City of McAllen Revokes Permits for Downtown Bars that Refuse to Prevent Underage Drinking

Less than 12 hours after the intense and engaging public comment at the August 29th City Commission Workshop, during which the public demanded bar operators curb underage drinking the City issued citations to over a dozen establishments that failed to take even the most basic preventative measures.

“They knew we were coming, and they made no changes,” said City Manager Isaac Tawil. “These operators have shown blatant disregard for the law and zero concern for protecting young people in our community. Based on these clear violations, the city has revoked their permits.”

To protect minors, the city is prioritizing enforcement of the two most critical safeguards against underage drinking: age-verification technology and UV ink to clearly mark patrons under 21.

On September 2, as a direct result of these establishments refusing to implement these safeguards, the City issued notices of revocation to the following establishments:
1. The Mini Bar
2. Valle Verde
3. Pasha
4. Scores Bar
5. Pecado Night Club
6. Karma/El Belicon
7. Broka
8. NY 17th Floor
9. The Lab on 17th
10. B7 Shot House
11. The White Rhino
12. Primo
13. Warehaus
14. Precopa
15. Tabu
16. Hustlerz
17. The Flying Walrus
18. Grand Central Square
19. Noxx
20. Yes Shot Bar

The age verification tools are inexpensive and effective, with age-verification systems costing as little as $250 to $500 per year, less than the profit from a single busy weekend. Other Special Use Permit requirements, including surveillance cameras, adequate lighting, and on-site security personnel, remain in place to ensure overall safety and compliance.

A recent study by Checkr ranked McAllen–Edinburg–Mission as the third worst metro area in the nation for job opportunities and earning potential in 2025.

Link: https://checkr.com/resourc...

Mission, TX
A new Junior’s Super Market is coming soon!

Juniors along with an adjoining commercial plaza is coming soon to the area of Doffing Rd & Mile 3 Rd.

Mission City Council approved the annexation into the city limits.

Starbase, Texas
SpaceX Scrubs Starship's 10th Test Flight Due to Weather

SpaceX has called off the planned test flight of its massive Starship rocket, designated Flight 10, from its Starbase facility in Texas this evening. The decision to scrub the launch was attributed to unfavorable weather conditions.

This marks the second consecutive day a launch attempt for this mission has been aborted.

Mission, TX
Great news! The Boot Jack is coming soon to Mission at 100 W INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 2, MISSION, TX 78572.

Mission, Texas
“Its packed!”
Jorge Saldaña sent us this photo of the Whataburger at 201 E Griffin in Mission, Texas.

Whataburger is celebrating its 75th birthday today (11am-8pm) by offering customers 75 cent burgers.

Mission, Texas

Teriyaki Madness is opening its first Mission location in the new Mission Town Center development. The project involves the interior finish out of a new, 1,500 square foot retail space to create the new restaurant. The estimated cost for the construction is $400,000.

It is expected to be completed by November 15, 2025.

📍 118 E Griffin Pkwy, Mission, TX 78572

Mission, Texas

Update on the Chipotle coming to Mission!

Construction is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2026, and is expected to be completed by June 9, 2026.

📍 100 N. Shary Road, Mission, TX 78572

Harlingen, Texas
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is building a new maximum security psychiatric unit on the campus of the existing Rio Grande State Center. The project involves the new construction of a 50 bed, 103,340 square foot hospital.

The new maximum security unit will have state of the art therapeutic settings to facilitate patient recovery, including outdoor spaces and individual patient rooms that incorporate extensive use of natural light. Security measures, such as video surveillance, alarms, fencing, electronic monitors and additional staff, will help ensure the safety of patients, staff and the community.

Total estimated construction cost is at $111,628,146.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 24, 2025, and is expected to be completed by May 13, 2027.

📍 1401 Rangerville Rd., Harlingen, TX 78552

Mission, TX 🌯 Get ready for your favorite burritos and bowls! A brand new Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to North Sharyland Crossing, at Shary Rd and Ruby Red Blvd!

Work is set to begin on July 1, 2025, and is expected to be completed by July 1, 2026.

📍 Shary Rd and Ruby Red Blvd (North Sharyland Crossing), Mission, TX 78572

Project Name:
Chipotle
Project Number:
TABS2025020721
Facility Name:
North Sharyland Crossing
Location Address:
Shary Rd and Ruby Red Blvd
Mission, TX 78572
Location County:
Hidalgo
Start Date:
7/1/2025
Completion Date:
7/1/2026
Estimated Cost:
$550,400
Type of Work:
New Construction
Type of Funds:
This project is privately funded, on private land for private use.
Scope of Work:
New ground up construction of a shell building
Square Footage:
2,336 ft 2

MXLAN
May 9-11, 2025
ADMISSION: Fri: Free | Sat-Sun: Free for kids under 12 & General Admission $10

PREMIUM EVENTS: Food Festivals, Neon Nights 5K Run & More
🎟️ https://mxlan.com/ticket

BOYS DONT CRY A CURE EXPERIENCE
8/2/2025
$10 EARLY BIRD
$20 GENERAL ADMISSION
$25 @ DOOR

CINE EL REY THEATER
311 S 17TH ST MCALLEN TX 78501

DOORS OPEN @ 8PM STARTS AT 9PM

🎟️ https://checkout.square.si...

Mission, TX🍿
Cinemark Tinseltown USA Mission at 2516 E Expressway 83 is getting a major upgrade!

They're converting one of their auditoriums to luxurious recliner seating! One auditorium will become a premium experience with updated finishes, speakers, and a new screen.
Seventeen auditoriums will be converted to recliner seating with updated finishes.

This $2,800,000 renovation project will begin on April 28, 2025, and is expected to be completed by July 11, 2025.

Brownsville, Texas
Earlier this month, commissioners approved the purchase of three Autonomous Mowing Robots from RC Mowers for $170,425.14. These riderless mowers use advanced GPS navigation to map and mow public spaces while avoiding obstacles.

What do you think about this new tech investment?

Which Wich
2521 US Hwy 83, Suite 100 in Mission TX

Which Wich
2521 US Hwy 83, Suite 100 in Mission TX

Mission, TX

It looks like TruFit at 301 E Expressway 83 is gearing up for an expansion. This is according to the most recent plaza layout.

📍 301 E Expressway 83 Suite D, Mission, TX 78572

Mission, TX

A new standalone Taco Bell is coming to 408 W Griffin Pkwy in Mission! 🔔

Construction will begin on June 16, 2025, and is expected to be completed by October 1, 2025.

📍 408 W Griffin Pkwy, Mission, TX 78572

Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Plans for a light rail system in the RGV are gaining momentum. Dr. Armando O’Caña, former mayor of Mission and now a board member of the Triangle Railroad Holding Company (TRHC), shared that the project aims to connect the region with a light rail line stretching from Brownsville to Roma, with future expansions to Laredo, Houston, and San Antonio.

The system will include 14 strategically located stations, with stops near South Padre Island, the Outlets in Mercedes, McAllen Airport, and Mission Central Station.

Link: https://riograndeguardian....

Three Pharr firefighters have joined the Alamo Strike Team, a group of 22 South Texas firefighters, to assist in combating the devastating wildfires in California.
The team departed early Saturday morning for a 10 day deployment. They are currently working alongside over 5,000 firefighters to protect homes and structures.
The Alamo Strike Team includes first responders from Pharr, Bexar-Bulverde, Boerne, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, and Schertz.
We wish them a safe and successful mission as they work tirelessly to protect communities in need.

SpaceX is targeting January 10th for the next flight test of Starship. This mission will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster.

Link: https://www.spacex.com/lau...

McAllen, Texas
The McAllen City Commission has unanimously approved the Unified Development Code (UDC) earlier today, bringing in transformative changes to the city’s planning and development.

UDC Highlights:
- Citywide Rezoning: Every property in McAllen will be rezoned to align with the UDC.
- Mixed-Use Developments: Vibrant spaces where residential, retail, and office areas coexist promoting a walkable city
- Smarter Parking: Efficient parking lot designs. The current parking requirements were deemed excessive.
- Dark Skies Initiative: improved outdoor lighting standards to reduce light pollution and preserve McAllen’s night skies.

Mission, Texas
H-E-B will be opening the first Wellness Primary Care Clinic in the RGV. It will be located next to the H-E-B on Sharyland Towne Crossing! 🏥

H-E-B clinics offer physical therapy, health and nutrition coaching, clinical pharmacists, specialty referrals and labs. Its staff are board-certified physicians, nurses and other licensed medical professionals.
H-E-B’s clinics also offer affordable individual visit pricing, optional monthly subscriptions, accept cash, credit and Flexible Spending Account payments.
Construction will begin on February 27, 2025 and is expected to be completed by August 25, 2025.
📍 2413 East Expressway 83, Mission, TX 78572

Mission, Texas

La Palma Azul is now open.
It is located at the Conway Plaza.
📍 3501 N Conway Ave Suite 1, Mission, TX 78574

WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana stopped by El Patio Restaurant in Mission, Texas today.

Mission, TX

Looking at all this that’s coming soon to Mission!
These new businesses will be at the Shary Town Plaza.
📍 209 N Shary, Mission Texas

Mission, TX

Get ready! 🎉
Tostadas Doña Lucia is bringing its authentic flavors to Mission! Prepare your taste buds for mouthwatering tostadas piled high with delicious toppings.

Stay tuned for updates on their grand opening date!

📍 Mission, TX (TBA!)

McAllen, TX
New Pet Ordinance in McAllen: What You Need to Know
The McAllen City Commission has unanimously passed a new ordinance capping the number of pets per household at eight. This measure comes after recent animal ***** ding cases in the city raised concerns about public health and animal welfare.

Pet Cap: Residents are now limited to eight pets per household.
No-Cost Permit: Those wishing to exceed the limit can apply for a no-cost permit, which includes city inspections to ensure proper care and sanitary conditions. A fee may be charged at a later time to recoup administrative fees.

This new ordinance is expected to be implemented in about six months, with ongoing efforts to educate the public and encourage voluntary compliance.

Mission, Texas

Taquero Mucho in Mission is now open!

📍 3501 N Conway Ave, Mission, Texas

Mission, Texas
Taquero Mucho Update 🌮 :
Staff is training and should hopefully open up next week!

📍 3501 N Conway Ave (next to the new IHOP location)