Ranch House Burgers II has new and temporary hours in the era of COVID-19. Every other day, the Mission restaurant is open from midnight to 3 a.m. Its customers are primarily police officers, state troopers and first responders. “They got tired of burritos from the convenience stores,” said Mike Barrera, the restaurant’s owner. “We’re a business, so we do charge for the meals to help keep my staff employed, but it’s…
The City of Pharr, Fazoli’s and local school districts are working together to help feed Pharr families in need. “Plans are underway to provide free meals to our families most in need on a weekly basis,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “I wholeheartedly want to thank Jerry Maddox, Fazoli’s owner, for opening his doors and being so generous during these uncertain times. This is certainly a difficult time for many families…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is encouraging social distancing in a creative way by launching its Member Bingo. The bingo-style game encourages citizens to patronize participating restaurants, as local businesses take a hit from COVID-19. Each square on the bingo card features a different Edinburg Chamber member. Players must order to-go from any of these members, spend a minimum of $10 and save their receipts. Once the “BINGO” is complete,…
The Local Rio Grande Valley’s own Wing Barn restaurant is now offering all wings for 50 cents each until things are back to ‘normal’. This includes both bone-in and boneless. The local family restaurant most recently received accolades from Big 7 Travel one of the “Top 25 Best Places for Chicken Wings in Texas” and is also featured in the April 2020 edition of VBR. “We know things are changing and…
Down-home Rio Grande Valley cooking is gaining statewide accolades for the Brownsville-based Wing Barn. The growing regional restaurant chain was recently named one of the “Top 25 Best Places for Chicken Wings in Texas” by Big 7 Travel. The widely-read and well-sourced social media site offers recommendations on the best destinations, hotels and restaurants around the country and world for travelers to visit and enjoy. The accolade comes at a…
The first official Earth Day dates back to April 22, 1970, starting as a way to educate the general public about environmental issues. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and now, more than ever, we have the power to contribute to the planet’s well-being. One of the changes we can implement in our everyday lives is transitioning to a plant-based diet. There are many benefits that accompany…
Seafood consumption has been on the rise locally and nationally and even more so this time of year during Lent. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that the average American consumes 16 pounds of seafood a year. Consumers in the Rio Grande Valley have excellent options when buying fish and shrimp. Many local businesses sell seafood caught in the Gulf of Mexico and take pride in having fresh products.…
Small businesses across the Rio Grande Valley are moving quickly to adapt to a new and shocking environment they were thrown into by the coronavirus crisis. New days, new paths Linda’s Cakes & Desserts in Brownsville is now selling essential items such as eggs, milk, potatoes and beans in addition to their usual assortment of sweets. Hardknox Strength & Performance, also of Brownsville, is using its social media outlets to…
Belle Gonzalez-Myers has a variety of talents and is confident in utilizing all of them. She is a serious baker of all sorts of pastries and cakes. Gonzalez-Myers is also handy with a hammer. “I’m not afraid to build things,” she said. Her range of skills could earn a distinction of “Jack of all trades,” but she says that label does not fit her. “I’m not a Jack,” she said. “I’m…
With March being Women’s History Month, we celebrate the brave, bold and fearless women who are influencing the Rio Grande Valley. The RGV is home to so many individuals who have dreams and aspirations to create something to call their own. In this feature, VBR picks the minds of the women pioneering what entrepreneurship looks like in the modern era – from mindset to the key to success. The Brave…