Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessLin’s Grand Buffet to Add Nearly 100 Jobs with New McAllen Location
Lin’s Grand Buffet is set to open its second McAllen location on August 28, creating nearly 100 jobs in the area. To prepare for the opening, the restaurant is hosting a job fair from August 10-15, seeking various positions including servers, cooks, and dishwashers. Walk-in interviews will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and applicants can also apply online. This expansion marks a return to McAllen, where the company started in 2002, and it now operates 17 locations across Texas, Arizona, and California, emphasizing quality and affordability in its diverse menu offerings.
BusinessNEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Continues to Rise
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by 2.4 points in July, reaching 99.8, surpassing its 52-year average of 98.0. This is the highest level since August 2025, with eight of the ten components showing improvement. Notably, hiring plans saw significant growth, with 36% of small business owners reporting unfilled job openings, the highest since June 2025. The Uncertainty Index also rose to 91, indicating concerns about expansion and capital investments. Despite elevated uncertainty, small business owners remain cautiously optimistic about future conditions, with plans for job creation and capital expenditures on the rise.
BusinessOracle Commits to Comply With Texas Data Center Standards
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Oracle will adhere to new standards for data centers in Texas. These guidelines aim to ensure that data centers protect the electric grid, conserve water, and respect local neighborhoods without passing costs onto families. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will review each project to ensure compliance with requirements such as self-funding electric infrastructure, reusing water, and minimizing disruptions to communities. Data centers that do not comply with these standards risk having their project approvals denied.
BusinessWhile data centers boom in Texas, their plans stay shrouded in secrecy
Residents in Texas are increasingly frustrated by the lack of transparency surrounding proposed data center projects in their neighborhoods. Individuals like Mason McCallister have taken it upon themselves to investigate these developments, often finding little to no information from local officials. Many community members are concerned about the potential impacts on water, power, and local ecosystems. Despite calls for greater transparency, including from state leaders like Governor Greg Abbott, the industry remains largely secretive. At least 34 counties have requested more information, highlighting the growing tension between local communities and the booming data center industry in Texas.
BusinessSan Benito first master-planned community taking shape
San Benito is witnessing the development of its first master-planned community, San Sebastian, which will feature various shared amenities for residents. The community will include a children's park, a dog park, a basketball court, a soccer field, and walking trails. The concept originated a decade ago, with construction set to begin in 2024 and divided into three phases. The first two phases will consist of 112 lots, with a total of 185 planned. Daniella Pacheco from Alliance Real Estate Group highlighted the significance of having such a community in the Rio Grande Valley, with completion expected within the next year.
BusinessConstruction of USDA Edinburg screwworm facility seven months ahead of schedule
Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited Edinburg to review the construction of a New World Screwworm production facility at Moore Air Base, which is now seven months ahead of schedule. The facility is expected to open in April 2027 and will produce up to 100 million sterile flies weekly by the end of next year. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins highlighted the expedited timeline, stating that the project is progressing faster than anticipated. Additionally, drones are being utilized to monitor cattle for infections, with only one confirmed case of New World Screwworm reported in Starr County last month.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 8-10-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job hiring events this week across the Rio Grande Valley. On Thursday, August 13, events will take place at the Edinburg Annex from 9 AM to 12 PM and at the Mission office from 9 AM to 12 PM. On Friday, August 14, job seekers can attend events at the South McAllen office from 9 AM to 12 PM and at the Hampton Inn in Weslaco from 12 PM to 2 PM. For more job opportunities, visit www.workintexas.com.
BusinessTreviño Electronics Cluster President Calls for Stronger U.S.-Mexico Manufacturing Partnership
Sergio Arturo Treviño Ayala, president of the Tamaulipas Electrical and Electronics Cluster, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, and educational institutions during a meeting in McAllen. He highlighted the cluster's mission to enhance competitiveness and economic growth in northern Tamaulipas and Rio South Texas. Treviño announced a memorandum of understanding with the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) to foster partnerships. He noted the importance of workforce development and collaboration, stating that future competitiveness will depend on how well organizations work together. The agreement aims to benefit the entire region, not just individual entities.
BusinessCOSTEP and Tamaulipas Electronics Cluster Formalize Binational Manufacturing Partnership
On July 24, COSTEP and the Clúster Eléctrico-Electrónico de Tamaulipas signed a memorandum of understanding at the International Museum of Art & Science in McAllen. This partnership aims to enhance manufacturing, workforce development, and economic cooperation between Rio South Texas and northern Tamaulipas. Key figures at the signing included COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez and cluster president Sergio Arturo Treviño Ayala. The agreement highlights the importance of collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and economic organizations, with a focus on addressing workforce availability and strengthening business connections. The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for growth in the region.
BusinessBristol Myers Squibb Expands in Houston with $2.3 Billion Facility and 500 New Jobs
Bristol Myers Squibb is set to establish a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Houston, backed by a $2.3 billion investment that will generate nearly 500 jobs. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the project, which includes a $4.89 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund. This expansion is part of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The facility aims to enhance the state's position in the life sciences sector, leveraging Texas's skilled workforce and infrastructure. Local officials and educational leaders express optimism about the opportunities this investment will create for the community and future generations.
BusinessThree More Major Data Center Firms Sign On to Texas Compliance Standards
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that data center companies Skybox, Digital Realty, and Mara will adhere to new compliance standards for data centers in Texas. These guidelines aim to protect the electric grid, conserve water, and ensure that data centers do not impose costs on Texas families. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will review each project to ensure compliance, including requirements for self-financing infrastructure and minimizing community disruption. Companies that fail to meet these standards risk having their project approvals denied.
BusinessCity of Brownsville Earns Statewide Recognition for Excellence in Investment Policy
The City of Brownsville has received the Certificate of Distinction for Investment Policy from the Government Treasurers’ Organization of Texas (GTOT). This award highlights the city's dedication to responsible financial management and adherence to the Texas Public Funds Investment Act. City Manager Alan Guard praised the Finance Department for developing a comprehensive investment policy that prioritizes safety, liquidity, and long-term stability of public funds. The certification, valid until July 31, 2028, reflects Brownsville's commitment to transparency and accountability in managing taxpayer resources, ensuring compliance with legal standards and best practices in public investing.
BusinessIt’s Tax-Free Weekend in Texas. Here’s what you can save on
This year’s sales tax holiday runs Friday, Aug. 7, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.
BusinessBuc-ee's to open new location in San Marcos
On Aug. 12, Buc-ee's will open its newest travel center in San Marcos, marking the company’s 57th location.
BusinessBrownsville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Nominees
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce held a special meeting on August 4 to approve nominees for its Board of Directors for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The nominees include Mary Ramirez Soto, Chef & Owner of Jolie Petite; Jose Diaz, Senior Manager at Burton McCumber & Longoria, LLP; and Jose A. Garcia from Texas Gas Service. Members can nominate additional candidates by submitting a petition with at least 5% of signatures from the Chamber's 469 members. The nomination period runs from August 6 to August 20, 2026, with elections to follow if valid petitions are submitted.
BusinessGovernor Abbott Kicks Off Tax-Free Weekend In Alamo
Governor Greg Abbott launched Texas' annual Tax-Free Weekend in Alamo, encouraging families to take advantage of tax-free shopping for back-to-school items from August 7 to August 9. Joined by local officials and Walmart representatives, Abbott highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses, which make up over 99% of Texas' economy. He noted that the event is expected to save Texans more than $140 million. Additionally, the Walmart Foundation donated $10,000 and backpacks to PSJA Memorial Early College High School. The tax holiday has saved Texans over $2 billion since its start in 1999.
BusinessGovernor Announces QTS Data Centers Will Meet Texas Standards
Governor Greg Abbott announced that QTS Data Centers will adhere to the standards he set for data center operations in Texas. These guidelines aim to protect the electric grid, conserve water, and maintain the quality of life for residents. Abbott emphasized that data centers must not shift costs onto Texas families or disrupt neighborhoods. He directed the Public Utilities Commission and ERCOT to pause all pending interconnection requests until projects pass a comprehensive audit. Companies like Amazon and Google have expressed commitment to these standards, while Diode announced it would not pursue a proposed center due to non-compliance.
BusinessCity of Edinburg enters partnership with Troon Golf
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The game of golf in the city of Edinburg is about to get even better. City leaders on Thursday signed a management agreement with Troon Golf, one of the world's leading golf management companies. Notable golf courses in Texas managed by Troon Golf are La Cantera in San Antonio and Tapatio
BusinessSmall Business Hiring Plans Surge to Highest Level Since Late 2022
The NFIB’s July Jobs Report indicates a rebound in the Small Business Employment Index, which rose to 102.1 in July from 100.2 in June, marking the highest level since late 2022. Notably, 36% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings, with 31% seeking skilled workers. Hiring plans have increased significantly, with a net 20% of owners intending to create new jobs in the next three months. However, actual hiring activity saw a slight decline, as 61% of owners reported hiring attempts. Labor quality remains a primary concern, with 27% citing it as their biggest issue.