for $48 – Black forest Christmas log: Tart cherries, vanilla mousse, chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup *mushrooms may vary*
Apple Cranberry Pie for $26
Dutch Apple Pie for $26
Whiskey Pecan Pie for $26
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Taco Cabana’s birria quesadillas and tortilla soup will be available through January 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Starting December 15 and arriving just in time for the winter season, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy the new birria quesadilla served with warm birria broth and a returning favorite, tortilla soup, at all Taco Cabana Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Taco Cabana’s birria quesadilla features seasoned shredded beef, melted Monterey Jack cheese and Pico de Gallo between two warm flour tortillas, perfect for dipping in the accompanying traditional warm birria broth. Another classic favorite is back at Taco Cabana – TC’s tortilla soup, featuring a savory broth made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, onion and garlic, and topped with crispy corn tortilla strips, a blend of Jack and Cheddar cheeses, cilantro, and served with lime wedges.
Perfect for keeping cozy in-restaurant or at home, Taco Cabana’s birria quesadilla and tortilla soup can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online through January 2022.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, delivery and catering. As of December 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.