Category: Business News

Bakery Lorraine celebrates Halloween with spooky treats

Bakery Lorraine’s Lemon Meringue Mummy Tart. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine is excited to announce that their Halloween treats are back this year for some spooky fun everyone can enjoy. From Friday, October 28 until Monday, October 31, fun Halloween treats will be available at all Bakery Lorraine locations. The delectable pastries are sure to satisfy any Halloween sweet tooth craving whether at a Halloween themed party, welcoming trick-or-treaters, or just enjoying a solo spooky treat. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)

Their Halloween offerings include the below pastries:

• Black Cat Tart ($6) – Chocolate mousse tart with vanilla filling
• Lemon Meringue Mummy Tart ($6) – Lemon curd topped with meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
• Chocolate Caramel Tart ($6) – Caramel filling topped with chocolate ganache
• Voodoo Doll Gingerbread Cookie ($5) – Gingerbread cookie dipped in a rich dark chocolate
• Ghost Moon pie ($5) – Homemade graham cookies with a honey marshmallow filling dipped in a white chocolate
• The Great Pumpkin Mac – Pumpkin spice macaron shell with a creamy buttercream center. Macarons are priced at $2.65 each or available to be included in their assortment boxes. Assortment boxes can be purchased in two different sizes, holding 6 macarons for $14.00 or 12 macarons for $26.00.

Bakery Lorraine also recently announced that its new Boerne location will officially open to the public on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Bakery Lorraine in Boerne will feature the bakery’s full menu including macarons, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine has quickly become a sensation in San Antonio. It was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler and recently made Southern Living’s list of the South’s Best Bakeries in 2022.

In addition to the famous Parisian macarons and divine pastries, like the pain au chocolat, the Boerne location will also feature breakfast items, including the breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, and breakfast sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine will offer a variety of savory lunch dishes, including an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine also offers wine and beer service.

Grand Opening – Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Regular hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Thursday: 7a.m. to 6p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 7a.m. to 8p.m.

Location:
Bakery Lorraine
134 Oak Park Dr.
Boerne, TX 78006

Bakery Lorraine serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE.

First ever Fair Trade Certified organic seltzer launches in Texas

Big Country Organic Hard Seltzer is made with organic cane sugar produced using environmentally sustainable methods in Guarambare, Paraguay. It is the first and only Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic libation of its kind in the US. Photo: McKenna Hixon, used with permission.

Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer is the first and only hard seltzer to carry all three of the most distinctive and well-respected certifications in the food and beverage industry — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Fair Trade Certified. Big Country® is also a proud member of the Go Texan program, which supports Texas agriculture. (Big Country Organic Hard Seltzer, 2022)

The organic hard seltzer is made at Willard’s Brewery, the only Certified Organic brewery in Texas, located in Austin. Big Country® recently announced the statewide launch of its hard seltzer’s new variety 12-packs with prominent placement in HEB, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Total Wine & More locations throughout Texas. The 12-packs showcase Big Country®’s recently refreshed package design and feature four new flavors –– Blackberry Grapefruit, Passionfruit Kiwi, Prickly Pear Peach, and Watermelon Pineapple.

Founder and CEO Bill Gillies started Big Country Foods Inc. as a supplier of organic ingredients over nine years ago. Gillies wanted to further his vision of bringing more clean ingredients to the market by providing consumers an organic hard seltzer, different from the rest. As a consumer, Gillies had always been selective about the ingredients in his food and drink. This personal concern led him to take what he calls “the path of most-resistance” when sourcing only the cleanest ingredients for Big Country®.

Big Country’s quality ingredients stand out in the highly competitive hard seltzer category. Its flavors are crafted by nationally acclaimed mixologist, Ricky Cobia. In addition to their unique flavor profiles, Big Country takes pride in their proprietary brewing process they like to call the “Cane to Can” approach. This allows Big Country to control the entire brewing process, ensuring transparency and quality in every batch.

Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer is distributed statewide in Texas through Ben E. Keith Beverages. The new variety 12-packs are currently available on shelves in major Texas retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, HEB and Total Wine & More.

Big Country is perfect for today’s health-conscious consumer, with each can only containing 90 calories, 0g sugar, 1g carb, and 4.5% ABV. In addition, by purchasing Big Country® Hard Seltzer, consumers are giving back through the Fair Trade USA® program, which supports safe working conditions for farmers, protects the environment, builds sustainable livelihoods, and allows farmers to earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Since inception, Big Country Fair Trade purchases have sent over $91,000 to the farmers.

Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer is the only Fair Trade Certified™ libation of its kind in the US. Their Fair Trade commitment means every can puts fair wages directly into the hands that harvested its ingredients. It also ensures farmers work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities.

Since 2013, Big Country has worked with partners in Paraguay to import ingredients including a variety of organic sugars. Now, their seltzers are brewed in Austin, Texas with organic alcohol from fermented Big Country Cane Sugar.

In 2020, Big Country® Foods Inc. welcomed Big Country® Beverages (@bigcountrybeverage) to their organic family of products. BCHS is thoughtfully crafted by their skilled brew master and artisan mixologist, who have used their combined 25 years of experience to create the most delicious and unique flavors on the market.

Each 12-ounce can contains 90 calories, 0g sugar, 4.5% ABV, and is gluten free. Flavors are:

• Prickly Pear Peach ––Two of Texas’ favorites fruits come together to create a juicy and satisfyingly sweet pairing of cactus pear and sun-ripened peach. Truly unique and truly Texas.

• Passion Fruit Kiwi –– The Southern hemisphere shines with tangy tropical passion fruit complementing the tart sweetness of ripe kiwi in this refreshingly balanced, citrus forward flavor.

• Blackberry Grapefruit –– Rich, earthy blackberries mingle with the sharpness of fresh grapefruit to make this one of Big Country’s ® boldest flavors.

• Watermelon Pineapple –– Bright, vibrant pineapple blends beautifully with notes of vine-ripened watermelon to showcase the tropical warmth of a long, Texas summer.

Big Country ® Organic Hard Seltzers are available in grocery and liquor stores statewide in Texas and retails for $18.99 per 12-pack. They are also available for sale online in applicable states (valid ID required, 21+ only).

 

Ford’s all new electric truck to make San Antonio debut at Pearl

Ford’s 2022 F-150 Lightning. Ford’s team will be onsite with F-150 Lightning trucks and guests will have the opportunity to be driven around a test track. Photo: Ford, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to welcome Ford to the property as they debut their first electric pick-up truck, the 2022 F-150 Lightning®. The Ford team will be onsite at Pearl starting Wednesday, May 4 at 3p.m. for a limited time as they showcase the all-new electric truck, its features made possible by electrification and its smart digital technologies. On select dates, Ford will have professional drivers giving rides to individuals around a special circuit at Pearl. (Ford, 2022)

Ford will begin their activations onsite at Pearl beginning on Wednesday, May 4.
Rides with professional drivers on the test track as follows:
• Wednesday, May 4 from 3p.m. to 8p.m.
• Thursday, May 5 from 3p.m. to 8p.m.
• Friday, May 6 from 12p.m. to 6p.m.
• Saturday, May 7 from 9a.m. to 8p.m.
• Sunday, May 8 from 9a.m. to 6p.m.

Ford’s activations will take place throughout the property (312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215), including the Cellars Pavilion, Pearl Park and Pearl Parkito. The rides will be located in the parking lot behind Best Quality Daughter (602 Avenue A, San Antonio, TX 78215).

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.

WB Liquors & Wine makes donation to Homes For Our Troops

WB Liquors & Wine Representatives John Herrmann, Owner & CEO and Vanessa Munson, Vice President with Home For Our Troops Representatives Matthew Murphy, Corporate Partnership Manager, and Bill Ivey, Executive Director and Marine Corporal Travis Echols, HFOT 2017 recipient and New Braunfels resident.

WB Liquors & Wine, a San Antonio family-owned company, recently hosted a check ceremony, presenting its 2021 WB Cares program fundraising efforts to Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), with the final amount revealed to be $152,000. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2022)

This year’s fundraiser was strong, surpassing the $100,000 mark with this final push for donations. HFOT is a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives.

This year’s fundraising efforts will go to building a home for Texas veteran Marine Corporal Raymond D. Hennagir III who was severely injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion while serving on his second deployment in Iraq. The blast resulted in the loss of both his legs and several fingers on his left hand. Last summer, Hennagir competed at the highest-level winning silver as part of USA’s Wheelchair Rugby team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

WB Liquors & Wine has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business, the brand specializes in convenient locations and a great variety of liquor, beer and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service. As of October 2021, WB Liquors & Wine operates 59 locations across Texas, which includes 34 WB Liquors & Wine stores and 25 WB Liquor stores adjacent to COSTCO.

Naco Mexican Eatery announces opening date for brick and mortar location

Naco Mexican Eatery will open its first brick and mortar location on December 9, 2021. Photo: Naco Mexican Eatery, used with permission.

Naco Mexican Eatery is excited to announce the opening date for its first ever brick and mortar location, named Naco 210. Naco 210 will open to the public on Thursday, December 9, 2021, in San Antonio in the Los Patios development along the Salado Creek. Naco – a concept by husband-and-wife team Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez – is a restaurant and food truck that serves authentic Mexican plates, traditional tacos, tortas, and chilaquiles for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner service. (Naco Mexican Eatery, 2021)

Naco Mexican Eatery opened its food truck for business in San Antonio over three years ago. Its menu focuses on the street foods of Mexico with freshly made items such as chilaquiles using Naco’s own homemade salsas, tacos, and tortas, as well as healthy, keto-friendly, and veggie-forward dishes. The menu at Naco 210 will still include all the food truck fan-favorites but also add on all-day chilaquiles with new sauce options such as almond mole, 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. 

Naco 210 will have a relaxed, family-friendly space, with indoor dining of roughly 2,900 square feet, a space for private events, as well as a large 3,000 square foot patio surrounded by natural landscape and a creek-side view. The restaurant will have options for breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and brunch service on the weekends. The restaurant will be located in Los Patios at 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78217. Naco 210’s operating hours will be Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Naco will also continue its food truck operations.

“We are blessed to be in a wonderful city, surrounded by the most amazing people who have fallen in love with our Mexican food that includes our own family flavors. We can’t wait to be able to showcase even more with our full-service restaurant space.” – Owner Francisco Estrada.

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JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is ideal off-grid destination for group activities

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in scenic Sonora, Texas. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, a hidden gem in picturesque West Texas is set amidst 13,000 acres deep in Texas Hill Country. The serene location allows visitors to relax, connect and enjoy the pure unfiltered beauty and peace of Sonora. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)   

JL Bar offers guests the best of Texas with warm southern hospitality, unparalleled service, and one-of-a-kind experiences. With over 30,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor meeting and event space and a private FBO airport, JL Bar is the ideal space for meetings, corporate events, incentive groups, and more.  

  • Location: Situated in Sonora, TX, a short drive from Austin, San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth areas, the property offers the best of both Texas Hill Country and West Texas. Guests can also arrive into  The JL Bar Ranch and Resort Full Service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Airport, via privately chartered jet or personally owned aircraft.
  • Luxury Cabins & Cottages: JL Bar Ranch boasts 16 standalone luxury cabins and 16 spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the exclusive Archer’s Nest Villa, a six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to 12 guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre.   
  • Meetings and Event Spaces: With more than 30,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces on property, companies have their pick of nine locations while they build morale and team spirit. The airport hangar doubles as an event space capable of holding over 1,200 people, and there are also more intimate meeting room locations that are perfect for breakout sessions and collaborative team building/grouping. 
  • Group Adventures: Groups will never need to leave the property, from a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, Cowboy Cookouts and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch can craft an exceptional itinerary with on-property activities and incentives for groups to enjoy.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers meeting and events spaces. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Twang celebrates National Michelada Day

Michelada buckets are available online. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

As National Michelada Day approaches on July 12, Twang, a Texas based manufacturer of salts, seasonings, and michelada mixes is celebrating with giveaways and new merchandise. (Twang, 2021)

The michelada is a popular beer drink that is native to Mexico, popular in Texas, and quickly gaining notoriety throughout the United States. The prepared mix works best with Mexican beers and domestic lagers and is commonly referred to as a milder version of its American cousin, the Bloody Mary. Twang currently offers three types of michelada mixes: regular, spicy, and pickle. The mixes are made up of 85% juice-based and uses all natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice, and no preservatives or corn syrup.

Given Twang’s love of all things Michelada, Twang is planning to celebrate National Michelada Day all month long. To appropriately commemorate the Michelada, Twang is hosting a free giveaway online where people can send a Twang Mini Michelada Kit to their best friend, family member, or person of their choosing. Twang will share the kits free of charge as long as supplies last. The kits include two 2.5 oz. Classica Michelada Cocktail mixes, Pickle Beer Salt, Twang-A-Rita Sunrise Spice, a koozie, and a bandana. All the recipient has to do is add beer.

Twang is also selling a limited quantity of Michelada Buckets for $29.99 on the company’s website. The bucket includes two michelada pint glasses, two 2.5 oz. bottles of Classica Michelada Cocktail mixes, two michelada koozies, a michelada bandana, Twang Reserve Michelada Rimming Salt, and a 16 oz. bottle of Twang’s Michelada Mix in the customer’s choice of Classic, Pickle, or Spicy.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Michelada Mix, Twangerz, Twang-A- Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, and Cafe Zuca. Find Twang products in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country or order online. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

 

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First impression: The Boost Lf

The Cherry Bomb tea from The Boost Lf. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Since Monday was a federal holiday, I had some extra time on my hands and decided to do some local exploring. There is a fairly new small business in town that I have been meaning to try but somehow I always get distracted so this was a perfect time. The Boost Lf here in Los Fresnos is a self-described health and wellness business and I tend to favor the small, locally owned ones. Some of the items on the menu include energy teas, protein shakes, iced coffees, and even waffles and donuts.

I went early enough in the day, so I guess I lucked out because there was no waiting. The interior is brightly lit with booming music and the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. Currently there are only a couple of small tables for dine-in , but hopefully with easing COVID restrictions, this will change later. According to Chelly, the owner, business is booming and the ongoing dreadful construction has not affected her business. I decided to try out the Cherry Bomb tea, one of her best-sellers.

I was pleasantly surprised at the size of this drink; it is a generous sized portion. The cold, icy drink has a sweet and tart flavor combination and was a treat on what was beginning to be another hot and humid day in South Texas. This particular flavor promises an energy boost and includes real cherries. I counted six of them. They also have small Herbalife protein based snack bars for energy and nutrition, so I opted for two of those, one being the citrus lemon. These are rather tasty as well. Everything is moderately priced, I paid $13 for a tea and two protein bars

So next time you are craving a snack, do yourself a favor, put down the potato chip bag and head on over to The Boost here in town for a healthy treat. I think I will try the iced coffees next, because, after all, summer has unofficially started. I just wish it was open in the evenings for us night owls. Thanks to Chelly for taking the time to answer all my questions. Support local, small businesses; they will love you for it.

$$

Business hours:
Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 2p.m. and 4:30p.m. to 6p.m.
Saturday 8:30a.m. to 2p.m.
Closed Sunday

The Boost Lf
218 N Arroyo Blvd, Suite A
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 233-2215

Rating: 3 out of 5.

First impression: Sweet Craft Vegan

Sweet Craft Vegan’s Mexican wedding cookies. Photo: Sandra Cruz

I confess, I do not have a sweet tooth, but every once in a while I like to indulge. This past weekend, I wanted to try the pastries from Sweet Craft Vegan because I believe in supporting small local businesses, especially if they are a vegan business. There are not that many here in the Rio Grande Valley, so of course I was diving in.

I was running out of time because it was almost closing time but I made it there with only a half hour to spare. That was after having to consult a map because I was not sure I was in the right place. With no visible business sign, I had to walk around to be able to find it because, after all, I was on a culinary mission. And there it was, right after an insurance company. My efforts were about to be rewarded with some sweet, sweet pastries; I was craving the gansitos.

Unfortunately, everything was sold-out except for some Mexican wedding cookies. Who can say no to those savory, but messy powdered sugar delights? They come in see-through eco-cups – eight of them for $6. I grabbed two of those cups and struck up a conversation with Amanda Nolan, the owner. Her online business has been around for a while, but the brick and mortar Sweet Craft Vegan has been at that location only for about a month and they are working on putting up a business sign. The fact that she sells out of inventory almost every day is a good sign. Brownsville can sure use more businesses like these that cater to a public demand for more vegan food. Trust me when I tell you that those Mexican wedding cookies are so good, I will be back for more, and I am hoping Amanda perfects that empanada recipe so we can try those soon. It was worth the drive. For now, it is recommended that you call ahead with your order. Try it, you will not be disappointed. 

Here is a sample of what Sweet Craft Vegan has to offer:
* Donuts: biscoff, Oreo, blackberry hibiscus, gansito filled
* Conchas: vanilla tie dye, cookies n cream, chocolate, mazapán, strawberry, choco strawberry swirl
* Slutty brownies
* Hot cocoa rolls
* Vegansitos
* Mexican wedding cookies

Sweet Craft Vegan
1280 W Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd, Suite C
Brownsville, TX 78520
956-443-0443

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Pearl announces the launch of Pearl Cowork

Pearl launches newly renovated office space for creatives, established businesses, startups, and more. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

San Antonio’s popular Pearl district is excited to announce the launch of Pearl Cowork, a community-oriented workspace located in Pearl’s Full Goods Building located at 200 East Grayson, Suite 210, San Antonio, Texas 78215. The new 10,416 square foot office space is ideal for professionals of all levels. The new office space offers short term rentals for the modern professional with a variety of membership options available.  (Pearl Cowork, 2021)

As workers have adapted over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are not returning to traditional office settings. To meet the demand of modern professionals, Pearl has created a community-centered workspace. Pearl Cowork is designed for flexibility and is well-suited for start-ups and small businesses, as well as visiting executives.

Pearl Cowork membership offerings range from day pass to private offices, with access to a variety of amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, high-tech meeting rooms, private phone booths, cleaning service, and more. Pearl Cowork’s flexible model meets the dynamic demands of professionals and their workspace requirements.

Pearl Cowork offers everything from the Day Pass, which is perfect for travelers or anyone who just needs a place to work for a short period of time, to private offices, to a virtual membership for professionals who work remotely, but need a physical address for business purposes and want to be part of a community. Memberships start as low as $300 and details on memberships and amenities are available online. The space features original artwork, memorabilia from Pearl’s archives, live plants, and well-lit open spaces to facilitate comfort, connectivity, and inspiration. Pearl Cowork is Pearl’s latest commitment to promoting an environment where ideas and creativity can thrive. The new office space has already received support from notable professionals in the industry, including that of local businessman and CEO of Geekdom, Charles Woodin.

“Pearl is thrilled to debut San Antonio’s newest cowork space, which is ideal for those seeking human connectivity and purposeful work. The space builds on Pearl’s history as a place where ideas are brought to life–through ingenuity, creativity, and collaboration.” – Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos, riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.