Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessMcAllen Welcomes Third Tampico Trade Delegation to Advance Economic Partnerships
McAllen recently hosted its third trade delegation from Tampico, Tamaulipas, aimed at enhancing economic partnerships. The event brought together business leaders and government officials who explored McAllen's strategic advantages for trade and investment. During the two-day mission, participants attended a seminar focused on navigating the U.S. business landscape, with insights from regional experts. Mayor Javier Villalobos expressed gratitude to the Tampico delegation for their visit, emphasizing McAllen's readiness to support their business endeavors. This initiative builds on previous delegations, reinforcing McAllen's role as a key player in international trade and economic collaboration.
BusinessPharr EDC and UTRGV Host Small Business Week Roundtable for Entrepreneurs
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosted a roundtable discussion for entrepreneurs as part of Small Business Week. The event, titled 'Level Up Doing Business in Pharr,' took place on May 7, 2026, and focused on essential topics such as permits, zoning, and business support. City officials, including Victor Perez and Joe Garza, emphasized the importance of verifying zoning before making property investments. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing local entrepreneurs to engage with panelists and network, highlighting the city's commitment to supporting small businesses in Pharr.
BusinessPharr EDC Panel Examines Shift Toward Strategic Trade in North America
During the RGV Startup Week on April 28, 2026, a panel hosted by the Pharr Economic Development Corp. in Brownsville discussed the transition from free trade to strategic trade in North America. Moderated by Lilvette Santos, the panel featured experts including Jesus Cano from the Mexican Consulate in McAllen and State Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. The discussion emphasized the shift in trade priorities from cost efficiency to resilience and geopolitical alignment, highlighting the Texas-Mexico corridor's role in nearshoring and advanced manufacturing. Challenges such as infrastructure and workforce readiness were also addressed, with a consensus on the need for urgent collaboration between Texas and Mexico.
BusinessWe're Going to Buy Spirit: A Man's Viral Plan to Revive the Airline
Hunter Peterson, a 22-year-old voice actor, has launched a viral crowdfunding campaign to revive Spirit Airlines, which ceased operations on May 2. He proposes that if one-fifth of Americans contribute $45 each, they could collectively buy the airline. Peterson's idea, inspired by the community ownership model of the Green Bay Packers, has garnered $337 million in pledges from over 370,000 supporters. However, experts warn that regulatory hurdles could impede the plan. Spirit Airlines has faced financial struggles, declaring bankruptcy twice and accumulating $8.1 billion in debt by 2025. Peterson is consulting lawyers to navigate the complexities of his proposal.
BusinessKorner Market now open in downtown Brownsville
Korner Market has officially opened in downtown Brownsville, located on Elizabeth Street next to the Samano Building. This grocery store aims to provide healthy food options to the community. The Samano Building, which is part of the initiative, offers 40 fully furnished supportive housing units for individuals facing housing instability, with rent based on income. Currently, 30 tenants occupy the building, and it is expected to be fully occupied by the end of June. The project collaborates with various organizations to assist in finding residents, with funding from multiple sources to support its operations.
BusinessEdinburg set to get first full-service hotel in multi-million dollar development deal
Edinburg is set to welcome its first full-service hotel through a proposed $18 million to $20 million redevelopment project. The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation announced plans to transform the existing Comfort Inn and MainStay Suites at 4001 S. Closner Boulevard into two IHG-branded hotels: Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn. The Staybridge Suites will feature 95 to 100 rooms in a four-story building, while the Holiday Inn will have 53 rooms in a three-story structure. Shared amenities will include a restaurant, bar, meeting space, and a spa. The project aims to create 47 jobs and generate $5.6 million in annual revenue, with construction expected to start in September 2026.
BusinessPunk Rock, Pirate Inspired Coffee Spot earns Top Performer Sticker
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. The husband and wife duo of Fly The Flag Coffee poured up a perfect 100 on their Brownsville Health Department inspection report. The Food Patrol surprised Isai Candanoza
BusinessNational Small Business Week Celebrated in Weslaco
Weslaco celebrated National Small Business Week with an event hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and the U.S. Small Business Administration at Knapp Medical Center. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez emphasized the vital role of small businesses in the local economy, stating they create jobs and strengthen communities. He declared May 3-9 as National Small Business Week in Weslaco. The event honored various local entrepreneurs and financial institutions, including Lone Star National Bank, which received the 7(a) Lender of the Year Award. Nine local businesses were also recognized for their contributions to the economy.
BusinessNatural Grocers Announces Expansion into McAllen
Natural Grocers, an organic grocery chain from Colorado, is set to open a new store in McAllen at the former trampoline park site on South 10th Street and Houston Avenue. This location, once home to Anthony’s Department Store, will undergo renovations with a projected completion date of August 28, 2026. Known for its commitment to organic products and nutrition education, Natural Grocers aims to provide a wellness-focused shopping experience in the Rio Grande Valley. The company has over 170 stores across 21 states and emphasizes affordable access to healthy foods as part of its mission.
BusinessEdinburg to Get New Hotel with Million-Dollar Investment
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) announced an investment of between $18 and $20 million for the development of a new full-service hotel complex in the city. Construction could begin in September 2026 or earlier, with an estimated completion date in March 2028. The project, led by Binning Hospitality LLC, will involve the complete renovation of the properties currently located at 4001 S. Closner Blvd., where a Comfort Inn and a MainStay Suites currently operate. The transformation will pave the way for two IHG brand hotels within the same development: a four-story Staybridge Suites with between 95 and 100 rooms, and a three-story Holiday Inn with 53 rooms. In addition to accommodations, the complex will feature amenities such as a full-service restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, a basketball court, outdoor areas with grills and a patio, as well as a spa, services that will be available to both guests and the general public. The development is expected to generate around $5.6 million in annual revenue and create 47 full-time jobs.
BusinessEdinburg EDC Announces Landmark $18M–$20M Dual-Brand Hotel Project
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced a significant $18–$20 million investment for a dual-brand hotel project by Binning Hospitality LLC. This development will transform the existing Comfort Inn and MainStay Suites at 4001 S. Closner Blvd. into a Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites, marking Edinburg's first full-service hotel. The project will create 47 full-time jobs and is expected to generate about $5.6 million in annual revenue. Construction is slated to start in September 2026, with completion anticipated by March 2028, enhancing the city's hospitality sector and economic growth.
BusinessAs gas prices rise, more people in the Valley are turning to public transportation
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — High gas prices have people around the country trying to save money, and in the Rio Grande Valley, more people are turning to public transportation to do that. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council provides low-fare public transportation through its Valley Metro system. They say that year to date, they've
Business'You need tomato on everything': Valley residents feel impact of shortage
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tomatoes, a staple ingredient in many dishes, salsas and sauces, are becoming harder to find at some grocery stores across the Rio Grande Valley as a nationwide shortage continues to impact supply chains. Shoppers across the Valley say they have noticed fewer tomatoes on store shelves and higher prices when they are
BusinessU.S. Added 115,000 Jobs in April as Economy Feels Impact of War with Iran
In April, the U.S. economy added 115,000 jobs, reflecting resilience despite the global energy shock caused by the war with Iran. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%, aligning with economists' expectations of 55,000 new jobs. Notable revisions were made to previous months' data, with February's employment figures adjusted down by 23,000 to a loss of 156,000 jobs, while March saw an increase of 7,000 jobs to 178,000. The healthcare sector led job growth with 37,000 new positions, while transportation and retail also saw gains. However, part-time employment due to economic reasons rose by 445,000, indicating challenges in the labor market.
BusinessCheck out the latest at SpaceX with LabPadre: May 7
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Checking things out over at the production facility, Booster 20 is nearing closeout on its primary structures, with the final sections of the propellant tanks and other major elements being moved into Mega Bay 1 for installation. The landing tank installation stand was taken into Mega Bay 1 on Wednesday. Right
BusinessGas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texa grid connection queue
For the first time in a decade, natural gas power generation has surpassed wind energy in Texas' grid interconnection queue. This shift, driven by a surge in data centers, marks a significant change since January 2016. The queue now shows gas projects increasing by over 400% in three years, while wind projects have only risen by 87%. The Texas Energy Fund is facilitating this growth by providing low-interest loans for gas projects. Meanwhile, wind energy faces challenges due to saturated development areas and competition from cheaper solar energy, alongside policy uncertainties affecting financing.
BusinessSmokeable hemp pulled from Texas shelves again as state appeals case
Smokeable hemp products, including flower buds and pre-rolled joints, are being removed from Texas store shelves again as the state appeals a recent court ruling. The state's appeal follows a temporary lift of the smokable hemp ban by a Travis County judge, which was set to last until a hearing on July 27. The Texas Hemp Business Council and other industry representatives are pushing for a reinstatement of the temporary pause on the ban. Meanwhile, the Texas Supreme Court upheld a prohibition on delta-8 THC, which could further complicate the hemp industry's legal challenges. A decision on the appeal is expected this week.
BusinessTexas Republicans have a data center problem
Texas Republicans are facing internal conflict over the rapid expansion of data centers, particularly with the $500 billion Stargate project by OpenAI. Rena Schroeder, a long-time GOP supporter, recently became disillusioned after discovering a data center planned near her property. At a GOP meeting, her proposal to ban data centers was met with hostility, leading her to leave the party. As 82 data centers are proposed in districts that voted for Trump, many constituents express concerns over their impact on rural communities. Lawmakers are divided on how to regulate these developments, with some calling for more local authority while others prefer state-level guidelines.
BusinessWorld Cup hotel bookings short of expectations in Texas amid anti-U. S. sentiment abroad
Hotel bookings for the upcoming World Cup in Texas are falling short of expectations, particularly in Houston and Dallas, where 16 matches will be held. Despite an anticipated economic boost of $3.5 billion, a survey revealed that hotel reservations are lagging as the tournament approaches. Factors such as high ticket prices, visa issues, and negative sentiments towards the U.S. may be affecting international travel. While local officials remain optimistic about ticket sales, the demand appears to be primarily domestic. Short-term rentals are seeing a rise, potentially offsetting lower hotel bookings as the event nears.