Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessEdinburg Resident Wins One Million Dollar Scratch-Off Prize
The Texas Lottery announced that a resident of Edinburg claimed the top prize in the scratch-off game 'Premier Play.' The winning ticket was purchased at the TXB 82 store located on Carter Street in Asherton. According to the Texas Lottery, this prize represents the fourth of ten one million dollar top prizes available in the 'Premier Play' game. The establishment that sold the ticket could receive a bonus of up to $10,000 as part of the Texas Lottery's retailer incentive program. The scratch-off offers over $137 million in total prizes and has overall odds of winning of one in 3.55. The identity of the winner has not been publicly disclosed yet.
BusinessSouth Padre Island business owners prepare for summer crowd
Business owners on South Padre Island are gearing up for the summer season, which kicks off with Memorial Day weekend. Visitors, including families from as far as Illinois, flocked to the beach to relax and enjoy the holiday. Local establishments, like Meatball Cafe, are preparing for increased traffic, having hired 14 additional staff members to accommodate the anticipated influx. Manager Rumaldo Ramirez noted that the crowds began arriving on Thursday, coinciding with a SpaceX launch. The cafe expects a 20% increase in sales this summer compared to previous years, indicating a promising season ahead.
BusinessHome with a Taste of Korean Pancake: This is the New Oreo Cookie Inspired by BTS
Oreo has partnered with K-pop supergroup BTS for a marketing boost that taps into the growing consumer interest in global flavors. Mondelez, Oreo's parent company, announced on Tuesday that the BTS-themed Oreos will be available online starting June 1 and in stores on June 8. The cookies feature purple wafers as a nod to the band's signature color and will be sold in over 80 markets worldwide, making this collaboration the largest for the brand to date. The band also designed 13 imprints for the wafers, including the names of the seven members and the outline of the 'light sticks' fans hold at BTS concerts. The white and beige cream filling of the sandwich cookies is formulated to taste like hotteok, a warm pancake filled with brown sugar that is a popular Korean street food. 'For Oreo to be the first global snack brand we collaborate with is a great honor. We ate them as kids, we eat them in the studio, and now Oreo is helping us share a taste of home with the world,' BTS said in a statement. The BTS Oreos will be available for a limited time. Mondelez, based in Chicago, did not disclose how many packages will be produced. Martin Renaud, Mondelez's marketing and sales director, explained that the BTS cookies strike a balance between staying true to Korean culture and cuisine while remaining consistent with the Oreo brand and flavor profile. 'You want to be authentic, you want to stand out, and you want to create an experience. But when you’re Oreo, you need to appeal to a large group of people,' Renaud told The Associated Press. 'You can’t create something that only 20% of the population likes, because that would alienate some of our customers.' Renaud mentioned that Oreo spent about two years developing the BTS cookie and ultimately narrowed down the potential flavors to three before settling on hotteok. 'I think Korean food is an incredible cuisine. I'm French, maybe I shouldn't say that, but I believe it,' Renaud joked.
BusinessRGV LEAD Prepares for Next Chapter Following the Departure of Mary Garcia
RGV LEAD has announced the departure of Mary Garcia, who has served as Project Coordinator and will now join the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office. During her time at RGV LEAD, Garcia significantly advanced the organization’s mission by enhancing programs for students and educators across the Rio Grande Valley. Eloy Garza, Board President, praised her commitment and impact, noting her professionalism and passion for education. Executive Director Maricela De León also highlighted her contributions to career and technical education initiatives. RGV LEAD expresses gratitude for her service and wishes her success in her new role.
BusinessRainy Memorial Day weekend slows down business at South Padre Island
The rainy weather over Memorial Day weekend at South Padre Island has affected local businesses and visitor plans. Despite the conditions, many families, like the Lira family from Houston, still visited the beach, enjoying the cooler temperatures. Others, such as the Perdomo family from Dallas, have taken their vacation day by day due to the unpredictable weather. Osprey Cruises reported a 30% drop in bookings compared to previous years, attributing it to the stormy conditions. The company, which relies heavily on the holiday season, hopes for better weather to boost business before the weekend concludes.
BusinessMcAllen Bridges Expansion Signals New Phase for Trade and Cargo Operations
The McAllen Citizens League recently held its final program of the season, focusing on the impact of the city's international bridges on trade and economic activity. Juan Olaguibel, assistant city manager, presented on the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, which has been operational since 1926 and sees about 250,000 vehicles and 120,000 pedestrians monthly. He highlighted an $85 million cargo expansion project at the Anzalduas International Bridge, set to enhance customs processing and efficiency. The project, nearing completion, will allow Mexican customs operations on the U.S. side, aiming to make this bridge the fastest in the nation for certified cargo.
BusinessTexas Leads the Nation in Cutting Red Tape for Businesses
Texas is enhancing its business environment by launching the AI-powered Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) website, aimed at simplifying regulations for entrepreneurs. This new platform allows business owners to easily find relevant rules and requirements without navigating multiple agency sites. The initiative follows feedback from small business owners who expressed frustration with the regulatory process. Since its inception, TREO has reviewed over 4,100 rules and recommended changes to 435 regulations, potentially saving taxpayers $123 million. The site also invites Texans to provide feedback on outdated regulations, ensuring continuous improvement in the state's business climate.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Weekly Jobs Update, 5-25-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several hiring events this week in the McAllen and Edinburg areas. On May 26, a Staff Force Hiring Event will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions South McAllen. The same day, an information session for Border Patrol will be held at Workforce Solutions Edinburg from 9 AM to 12 PM, followed by a hiring event for R&D Personnel from 1 PM to 4 PM at the same location. Additional events include a Satori Hiring Event on May 27 and a First Responders Job Fair on May 28, both in McAllen and Edinburg. Kiewit will also host hiring events on May 29 and 30 at the McAllen Careers Institute.
BusinessTexas AG Files Fraud Suit Against San Antonio Solar Company
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against CAM Solar Inc., a San Antonio-based solar panel company, for allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices. The suit follows an investigation prompted by over 100 consumer complaints regarding misrepresentations about energy savings, system efficacy, and installation issues. Some complaints noted that solar panels detached from roofs, causing property damage. The lawsuit claims CAM Solar violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misleading customers and failing to deliver promised services. Paxton aims to halt CAM Solar's deceptive practices, secure restitution for affected consumers, and impose civil penalties.
BusinessAre You Eligible? Krispy Kreme Could Pay Up to $3,500 for Data Breach Settlement
Individuals affected by a data breach at Krispy Kreme may be eligible to receive $3,500 as part of a settlement, but the deadline to file a claim is approaching. The donut chain agreed to a $1.62 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit related to a data breach that occurred in November 2024, which allegedly exposed sensitive information. The breach may have compromised names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and financial account information. Krispy Kreme denies any wrongdoing. According to the settlement website, eligible group members are U.S. residents who received notice that their personal information may have been affected. Without submitting documentation, group members can receive a cash payment of $75.
BusinessLa Pale: Behind the Brownsville business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — La Pale may be known for its frozen treats, but the story behind this Brownsville business is even sweeter. La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar has become a familiar name across the Valley, known for its paletas, snacks, and colorful flavors. Daisy and Gerardo Alcazar are the owners. Gerardo comes from a
BusinessLast Hooters location in the Valley closes its doors
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The last Hooter's location in the Rio Grande Valley closes its doors on Sunday. The Hooters Harlingen location at 98 Bass Pro Drive will be open until 11 p.m., as it's final day before officially closing its doors permanently, according to a social media post. It is with a HEAVY HEART to
BusinessConsumer Reports: Save $$$ on car insurance
Car insurance rates are on the rise, with the average driver now paying nearly $2,700 annually. Consumer Reports suggests several strategies to reduce premiums without losing necessary coverage. Starting with an independent insurance agent can help compare rates from different companies. Increasing your deductible may lower your monthly payments, but ensure it's an affordable amount. For older vehicles, reconsidering collision and comprehensive coverage might be wise if premiums exceed 10% of the car's value. Bundling home and auto policies, taking defensive driving courses, and monitoring driving habits can also lead to savings. Additionally, life changes, such as removing a teen driver, can significantly impact costs.
BusinessBirthday memories serve as 'icing on the cake' for baker's Top Performer surprise
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To be a Food 4 Thought, ¡QUE RICO! Top Performer, a business must have a routine inspection report with zero health code violations. To be a Food 4 Thought ¡QUE ASCO! Investigation, a business must have a health code inspection report with violations that pose a health risk to consumers. Like an
BusinessTexas Upstream Employment Increases in April
In April 2026, the Texas oil and natural gas industry saw an increase of 400 jobs, despite a loss of 1,300 jobs in extraction. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported a total of 9,780 unique job postings, a 7% rise from March. The leading sectors for job listings included Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations and Gasoline Stations. Houston topped the cities with 2,613 postings. The median salary for advertised positions was $53,100, with 31% requiring a high school diploma. The industry contributed over $1.715 billion in oil production taxes this year.
BusinessSouthern Roots Market to Revive Iconic Downtown Weslaco Building
Southern Roots Market is set to open its fourth location in the Rio Grande Valley in downtown Weslaco later this year. The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco (EDCW) announced that the new venue will feature a specialty coffee bar, full kitchen, flower market, and boutique, revitalizing a historic building that once housed Guaranty State Bank. The owners, the Cisneros siblings, emphasized the building's legacy and potential. Founder Mariana Linaldi aims to attract a younger crowd and enhance community engagement. The market plans to hire around 20 employees initially, with growth expected as the business expands.
BusinessAbbott Declares Texas America’s New Financial Hub
At the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed Texas as America's financial capital. He emphasized the crucial role of banks and financial institutions in the state's economic growth, stating that Texas has the best economy in the U.S. for 21 consecutive years. TBA President Chris Furlow highlighted the unique strength of Texas' banking sector, which combines global and community banks. Abbott also noted the importance of workforce development to meet the demands of high-demand jobs and attract further financial investments. He thanked TBA for supporting entrepreneurs across Texas.
BusinessSpaceX gears up for 12th launch from Starbase
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX is gearing up for its 12th launch from Starbase, Texas, and the objectives for this mission differ from those in 2025. This year, for its first flight of 2026, SpaceX is introducing its third generation of Starship, labeled as Starship V3, and Super Heavy, which is powered by Raptor 3.
BusinessMortgage rates highest since August; Valley market cools
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mortgage rates are climbing again, making it harder for many Rio Grande Valley families to afford a home even as more houses hit the market. Mortgage rates climbing nationwide The average rate for a 30-year mortgage climbed to 6.51% this week, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey released Thursday. That