Richardson Edition | February 2024

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Richardson Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6 FEB. 28MARCH 26, 2024

Developer VN Holdings is looking to invest up to $20 million to redevelop the former Sears into a multicultural shopping center.

RENDERING COURTESY STRUCTURE COMMERCIAL

Renovation plans to revive former Richardson Square Mall site

will include a Japanese grocery store anchor sur- rounded by boutique retailers and sit-down dining. “Because this is going to be a ... multicultural concept, it’ll be a lot more attractive,” Nguyen said.

and sales rm Structure Commercial, which was hired by developer VN Holdings, presented plans that include an overhaul of the former Sears space. According to Structure Commercial Vice President Quyen Nguyen, the up to $20 million redevelopment

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Nearly two decades after Richardson Square Mall was demolished, plans are in the works to revive a portion of the structure left standing. At a Feb. 7 event, ocials from real estate leasing

CONTINUED ON 15

Also in this issue

Impacts: Aladdin Cafe brings Middle East fare to city (Page 6)

Government: City increases senior property tax exemption (Page 8)

Education: RISD eyes solutions to future budget decits (Page 10)

Transportation: US 75 tech lane project set to begin (Page 12)

Top-ranked cancer care in Richardson

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Richardson’s bank for business Total Assets (in Millions) Total Loans (in Millions) 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business

$500 $450 $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $100

$400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $50 $0 $100

$50 $0

Total Deposits (in Millions)

Net Income after Tax (in Millions)

$400

$7.5 $7.0 $6.5 $6.0 $5.5 $5.0 $4.5 $4.0 $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.0 $1.5 $0.5

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Impacts

78 6 Birdcall A new chicken restaurant, Birdcall, is open and will be the first for the company in North Texas to offer breakfast. The restaurant offers tater tots, chicken tenders and made-to-order chicken sandwiches. • Opened Feb. 19 • 507 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson • www.eatbirdcall.com 4 Even More Fitness Boutique-style gym Even More Fitness opened in the Campbell Junction shopping center. According to owner and CEO Nicole Wise, the gym doesn’t offer contracts or memberships, rather offering personal training, nutrition counseling and goal setting sessions. • Opened Jan. 1 • 2050 N. Plano Road, Ste. 500, Richardson • www.evenmore.fitness 5 Aladdin Cafe Middle Eastern-focused Aladdin Cafe is now open. The cafe serves several types of teas and coffees. The cafe is operating with a limited menu featuring sandwiches, breakfast, pastries and Turkish-style baked potatoes. • Opened Dec. 23 • 888 S. Greenville Ave., Ste. 200, Richardson • www.aladdintx.com

PLANO PKWY.

PGBT TOLL

RENNER RD.

BRECKINRIDGE BLVD.

Richardson

TELECOM PKWY.

CAMPBELL RD.

COLLINS BLVD.

ARAPAHO RD.

11 12

W. BELT LINE RD. LOCKWOOD DR.

BELT LINE RD.

BUCKINGHAM RD.

Coming soon

inspired dishes, including shrimp plates and tacos. The Richardson location is the first in the city for the Fort Worth-based business. • Opened Jan. 24

Now open

7 Half-Moon Outfitters An adventure and travel goods retailer, Half-Moon Outfitters, is planning to expand into Texas with a Richardson store. Half-Moon Outfitters sells a variety of goods for outdoor activities. A company spokesperson said several name brands for kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, surfing and travel are sold at the business. • Opening in March • 1453 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.halfmoonoutfitters.com 8 Only Deals The store is a general merchandise retailer that offers overstock and return products. Merchandise will be stocked weekly, and the price will drop every day that items remain unsold.

1 Tepito Restaurant Bar Authentic Mexican cuisine eatery Tepito Restaurant Bar is now open in Richardson. The restaurant serves dishes inspired by the food of Mexico City, including pozole, huarache and steak salad, according to its website. • Opened Jan. 29 • 401 W. President George Bush Turnpike, Ste. 119, Richardson • www.tepitorestaurantbar.com 2 Coco Shrimp Local seafood chain Coco Shrimp’s Richardson location is now open. The restaurant offers a variety of Hawaiian-

• 1240 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson • www.cocoshrimp.com/richardson

3 Hibbett Sports Sports apparel chain Hibbett Sports is now in Richardson. The store sells shoes, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other sporting apparel and accessories, including official NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA merchandise. • Opened Jan. 11 • 1455 Buckingham Road, Ste. 152, Richardson • www.hibbett.com

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• Opening in March • 1425 E. Belt Line Road, Ste. 130, Richardson • No website is available at this time

theater will remain open during renovations, which the city is contributing $400,000 toward. • 100 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 14, Richardson • www.drafthouse.com

Now open

Relocations

Closings

9 Snoopy’s Grooming Dog grooming business Snoopy’s Grooming is moving just down North Jupiter Road from Garland to Richardson soon. According to the business’s website, Snoopy’s offers bathing, nail trimming and hygienic services in addition to grooming. Walk-ins are also welcome, but appointments are recommended, per the website. • Opening in March • 905 N. Jupiter Road, Richardson • www.snoopysgrooming.com

11 Greenville Avenue Pizza Co. After owners closed the location Nov. 26 to “relaunch and revamp” the dining experience, they decided against reopening because the location differed from the restaurant’s takeout-focused concept by offering full-service. Along with pizza, the restaurant also served salads, sandwiches and pasta. • Closed Nov. 26 • 520 Lockwood Drive, Ste. 200, Richardson • www.gapc.co 12 Monkey King Noodle Co. According to the company’s social media, Monkey King Noodle Co. has closed its Richardson location. All of the Monkey King restaurants closed in November, except for the Deep Ellum location, which reopened Jan. 5 under new management. • Closed in November • 520 Lockwood Drive, Ste. 100, Richardson • www.monkeykingnoodlecompany.com

13 Dozo Sushi Offering a modern to-go take on the Japanese fare, Dozo Sushi serves a variety of maki, nigiri and sashimi boxes. In addition, the restaurant serves coffee, tea and other drinks, according to its website. • Opened Feb. 1 • 800 E. Arapaho Road, Ste. 112a, Richardson • www.dozotogo.com

In the news

10 Alamo Drafthouse The Richardson Heights location of Alamo Drafthouse is partnering with the city for renovations. A company spokesperson said work began in late January and will include new recliner seating; new carpet, wallpaper and decor; and improving the overall theater ambiance. Renovations, which are expected to finish in late March, will not include audio/visual equipment upgrades. The

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

Officials update budget, design for new City Hall The new City Hall project has an updated $91 million budget, along with plans to demolish the old structure damaged by an August 2022 fire, per plans presented at a Feb. 5 council meeting. The overview The new budget estimate factors in $6 million additional revenue from insurance proceeds and a tenant improvement allowance at the temporary City Hall, Director of Engineering and Capital Projects Jim Dulac said. The previous budget for the project was $85 million. Dulac said potential additions to the project have increased the budget. Those include: • An increase from 96,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet • A stepped-architecture design of the building • Sustainability features, such as solar panels

Richardson increases senior tax exemption The city property tax exemption for seniors and individuals with disabilities is set to rise in Richardson. City Council approved a measure to increase the exemption from $130,000 to $145,000 for property taxes due in 2025 during the Feb. 12 meeting. The gist Individuals wishing to take advantage of the discount should contact either the Dallas or Collin Central Appraisal Districts, based on their county of residence. City staff project a 5% annual increase in the value of a home within the city along with a 1% increase in the number of indi- viduals eligible for the exemption, Assistant Director of Finance Tom Gastorf said.

Concept art outlines what the potential new City Hall could look like. Materials and the color have not been nalized.

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF RICHARDSON

• Building materials, such as stone and glass Zooming in Changes to the original concept plan include: • Greater preservation of Leadership Grove • Adding bollards to expand a pedestrian area • A third entrance off of Belle Grove Drive • Adding an area for electioneering activities What’s next? Dulac said demolition could begin in May with construction of the new City Hall set for 2027.

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BY KEVIN CUMMINGS & CONNOR PITTMAN

City staff present $31M library renovations Richardson City Council authorized a contract setting a maximum price for the Richardson Public Library’s renovation. Council approved the guaranteed maximum price, which caps a portion of the construction costs incurred by the city, worth around $31.4 million to Balfour Beatty Construction during its Feb. 12 meeting. The overall budget for the project is $48.1 million. The overview The library renovation will include a refreshed interior, asbestos mitigation and exterior improve- ments, Director of Engineering and Capital Projects Jim Dulac said. Once complete, the renovated library will remain in the same location as the existing structure, which closed in September, to allow for construction to take place and staff to relocate.

Local group gets $27M to help unhoused Dallas and Collin counties have received about $27 million in annual funding to expand housing and related services for those experiencing homelessness. The context Housing Forward, the lead agency addressing homelessness in the counties, announced Feb. 5 that the All Neighbors Coalition landed the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment. The coalition is a collective of organi- zations working to solve homelessness. The performance-based funding will go toward expanding rehousing efforts and related wraparound services. Last year, officials said they saw a 14% decline in unsheltered homelessness and a 32% decline in chronic homelessness.

Funding sources The city is using funds raised through the sale of bonds and issuing of certificates of obligation to finance the project.

2023 certificates of obligation: $12 million

Total Fund

2021 bond funds: $36.1 million

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The temporary library space opened last October next to the temporary City Hall and will remain in use until the renovations are complete. What’s next? Dulac said construction on the old library facil- ity is expected to begin in March with an estimated completion in January 2026. The library renovation is part of a larger munici- pal campus update, which includes the design of a new City Hall.

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Education

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Richardson ISD seeks to address projected budget shortfall

After meeting for six months, the Richardson ISD Community Budget Steering Committee has landed on a set of recommendations to help the district cease to operate at a deficit for fiscal year 2024-25. What you need to know Formed in July 2023—about a month after the district adopted its $407.7 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which included a nearly $15 million deficit—the committee has been looking at ways to address future shortfalls. At the Dec. 14 RISD board of trustees meeting, the committee presented recommendations that would be phased in over time in the FY 2024-25 budget, including: • Consolidating some elementary schools to address the more than 9,000 vacant elementary school seats across the district • Opening enrollment outside of the district • Adding a $0.03 increase to the district’s

maintenance and operations tax rate • Cuts to central and support departments • Implementing a new staffing framework “At the conclusion of this budget process, we expect to have the long term financial flexibility necessary ... for our students and educators to continue to thrive,” RISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum said in a news release. The context The FY 2023-24 budget is the fourth consecutive deficit budget adopted by RISD. According to the district’s website, the projected upcoming budget shortfall is largely due to a lack of increase to public education funding from the Texas Legislature since FY 2018-19 and enrollment decline due to the pandemic. What’s next? RISD trustees plan to begin discussions for the

Budget deficits

$47.5M

$25.9M

$8.6M

$14.8M

$6.9M

2020- 21

2021- 22

2022- 23

2023- 24

2024- 25 *

*PROJECTED

SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FY 2024-25 budget in the coming months with lead- ership presenting a timeline for implementing the recommendations, in addition to presenting options for which elementary campuses to consolidate. Trustees will likely vote to adopt the next budget in June.

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Education Private School Guide

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

2024

Richardson

PGBT TOLL

BRECKINRIDGE BLVD.

Richardson

CUSTER PKWY.

1 Breckinridge Montessori School Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-5 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: soccer, dance, piano, gymnastics Enrollment: 180 Tuition: not provided

CAMPBELL RD.

PGBT TOLL

• 3900 Breckinridge Blvd., Richardson • www.breckinridgemontessori.com

FLOYD RD.

BELT LINE RD.

2 Bridge Builder Academy Type: traditional Grades served: 1-12 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: none Enrollment: 35 Tuition: $35,000-$45,000 annually • 1221 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 209, Richardson • www.bridgebuilderacademy.com 3 IANT Quranic Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Islam Extracurricular activities: student council, sports Enrollment: 325 (approximate) Tuition: $7,000 annually • 840 Abrams Road, Richardson • www.myiqa.org 4 North Dallas Adventist Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: age 3-grade 12 Religious orientation: Seventh-Day Adventist Extracurricular activities: choir, band, orchestra, private music lessons, volleyball, soccer, basketball, robotics, languages

BUCKINGHAM RD.

635

ABRAMS RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

6 Saint Paul Catholic Classical School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: archery, chess club, basketball Enrollment: 137 Tuition: $9,990 annually (parishioner), $11,500 annually (nonparishioner) • 720 S. Floyd Road, Richardson • www.spsdfw.org

Enrollment: 253 Tuition: $700-$1,800 monthly • 2800 Custer Parkway, Richardson • www.ndaacademy.org

5 St. Joseph Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: athletics, clubs, dance, cheer, band, author camp, choir Enrollment: 288 Tuition: $8,400 annually (parishioner), $9,700 annually (nonparishioner) • 600 S. Jupiter Road, Richardson • www.stjosephccschool.net

7 Salam Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Islam Extracurricular activities: Quran class Enrollment: 220-300 Tuition: $375 monthly • 735 N. Plano Road, Ste. 100, Richardson • www.salamfoundation.us

Sain Catholic is one of o schools in ICLE school Catholic C is one of o schools in ICLE school

WHY A CATHOLIC CLASSICAL EDUCATION? Encouraging children to seek truth, goodness and beauty in all things will ultimately lead them to walk with Christ. At SPCCS, our fundamental tenets are faith, wisdom and virtue; the devel- opment of these tenets in our students helps build a foundation in Christ while providing them an enriching education. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

BY COLBY FARR

TxDOT preps for US 75 tech lanes project HOVs, low-emission vehicles and motorcycles during peak rush hours—7-9 a.m. southbound and 4-6 p.m. northbound.

DFW sees record retail occupancy

Looking ahead

Highway highlights • Removal of pylons and separated HOV lane • Adding high-mast lighting • Updating signage and concrete barrier • Install technology infrastructure

121

Most new construction will come from grocery store chains and other anchor stores, Young said. At least 14 new grocery stores will open in 2024 or will be under construction. In 2023, H-E-B’s new stores in McKinney and Allen accounted for 22% of all space.

Plans are underway for a new set of traffic patterns along US 75. At a Jan. 23 Richardson Chamber of Commerce meeting, Jennifer Vorster, Texas Department of Transportation district engineer, provided updates on a $57 million project that would replace the existing underutilized separated high-occupancy vehicle lanes along the highway with what the department describes as “technology lanes.” “I don’t know what [the lanes will] look like in the future yet; we’re just kind of setting it up for a future ability,” Vorster said. The details Work on the 30-month project is set to begin in March along the stretch of US 75 between I-635 and SH 121. As part of the project, officials plan to remove the pylons separating the northbound and southbound HOV lanes and turn them into general purpose lanes. The lanes will only be limited to

In 2023, Dallas-Fort Worth’s retail market experienced the highest occupancy rate in more than 40 years, according to Texas-based real estate firm Weitzman’s latest annual forecast. Dallas-Fort Worth finished the year with a record- high occupancy rate of 95.2%, 1.8 million square feet of space absorbed and more than 1 million square feet of new construction. The new record comes after occupancy rates exceeded 94% for the first time in Weitzman’s history in 2022. “In 2023, I along with many of us saw something we’ve never seen,” Executive Managing Director Robert Young said. “DFW’s retail market reached and it surpassed the highest occupancy rate ever.” The second highest occupancy rate occurred in 1981, when it was reported at 94.8%, Young said. In 2024, Weitzman expects the retail market to remain stable and end the year at 95.8% leased. Weitzman is anticipating nearly 2 million square feet of new construction to be delivered this year.

New construction Retail chains such as H-E-B and Target were responsible for much of the space added in 2023.

Additionally, work includes installing more advanced lighting and signage, which involves replacing the center divider and allowing for electronic infrastructure to be put in place that will give TxDOT the ability to potentially upgrade the lane for other purposes in the future. “The idea here is we’re putting a bunch of intelligence, what we call intelligent traffic systems, in the ground,” Vorster said. “In the future, if there was some other plan to update how those lanes function ... that same type of system can be used if we wanted to add ... many other functions.” What you need to know The first phase will focus on the portion between the President George Bush Turnpike and SH 121 with the second focusing on the PGBT to I-635.

PGBT TOLL

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

635

1.5M

Another aspect of the project is looking to work with different city and regional agencies to coordinate signal timing along the frontage road, allowing for first responders to more quickly reach the scene of an accident and adding extra time to clear traffic congestion that could be caused by it. “If you add an extra 10 to 15 seconds on ... whichever direction the accident has taken place, it then creates a little bit more capacity in the corridor,” Mark Nelson, Richardson director of transportation and mobility, said at the meeting.

500K

0 500K 1M 1.5M 2M

New construction in square feet

2023

2024*

SOURCE: WEITZMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*PROJECTED

DALLAS 9500 North Central Expressway (214) 369-2800 ADDISON 15055 Inwood Road (972) 239-5891

Real estate

More than a dozen homes were sold in each ZIP code area during January 2024. Each area also saw an increase in median home sales prices. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

Average home price in the last 6 months

-4.2%

+90%

+40%

75080 $447,750

75081 $400,000

January 2023

January 2024

75082 $534,000

75080

75081

75082

PGBT TOLL

75082

Median home sales price

75080

75081

December

2023

2024

PGBT TOLL

BELT LINE RD.

$405,000

$446,000

75080

Homes sold by price point

$411,250

$412,000

75081

January 2024

$449,500

$556,500

75082

$1 million+

$700,000-$999,999

Average days on the market

Number of new listings

$400,000-$699,999

+39.4%

+6.06%

-13.33%

-2.2%

+10.34%

+7.69%

$100,000-$399,999

<$100,000

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS WWW.CCAR.NET

75080

75081

75082

75080

75081

75082

NOW OPEN !

1240 E Belt Line Rd Richardson, TX 75081

Camelot

Richardson

HOlford

E Beltline Rd

635

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

Renovation plans to revive former Richardson Square Mall site

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

What they’re saying

The details

"We appreciate that [they have] nally done some of the cleanup that needs to be done, but there are more steps that will need to be taken." TONY RICE, DUCK CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Prior to construction beginning, Deuillet said Structure Commercial is willing to continue meeting with community leaders to help alleviate concerns expressed by attendees at the February event, which centered around a lack of community engagement, viability of the project and diversity of potential tenants. No community meetings have been sched- uled yet. “We don’t have to [get approval], but we want everyone to feel involved and to feel like they have a voice,” Deuillet said. “If somebody has [a suggestion] that we know would go with this, we’ll go out and try to get it.”

Deuillet said a lease is pending with Japanese home goods retailer Daiso, with representatives from other companies such as Hudson House, Cava, Panera Bread and Ulta expressing interest in becoming tenants once work on the property gets underway. “[VN Holdings has] done their demographic work to know that people … would all love what they want to do here but also the draw that it’ll have to get from people from hundreds of miles away that will come,” Deuillet said, pointing to the uniqueness of the tenants Structure Commercial hopes to attract.

Structure Commercial President Eric Deuillet said city sta has approved plans for the project and the developer is waiting on a building permit to begin work. That could start in the next few months with expected completion by the end of 2025. After giving a facelift to the exterior and renovating the interior of the former Sears location, ocials estimate the site could accommodate up to 20 storefronts. Based on presented plans, the existing structure would be divided into four buildings separated by open-air walkways and anchored by the rst U.S. location of Japanese grocery store Aeon.

E. BELT LINE RD.

BLAZE PIZZA

CHIPOTLE

EL POLLO LOCO

92-acre property 70,800 sq. ft. of retail space Up to 20 storefronts Sept. 2025 expected completion date

JASON'S DELI

Daiso

Looking ahead

STARBUCKS

Aeon Shopping Mall

Based on the Richardson’s zoning ordinances, many retail and commercial uses would be allowed without city involvement as they t within the existing zoning of the site. However, uses such as installing a drive-thru and measures such as replatting sites for tenants would need to go before either the city planning commission or City Council.

WHATABURGER

LOWE'S

The background

Sears opens 1972:

New development

1977:

Richardson Square Mall is built around Sears

The original Richardson Square Mall was built in 1977, ve years after Sears opened, according to the Richardson Historical & Genealogical Society. The mall was demolished in 2007, minus the Sears location, which remained open until 2019. Portions of the former mall site have been con- verted to house current tenants, including Lowe’s. “Once we get the permit, … [the plan is] we’re going to go to all these tenants that we’re talking to and say, ‘Get in now or you’re going to miss out,’” Deuillet said. “They’ll be doing their con- struction at the same time, so it all opens at once.”

2007:

Richardson Square Mall is demolished, leaving only Sears

Sears closes 2019:

2025:

Sears building is expected to be turned into new Richardson Square shopping mall

RENDERING COURTESY STRUCTURE COMMERCIAL

SOURCE: RICHARDSON HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

RICHARDSON EDITION

Events

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Initial lineup unveiled for city’s 2024 Wildower! Arts & Music Festival Richardson ocials have unveiled the musical lineup for the city’s upcoming Wildower! Arts & Music Festival. What you need to know Headlining acts for the annual three-day festival include Nile Rodgers & Chic, the Randy Rodgers Band, Awolnation, Grouplove, KC & The Sunshine Band, Saint Motel, The Struts, and Sister Sledge. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a city news release. This year’s festival is scheduled for May 17-19 at Galatyn Park Urban Center. In addition to concerts from local, regional and national acts, the festival features street performers, a battle of the bands, a songwriting competition, a marketplace lled with local and regional goods, kids activities, and more.

Richardson’s 2023 Wildower Festival in the Galatyn Urban Park Center featured headliners including Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. (Community Impact sta)

Tickets can be purchased online and cost $25 for a Friday-Saturday pass and $10 for a Sunday pass through May 17, after which the price will increase. Discounted $18 tickets for Richardson residents can also be purchased in-person at the Gymnas- tics Center, the Heights Recreation Center, the Huines Recreation Center and the Senior Center through May 18. Children age 12 and younger will receive free admission.

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Paint by numbers This workshop for adults only will allow participants to create their own artwork with a paint-by-numbers kit. • March 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon • Free • Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 500, Richardson • www.cor.net/departments/public-library ‘Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story’ This play tells the story of Belinda, a 10-year old poet. When Belinda gets stuck in the basement while preparing for a party, she must learn to stand up for herself. • March 17, 2 p.m. • $17-$27 • Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com ‘Things My Mother Taught Me’ This play tells the story of Olivia and Gabe, who are moving into their first apartment together. Things get complicated when all of their parents show up to help. • Mach 22-April 7, times vary • $22-$24 • Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson • www.richardsontheatrecentre.net

February

22nd annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival The competition showcases classical guitar students. The event will feature students competing and attending master classes and concerts by internationally recognized guitarists. • Feb. 29-March 2, various times • Free • The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • https://bit.ly/48Fz9AD

March

The Last Knife Fighter Texas-born songwriter and poet The Last Knife Fighter will perform at Six Springs Tavern. The artist is known for his unique voice and writing style. • March 1, 8 p.m. • $15 • Six Springs Tavern, 147 N. Plano Road, Richardson • www.sixspringslive.com

Tasting Tea: a Creative and Sensory Experience with Cher Kaufmann

Attendees will taste and discuss different teas and their effect on creativity with a coloring workshop hosted by author and artist Cher Kaufmann. • March 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon • Free • Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 500, Richardson • www.cor.net/departments/public-library

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Dining

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

The Bird’s Nest ($12) features chopped tenders, slaw, comeback sauce and pickles on a bed of fries.

The 12-piece nuggets combo ($10) is served with fries, pickles, a slice of bread and a drink.

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN BUTLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Customer service, value key at Ricky’s Hot Chicken Ricky’s Hot Chicken owner Ricky Tran believes that when customers pay for a meal, they should feel they received their money’s worth. The backstory What’s on the menu? Patrons choose one of six spice levels, including “A-bomb,” which features a spiced oil bath.

Owner Ricky Tran decided to leave the engineering eld and opened Ricky’s Hot Chicken in 2020.

The most popular menu item is the Sando, Tran said, which features chicken breast sandwich with a choice of spice level and comeback sauce—a combination of mayonnaise and chili sauce. Also popular is the Bird’s Nest—chopped tenders and

The concept began after Tran ate hot chicken for the rst time. He then began researching the history of the food. Tran worked on his recipes, giving samples away to try and perfect them. “There’s a place in Los Angeles called Howlin’ Ray’s that is a big inuence on what I wanted to do here,” Tran said, adding that he connected with that restaurant’s owner to collaborate. Tran opened the Richardson location in 2020, followed by a location in Arlington in 2022 and one in Plano in 2023.

W.BE LT LI NER D .

xings on top of fries. What’s special about it?

Tran said he focuses on customers and value, adding his prices didn’t rise during the pandemic. “We want to give a good meal to our customers,” Tran said. “But we don’t want them to feel ripped o afterwards.”

100 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 18, Richardson www.rickyshotchicken.com

April 27 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

APRIL 27 • 6 - 10 p.m. St. Paul Catholic Church Parish Center 900 St. Paul Drive

Richardson East

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581 Campbell Rd. #129 Richardson, TX 75080 (972) 480-9555 OliveOilsPizzeria.com

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Expires 3/31/24 Cannot be combined with any other offer. ANY LARGE GOURMET PIZZA MON-FRI 11AM-4PM

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Your monetary donation helps fund the cost of building a home. DONATE TODAY!

Marion McFarland-Gayle a Navy Veteran & recipient of Habitat’s 100th McKinney home

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RICHARDSON EDITION

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