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“Where Pork Gets Its Wings” Brings Big Flavor and BBQ Innovation to the Table

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is giving fans a bold new way to experience its legendary flavors with the launch of a brand-new limited-time offer: Pork Wings, available starting July 14 at all Soulman’s locations.

“Soulman’s: Where Pork Gets Its Wings” invites BBQ lovers to take their taste buds on a flight with tender, meaty pork, slow-smoked to perfection and smothered in the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce. These pork “wings” are not your typical appetizer—they’re bigger, bolder, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, making them a hearty addition to any meal.

“Our Pork Wings offer that mouthwatering, smoky flavor that Soulman’s is known for, in a fun and unexpected style,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “They’re perfect for sharing, snacking, or making a full meal out of—however you enjoy them, you’ll want to come back for more before they fly away.”

Guests can enjoy the new Pork Wings in three ways:

  • À la carte: Add a few to your plate for a satisfying BBQ twist
  • Pork Wing Plate: Served with your choice of two Soulman’s classic sides
  • Catering: Ideal for parties, game days, or events needing a flavorful crowd-pleaser

Available only for a limited time, Soulman’s Pork Wings are a fresh take on traditional BBQ—juicy, smoky, and full of that signature Soulman’s taste. The price of a Pork Wing Plate is $21.99 for five pork wings and two sides. Guests also have the option to add two wings to any Soulman’s plate for $6.99. For $99, guests can order five pounds of the delicious wings to feed 7-10 people.

“At Soulman’s, we’re always exploring ways to surprise and delight our guests with creative offerings that boast classic BBQ style,” continued Randle. “The Pork Wings are a great example of that spirit of innovation—they bring new and different to the menu while staying true to our roots of bold, authentic Texas flavor. It’s about keeping things fresh while never compromising on the quality our guests know and love.”

Over the years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has been consistently recognized for its commitment to quality and flavor, earning numerous accolades such as Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018). These awards reflect the brand’s deep roots in Texas BBQ culture and its ongoing dedication to excellence in food and service.

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Open Palette, the signature restaurant inside the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, invites guests to indulge in bold, locally inspired cuisine during the highly anticipated DFW Restaurant Week 2025. Available for both lunch and dinner, Open Palette’s curated menus blend classic comfort with creative Southwestern flair – perfect for an elevated dining experience in the heart of downtown Dallas. The menus will be available for the entire campaign, from August 4 to August 31.

The $29 lunch menu features crowd-pleasers like warm jalapeño cornbread with goat cheese crumble or queso fundido with chorizo to start, followed by savory main options such as a house-smoked BBQ pork sandwich or a chile relleno with chicken tinga and avocado crema.

For an elevated evening out, the $59 dinner menu offers a three-course journey: begin with fluffy jalapeño cornbread or a refreshing three-bean salad, followed by entrées like house-smoked BBQ chicken with mac & cheese or mussels and clams in a roasted tomato broth. Finish with a decadent coconut flan or tres leches topped with macerated cherries.

Open Palette is a can’t-miss stop this DFW Restaurant Week. Reserve your spots now at OpenTable and experience Dallas dining done right. Complimentary parking is available for up to 4 hours. Please bring your parking ticket and present it to your server for validation.

 

Open Palette is located at Sheraton Dallas (400 N. Olive Street).

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photo courtesy of N the Zone photography

What a time to be a soccer fan with a new Dallas Women’s team Dallas Trinity FC and soon to have a Men’s team, Atletico Dallas for 2027 both playing at the Cotton Bowl and of course not to forget FC Dallas always playing hard!  The Gold Cup, Women’s World Cup and EUFA Finals are  all happening worldwide!   With the Summer heat and other activities, it’s easy to forget about local soccer!   However, in its continuing tradition of giving new sixth grade students at J.L. Long Middle School an opportunity to play team sports, the YMCA and JL Long PTA are hoping for another great season of sixth grade soccer!   Under UIL Rules, sixth grade students cannot participate in school team sports, so this is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active.  The team is co-ed and open to anyone attending JL Long or any nearby schools.  Players can be of any skill level including beginners.  The Fall teams first practice will be on August 28th and scheduled games will begin Saturday September 13th. 

The team will consist of 14+ players and will be co-ed. Everyone will have a chance to play! The team practices are at Willis Winters (or Randall Park) across from Woodrow Wilson High School from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Games are mostly played on Saturdays. If we get enough players, we may have 2 teams!  

Cost is $105for Y members and $140 for non-Y members through the White Rock YMCA or you can also register with the Richardson YMCA where cost is $90 for Y members and $110 for non- members through August 7th  (as of this printing on WR/Richardson YMCA website).  The White Rock YMCA is offering uniforms with their registration, the Richardson YMCA is not.  Scholarships are available.   

To register, you can go in person to the White Rock YMCA at 7301 Gaston Ave Dallas, TX 75214  and register under JL Long Buccaneers OR you may register online at either the White Rock or Richardson YMCA (the existing link on the WR YMCA website as of this article).  For more information contact Victor Aves at 214-616-0194 or vaves@pegasusrealtyinc.com OR the White Rock YMCA at 214-328-3849 or Richardson YMCA 972-231-3424

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Thursday, July 31, participating DQ® restaurants across the U.S. will celebrate Miracle Treat Day, a special one-day fundraising event supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Beat the Texas heat and help local kids – one Blizzard® Treat at a time. On Thursday, July 31, participating DQ® restaurants across the U.S. will celebrate Miracle Treat Day, a special one-day fundraising event supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® in DFW benefitting Children’s Health and Cook Children’s. 

With each Blizzard Treat purchased, $1 or more will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Participating in Miracle Treat Day makes it easy to give back – simply enjoy the iconic sweet treat and help provide critical, lifesaving equipment and pediatric healthcare resources for children across Texas. The Miracle Treat Day annual event at participating DQ locations raises funds and awareness for 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.

DQ fans can satisfy their Blizzard Treat craving and support their community when they stop by their local DQ for a delicious Blizzard Treat. The limited-edition 2025 Summer Blizzard Treat menu includes:

●      NEW! Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard Treat

●      NEW! Mixing Bowl Mashup Blizzard Treat

●      S’mores Blizzard Treat

●      Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat

●      Confetti Cake Blizzard Treat

This summer also marks a legendary milestone as DQ restaurants celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the iconic Blizzard Treat – the spoonable sensation that redefined frozen desserts in 1985 and has been flipping frowns into smiles ever since. 

For 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

 

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North Texas’ most popular Latin music festival, the Vitruvian Salsa Festival, continues Saturday, Aug. 9 with sounds from Dallas-based band Zone D’Mambo. Now in its 11th year at Addison’s Vitruvian Park, the Vitruvian Salsa Festival celebrates both culture and community with monthly dance parties designed to get everyone from beginners to seasoned pros on the dance floor.

 

 

 

The festival runs from 6 to 10 p.m. with professional salsa lessons from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and Latin DJ Ruben Reyes spinning tracks. Food trucks and vendors surround Vitruvian Park’s amphitheater for each performance.

 

August’s featured band, Zone D’Mambo, brings a wide variety of Latin dance music to the Vitruvian Park amphitheater, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata and a little rock en español. The band features musicians from Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia and the United States.

 

The final performance in the 2025 Vitruvian Salsa Festival will be by Houston-based Yamilka G y su Orquesta on Sept. 13.

 

WHAT:                 Vitruvian Salsa Festival: Zone D’Mambo

 

WHEN:                Saturday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 10 p.m.

 

Other performances in the series are:

Sept. 13 – Yamilka G y su Orquesta

 

WHERE:              Vitruvian Park Amphitheater

3966 Vitruvian Way

Addison, TX 75001

(West of Midway Road at Spring Valley Road)

                            

PARKING:           Event Parking is available for $15 (cash only) at:

Vitruvian Park: Bella Lane and Ponte Avenue parking lots

Alfred J. Loos Sports Complex: 3815 Spring Valley Road, Addison, TX 75001

 

In the event of inclement weather, Vitruvian Salsa Festival is subject to cancellation; parking is non-refundable. 

 

DETAILS:             These outdoor, family-friendly events are FREE and open to the public. For more information, park FAQs and all event related updates, visit the Vitruvian Park website event calendar follow or Vitruvian Park on social media.

                             https://www.udr.com/vitruvian-park/vitruvian-park-events/

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The 2025 Major League Cricket Championship Final is set for Sunday, July 13, at 7:00 p.m. CST at Grand Prairie Stadium, where Washington Freedom will take on MI New York in a clash of past champions.

Led by captain Glenn Maxwell, Washington Freedom returns to the final for a second consecutive year, aiming to defend their 2024 title and secure back-to-back championships.

MI New York, the inaugural MLC champions in 2023, are back on the biggest stage under the leadership of Nicholas Pooran. With a roster full of match-winners, they’re looking to reclaim the title and reestablish their dominance.

It’s a marquee matchup between two powerhouses, each with a championship legacy and everything on the line in the Season 3 finale.

Grab your tickets now: tickets.majorleaguecricket.com

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Cris Zertuche Wong

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has announced that Cris Zertuche Wong has been named Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors beginning this month. Wong will serve a two-year term as Board Chair through June 30, 2027. She succeeds Carrie Freeman Parsons.

In partnership with the TXWF President & CEO Karen Hughes White, Wong will lead the organization alongside Executive Committee:

  • Cris Zertuche Wong – Chair (Retired, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs)
  • Carrie Freeman Parsons – Immediate Past Chair (Chair of the Board, Freeman Company)
  • Jana Etheridge – Secretary (Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff, Capital One)
  • Lisette Mendez – Finance Committee Chair (Vice President Finance & Latin America Controller, AT&T)
  • Aracely Muñoz – Governance Committee Chair (Director, Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Health)
  • Hattie Hill – Member-At-Large (CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises)
  • Holly Tucker – Member-At-Large (Partner, Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory)
  • Karen Hughes White – President and CEO, Texas Women’s Foundation 

In addition, TXWF has added new board members:

  • Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom, Partner, PwC
  • Patricia Rodriguez Christian, CEO, CRG Group Inc.
  • Katie Edwards, Chief Impact Officer & President, Mavs Foundation at Dallas Mavericks
  • Candice Hill, Southwest Segment Head, JPMorgan Chase & Co
  • Marty McDonald, Founder & CEO, Boss Women Media & CEO, Elle Olivia  

For a complete list of Board Directors, visit here.

Wong said, “I’m honored to build on the legacy of impact created by the Foundation’s founders nearly 40 years ago. In so many ways, Texas women and girls have never needed us more.”

 Hughes White added, “The strength of Texas Women’s Foundation is a direct result of the tireless volunteers who give generously of their time, talent and treasure in support of our mission. We are so grateful for the leadership of Carrie Freeman Parsons, and look forward to the impact Cris Zertuche Wong will have on the Foundation as we celebrate 40 years of impact.”

About Texas Women’s Foundation: 

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 40th year, the need to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld has never been more critical. 

The Foundation’s statewide research on the issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the impact investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

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The stage is set for a high-stakes clash as the Texas Super Kings take on MI New York in the Challenger match on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m. With a spot in the MLC Championship Final on the line, both teams will be giving it everything in what promises to be one of the most electric games of the season.

From last-ball thrillers to 200+ scores and star-making performances, Major League Cricket’s third season has delivered non-stop excitement—and this showdown is no exception.

As the DFW home team, Texas Super Kings will have the local crowd behind them at Grand Prairie Stadium. It’s the perfect chance for fans to show up, cheer loud, and be part of the action as MLC history is made.

One game, one final ticket, and one shot at MLC glory. The winner advances to Sunday’s Championship Final on July 13. The action begins at 7 p.m.—don’t miss it.

Grab your tickets now: tickets.majorleaguecricket.com

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U.S. Oral Surgery Management CEO Doug Drew has more than 30 years of leadership experience.

Irving-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) announced last week that it had implemented its succession plan to ensure a smooth transition from long-time CEO, Richard Hall, who is transitioning from his role as president and CEO to chairman of the USOSM Board of Directors. As of July 1, USOSM’s new CEO is Doug Drew, a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience.

“Let me be the first to welcome Doug Drew as USOSM’s new CEO,” says Hall. “Doug understands the unique needs and challenges of doctor-led organizations and is deeply committed to preserving what makes our profession exceptional: clinical independence, compassionate patient care and a shared standard of excellence. Doug’s collaborative leadership style and strong track record of supporting specialists, doctors and care teams make him the ideal person to guide USOSM through our next phase of growth.”

Hall joined USOSM in Feb. 2018 as employee No. 3 and has shepherded it through its early development, helping to grow the company to 260+ surgeon partners in 30 states. Hall notes that while he will be retiring from his role as CEO, he will continue to be actively involved in USOSM and its development as chairman of the board.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to help build this company, alongside so many dedicated professionals and exceptional surgeon partners,” says Hall. “Together, we’ve grown USOSM into a respected, premium MSO with a reputation for integrity, partnership and clinical excellence. As I step into this next chapter, I remain fully committed to USOSM and its continued success. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together – and I’m excited for what’s still to come.”

An accomplished senior executive with more than 30 years of experience leading and growing businesses, primarily in multi-site organizations, Drew is known for delivering financial results and building strong, purpose-led cultures.

“I’m honored to join U.S. Oral Surgery Management as CEO at such an exciting time in its journey,” says Drew. “I deeply believe in USOSM’s passion -- to deliver exceptional patient care, while supporting our world-class surgeons and clinical teams. I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to Rick Hall for his leadership and vision. He has laid a strong foundation upon which we will continue to build. I’m excited for what’s ahead, as we continue to lead our profession and further elevate the standard of oral surgery care nationwide.”

Prior to joining USOSM, Drew served as the Global President of Mars Veterinary Health, which has more than 3,000 veterinary hospitals and 12,000 veterinarians in 20+ countries. Before that, he was the North America President of Mars Veterinary Health and also served in a number of executive leadership roles with VCA Inc.

Drew began his career in finance and consulting. He earned his MBA from Harvard University and his bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College.

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The Dallas Economic Development Corporation (Dallas EDC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic growth in Dallas, announces the election of four board members to officer positions and as members of the Executive Committee of DEDC: 

  • Gilbert Gerst, Chairman of the Board;
  • Jimmy Tran, Vice Chairman of the Board;
  • Ardo Fuentes, Treasurer; and
  • Dania Duncan Moreno, Secretary.

 To view a complete list of the Dallas EDC Board members, click here.

 "It is an honor to be appointed as Chairman of the Board and to have the opportunity to focus more on the Dallas EDC," stated Gilbert Gerst, who has been a member of the Dallas EDC board since 2022. “I am eager to work alongside the new board officers, who bring diverse business backgrounds and represent various industries in our city. Together, we will enhance our efforts to support and promote Dallas."

Gilbert Gerst leads the community development group at BOK Financial Corporation, overseeing compliance, CRA examinations, and community development lending for Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. He has been in the banking industry for over 39 years and has been actively engaged in community and economic development.   He specializes in real estate financing for low-income housing tax credit projects, providing construction financing, permanent financing, and equity investments. Gerst holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in real estate from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Jimmy J. Tran is the Market Director (North Texas) at Optima Mergers & Acquisitions, where he advises business owners, entrepreneurs, and operators on the sale of their businesses. He also founded Oaklawn Group LLC, an investment firm focused on real estate and income-producing assets. Jimmy successfully built and sold a multi-unit franchise in North Texas and serves on the Advisory Board of several real estate technology companies. Before his current roles, Jimmy led corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions for a $10 billion+ segment at CBRE, where he managed over $2 billion in acquisitions and tripled earnings in eight years. He also worked as a management consultant for Bain & Company in Dallas, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Ardo Fuentes began his investment career in 1999 and joined Stifel in 2021 as Senior Vice President of Investments. Before Stifel, he worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York City and Robertson Stephens in San Francisco. His focus is on helping individuals and family offices manage their financial needs, as well as assisting businesses with exit strategies and profitability improvement. Ardo holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He is involved in the community as a board member of Dallas CASA and on the advisory board of E-LEAD at UTEP’s College of Engineering, having previously served on the board of Uplift Education for nine years.

Dania Duncan Moreno is a Commercial Real Estate Partner at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP. With legal training in both the United States and Mexico, she offers clients valuable cross-border expertise. Dania’s practice focuses on domestic and international real estate and corporate transactions, serving clients in the hospitality, retail, industrial, and residential sectors. Licensed in both Texas and Mexico, she represents companies in a wide range of commercial real estate transactions, including leases, purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, and due diligence. In addition to her real estate work, she advises on corporate matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and financing, across diverse industries.

About Dallas Economic Development Corporation

The City of Dallas Economic Development Corporation (“Dallas EDC”) is a non-profit corporation created by the City to drive the city’s economic growth and vitality. The Mission is to promote Dallas as a globally competitive business destination that fosters economic opportunities for all members of the city. The organization is guided by a vision of driving investment and economic growth through job creation, business development, and real estate development, and prioritizing actions and investments that create access to economic opportunity for all. Dallas is the epicenter of business, and the Dallas EDC showcases the unparalleled opportunities that Dallas offers. For additional information on Dallas EDC, click here.