From now until December 24, customers can participate in the fundraiser to benefit Home for Our Troops. Photo: google
As part of its WB Cares program, WB Liquors & Wine is launching the final phase of its 2021 fundraiser to benefit Home For Our Troops (HFOT) – 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. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)
This year, WB Liquors & Wine has been supporting Marine Corporal Raymond D. Hennagir III of Arlington, Texas. Marine Corporal Hennagir was serving on his second deployment in Iraq, when he was severely injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The blast resulted in the loss of both his legs and several fingers on his left hand.
WB Liquors & Wine has been raising funds for HFOT and Marine Corporal Hennagir since August. The family-owned company is excited to finish this year’s fundraiser strong and surpass the $100,000 mark with this final push for donations. Customers can donate at any WB Store or WB Liquor Sales location across Texas now through Friday, December 24.
“We can’t thank our communities enough for the support we’ve received so far. Building homes like this will restore some of the freedom and independence that Veterans like Marine Corporal Raymond Hennagir sacrificed while defending our country.” – John Herrmann, president of WB Liquors & Wine
Whataburger’s new scholarship programs is part of their commitment to serving the community. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger has served big, fresh hamburgers for more than 70 years as well as served the communities where we do business for just as long. As part of that community support, Whataburger is announcing the launch of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program, a $500,000 commitment to help students planning to attend a college, university and not-for-profit vocational school achieve their dreams. (Whataburger, 2021)
It is all part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, our signature community program at the intersection of food insecurity and education. One hundred students across Whataburger’s footprint will be awarded the scholarship. Recipients will receive a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing for the 2022-2023 academic school year.
Black and other racial minority students will be awarded the first year’s scholarships as part of a $1M commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. With the scholarship funding, Whataburger has exceeded that commitment. Students can apply between December 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. See Whataburger Community Support for eligibility and application information.
The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
The Home for the Holidays Special Event Series at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Last Sunday November 28, the UTRGV School of Music and Patron of the Arts returned to the stage at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville for their Home for the Holidays series. During this free event, the community enjoyed musical performances by the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra, the UTRGV Wind Orchestra, and the UTRGV Master Chorale.
The night of holiday music began with a pre-concert music in the lobby by the UTRGV Trombone Choir to entertain the audience until the auditorium doors opened. The night’s first half of the concert series consisted of the UTRGV Master Chorale singing This Endris Night and What Sweeter Music, the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra performing holiday classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Stille Nacht. The intermission entertainment came courtesy of the UTRGV Horn Choir and for the second half of the evening’s performances, the UTRGV Master Chorale and UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed such classics as Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song and the UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed The Polar Express and The Bells of Christmas, among other holiday favorites. The audience participation portion was a holiday sing along with the UTRGV Master Chorale and Wind Symphony of Deck the Hall, Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The UTRGV Jazz Combo kept the momentum going in the lobby with a post-concert performance.
The UTRGV School of Music successfully kicked off the post-Thanksgiving holiday season with a wonderfully nostalgic night of music. Everyone from the musicians to the singers brought a much needed magical night of music for the community to enjoy. They performed to a nearly packed auditorium and all the night’s performances were delightful and deserve the spotlight just as much as the athletes. Hopefully, there will be more such concerts in the near future.
Patron of the Arts is the performance and membership series of the UTRGV School of Music that has provided Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors with excellent artistic programs for over 35 years. The program was created in 1984 in Brownsville, Texas, to provide the community and students with opportunities for learning and enrichment by attending live events by professional guest musicians as well as visual artists. Patron of the Arts was also intended to provide a venue for faculty and student performances to highlight the considerable talent we have in the Rio Grande Valley. (Patron of the Arts, 2021)
UTRGV Trombone ChoirUTRGV Symphony OrchestraUTRGV Horn ChoirUTRGV Jazz Combo
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.
The Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas adds western fun to the holidays. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Everyone knows that in Texas, the real Santa wears a cowboy hat and boots and thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, everyone can meet him. Enjoy the holidays in a Western way at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas unfolding 10a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday December 5, 2021. With the Briscoe brimming with holiday cheer, Cowboy Christmas fun is included with general museum admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission at the Briscoe, as do active duty members of the military, making the museum a terrific spot for local families to add to their holiday plans. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)
Cowboy Christmas features a day of family fun exploring the museum with holiday crafts, hot cocoa, and cookies. A special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt will lead you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection and there will be Christmas crafts and coloring sheets to enjoy onsite or take home. Of course, a stroll through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden is the perfect path to enjoy the River Walk and all of its holiday beauty.
Family activities during Cowboy Christmas include making ornaments with a nod to Mexican and Latino influence on the West. The Briscoe’s fall exhibition spotlights vaqueros and the birthplace of the modern cowboy through almost sixty images from celebrated photographer Werner Segarra in Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Contemporary Photography of the Northern Mexican Cowboy. Making its United States debut at the Briscoe, the exhibition details the vaqueros’ profound influence on the American West. Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo invites audiences to peer into the world of the Norteño Cowboys, not as a casual tourist, but as an intimate observer. The exhibition is open to the public through January 24, 2022.
For everyone looking to fill their gift lists, the Museum Store is offering special deals during Cowboy Christmas, including 10% off all holiday, home décor, and gifts for men, women and children. From Western-themed wine stoppers that make the perfect hostess gift, a serape bib for the most stylish San Antonio babies and fantastic story books that take young readers on Western adventures to sterling silver cufflinks and jewelry that will add sparkle to every holiday occasion, make sure to do your holiday shopping at the Briscoe. A great find to fill your wish list: a platter that is TV-famous. Currently featured in Paramount’s television show, “Yellowstone,” add a fantastic Christmas platter from True West to your holiday table this year.
Something sure to be popular in Cowboy Claus’ bag of gifts this year: gift memberships to the Briscoe. Share the wide open spaces of the West – and all of the art, heritage and programming of Briscoe – with someone special on your gift list by giving them a museum membership. Holiday deals on Friend, Duo and Family memberships are available through December 31. With $10 off of regular museum membership pricing and packaged with a gift-wrapped ornament, Cowboy Claus’ elves will be snapping these up for all of the good cowboys and cowgirls this year.
Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.
The new dog walking, boarding, and daycare facility will open in the Pearl neighborhood next week. Photo: Good Dog, used with permission.
Good Dog, a new 1,850 square foot dog walking, boarding, and daycare facility in the Pearl neighborhood, will open for service Wednesday, December 8 just in time for the holidays. The facility is owned and operated by Steven and Kaylee Bell, who have moved back home to South Texas after running a successful doggy daycare in Dallas. Good Dog is intentionally designed to be a safe and fun environment for smaller dogs, weighing 35 lbs. or less or measuring under 15” in height at the shoulder, but will provide walks for dogs of all sizes. (Good Dog, 2021)
“We’re really looking forward to being a part of the Pearl neighborhood and being able to serve the dogs and dog owners here. We have a wonderful space where every decision was made to create a great experience for smaller dogs – we hope the community loves it!” – Co-Owner Steven Bell.
Good Dog’s daycare and walk services are based on a monthly membership, while boarding services are offered to guests at a nightly rate. Additional enrichment play and one-on-one time with dogs is available as an add-on as well. Though the boarding and daycare services apply to smaller dogs only due to space limitations, thirty minute and one hour walks are available for dogs of all sizes and take place throughout the Pearl neighborhood and museum reach of the San Antonio River Walk. For a full list of services provided and membership options click here.
“Good Dog is an excellent addition to Pearl’s neighborhood. Pearl has always been dog-friendly, and we are excited to welcome a great team of professionals to better meet the needs of our community and their dogs.” – Pearl’s Chief Operating Officer Mesha Millsap.
The facility includes two indoor play spaces and two outdoor play spaces in addition to its individual indoor kennels. Good Dog is located at 132 W Grayson, Ste. 150, San Antonio, TX 78212 and its lobby will be open to guests Mondays-Fridays from 7:30a.m. to 6:30p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Photo: Good Dog, used with permission.
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. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Whataburger’s Snowman and Santa inflatables. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
It is that time of the year again – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here, and everyone is searching for the best gifts and even better deals. Luckily, Whataburger has them covered with new holiday items and the Whataweek of Deals. (Whataburger, 2021)
Whataburger is bringing big holiday cheer this year with the new Whataburger inflatables including a Snowman and Santa – both ready to adorn a front yard. Plus, break out the newest Whataburger holiday sweater with a design featuring Santa in his sleigh gliding over a Whataburger winter landscape. Need to bundle up even more? Fans can elevate their holiday look with matching socks and his and her beanies to complete the outfit.
Whataburger’s Whataweek of Deals include:
Wednesday November 24: 20% off all apparel Friday November 26: 20% off stocking stuffer category purchase Monday November 29: coupon for a free Whataburger, redeemable in restaurant, is included with every order of the Burger and Fries Brxlz Set.
The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
Texas Food & Wine Alliance rings in holidays with blowout Taste of Texas fundraiser. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance
Romantic Texas getaways, once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experiences, and gourmet gift baskets are up for grabs Monday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 14 when the Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) hosts the Taste of Texas Auction. The distinctive fundraiser, now in its second year, will support the organization’s statewide culinary grant and educational programs. (Texas Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
What better way to support local food systems than bidding on irresistible packages tailored for wine lovers, cocktail fans, and foodies? The curated lots cover a wide variety of options suitable for holiday gifting, sharing with friends, or surprising a significant other.
Bidding began at 12 noon, November 22 and ends at midnight, December 14. A “buy now” option is available to give supporters the immediate option to purchase. New items will be added throughout the auction as lots sell out.
Highlights of the Taste of Texas Auction include:
A swinging golf adventure at Horseshoe Bay Resort featuring a one-night stay, a round of golf for two, and a $100 resort credit.
A Franklin Barbecue party for ten featuring a branded Franklin Yeti cooler stuffed with a whole smoked brisket, five sausage links, and one bottle of Texas barbecue sauce.
A romantic Hill Country getaway at Fredericksburg’s Hoffman Haus luxury bed and breakfast with a $100 gift card to La Bergerie and a $150 gift card to Otto’s German Bistro.
A three-hour sunset cruise from Float On Boat Rentals stocked with two cases of Lone Star Rio Jade Mexican-style lager and a Yeti Roadie cooler.
A sweetheart Commodore Perry Estate experience featuring a one-night stay at the private retreat, complimentary Champagne, dinner for two at Lutie’s, and an intimate breakfast.
A VIP tasting for six at Southold Wine & Cellars with winemaker Reagan Meador.
A dinner for ten at San Antonio’s acclaimed Mixtli with wine pairings.
The Taste of Texas auction is boosted by the support of ABC Bank, whose contribution allowed the Alliance to aid Texas restaurants and bars. In addition, the auction was supported by BookPeople, Ken and Gina Burchenal, Casero, C.L Butaud Wines, Commodore Perry Estate, Drink. Well, Jessica Dupuy, Float On Boat Rentals, Fonda San Miguel, Franklin Barbecue, Kendra Scott, Lone Star Beer, Mixtli, Monger’s Market + Kitchen, Qi, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Spillers Honey Bees, Southold Cellars, Cathy Strange, Tom Sunstrom and Virginia Greenway, Texas Fine Wine, TLC, Two Hives Honey, Wicked Foods, William Chris Vineyards, and Your Hearts Desire.
The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary-and-community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact. The Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.
Taco Cabana is giving back to the community this holiday season. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
This holiday season, Taco Cabana will donate a total of $25,000 to area food banks across the state to help feed Texans in need. Following the sale of TC’s popular Halloween Taco Treats For A Cause coupon booklets, which featured five free classic bean and cheese tacos, 100% of proceeds will be distributed to major food banks in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas Fort-Worth, and El Paso. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
“Taco Cabana is proud to be a Texas-based brand and a growing presence across the state of Texas. It’s very important to us that we give back to the communities that support us every day. We’re happy to be able to donate and help our fellow Texans, especially during the holiday season.” – Ulyses Camacho, Chief Operating Officer, Taco Cabana
The holidays typically bring a greater demand and need at food banks, and these donations are expected to provide meals for thousands of families across the Lone Star State. Each organization will receive $5,000 this holiday season, including the San Antonio Food Bank, Central Texas Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
See below for a list of the food banks receiving donations and for additional information about individual giving.
San Antonio Food Bank 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78227
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
Central Texas Food Bank 6500 Metropolis Dr. Austin, TX 78744
The mission of the Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 65,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts.
Houston Food Bank 535 Portwall St. Houston, TX 77029
Houston Food Bank’s mission is to provide food for better lives. In the last fiscal year, which includes COVID-19 response, we provided access to 207 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our more than 1,800 community partners of food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers and schools. Filling gaps on plates, we have a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In collaboration with our community, we advocate for policy change and racial equity, and promote dialogue on ways to increase access to food and to improve the lives of those in our communities, including services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability: nutrition education, job training, health management, and help with securing state-funded assistance.
North Texas Food Bank 3677 Mapleshade Ln. Plano, TX 75075
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a top-ranked non-profit hunger-relief organization that sources, packages and distributes food through a network of more than 200 Partner Agencies across 13 North Texas counties. The organization also provides food to children, seniors and families through various direct-delivery programs, including mobile pantries. In its last fiscal year, the NTFB provided access to more than 125 million nutritious meals, a 28% percent increase over the prior year. In response to the ongoing elevated hunger crisis, the organization has launched a $500 million campaign, Nourish North Texas, to provide more food for today and hope for tomorrow by addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger 9541 Plaza Cir. El Paso, TX 79927
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is El Paso’s only food bank and a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network. In 2020, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger distributed 139.7 million pounds of food, making us the third-largest food bank in the nation in terms of distribution, behind Houston and Los Angeles. EPFH commits to making sure no one goes hungry.
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, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of November 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Taco Cabana’s new smothered burritos are available while supplies last during extended holiday hours at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Starting November 24, 2021, for four days only, Taco Cabana will extend its hours of operation around Thanksgiving to offer TC favorites and their new smothered burritos. The new smothered burritos will be available with the guest’s choice of ground beef or shredded chicken, wrapped in a flour tortilla and filled with refried beans, rice, pico de gallo, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and smothered in Taco Cabana’s signature queso. Ground beef burritos are available for $7.49 and the shredded chicken burrito will be available for $6.99, while supplies last. Offer available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Also included with this new limited-time item is a side of TC tortilla chips. Create your own “TC hack” by mixing the chips with your chosen burrito to add a little crunch. Guests 21 years of age or older can pair the limited time smothered burritos with a selection of $2 frozen margaritas or their choice of a lime, strawberry or mango-flavored gallon margarita to really make their Holiday party a hit for only $34.99 each. Smothered burritos will be available through drive-thru or in-restaurant only.
Thanksgiving week hours: Wednesday, November 24, 2021: 6a.m. – Midnight Thursday, November 25, 2021: CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING Friday, November 26, 2021: 5a.m. – Midnight Saturday, November 27, 2021: 6a.m. – Midnight Sunday, November 28, 2021: 6a.m. – 10p.m.
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, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of November 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
SA Examiner 