Hello A-J readers!
This week brought a 1-year look-back on a Swisher County solar project, updates on Dick’s Sporting Goods plans for the South Plains Mall, recognition for two Lubbock small businesses, details on the upcoming Total Wine & More and the opening of a new clinic in Wolfforth. It also produced a new best bite that I can’t get enough of. Here are the highlights.
Hornet Solar, developed by Vesper Energy and opened near Tulia in 2025, announced that last year it contributed more than $5 million to the community and generated 1.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity, according to a company news release. It also donated to local organizations, including the volunteer fire department.
“Texas is growing fast, and so is the demand for reliable power. Hornet Solar has delivered more than 1.5 million megawatt-hours to the ERCOT grid in its first year and over five million dollars in tax revenue flowing directly to local schools, hospitals, and services in Swisher County,” said Juan Suarez, Co-CEO of Vesper Energy. “This is what successful development and power generation looks like, and it is the standard we intend to carry forward.”
On Thursday, two local family businesses earned awards from the Small Business Administration. Iron Horse Welding, owned by Tony Mendoza, won the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year for Lubbock. Science Appliance, owned by Robert and Casey Pugh, earned the 2026 Blue Collar Small Business of the Year for the region.
“Both of these companies have done it the old-fashioned American Story way,” said Chuck Edwards, regional director for America’s SBDC of Texas Tech University – Lubbock. “They did it without bank funding. They have done great things, they have accomplished and got things built up very nicely over the last few years. I’m very happy for them.”
The new UMC Family Medicine Clinic opened Tuesday at 720 Donald Preston Drive, replacing the existing Wolfforth clinic, according to a news release. It offers more space, on-site lab and X-ray services and improved amenities. The hours will be Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-noon.
Total Wine & More also confirmed an opening date for its first location in Lubbock at 6038 Marsha Sharp Freeway West, Suite 100. The 17,000 sq. ft. store will offer thousands of different wines, beers and distilled spirits starting May 21.
“Lubbock has such a strong sense of community, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Shirin Odar, Chief Stores Officer at Total Wine & More. “From spotlighting local producers to helping customers find everything they need for this upcoming tailgate season at Texas Tech, we’re committed to serving our neighbors with the lowest prices on wine, spirits, beer, and even THC-infused beverages.”
And now, we can discuss this week’s best bite. One of last month’s new restaurants, Raices Latin Fusion, 6201 19th St., has been a hot topic in the foodie circles online, so I decided to check it out. The moment I stepped in, I was gifted with the scent of warm food, and I knew right then I was in for a treat.
We ordered the Venezuelan chicken and cheese empanada ($5), the trio of Colombian empanadas ($10) and the tequeños. It also came with two sauces.
Everyone. I need you to understand that I fell in love with the Venezuelan empanada at first bite. The exterior had a light sweetness, the filling was flavorful and juicy without being oversaturated, and pairing it with the sauces just improved perfection. From vibe to cost to food, Raices is a must-try in Lubbock and now a contender for the unofficial 2026 best new business – food category, in my opinion.
Going into next week, I hope to have some updates on the businesses we’ve been waiting on. There’s bound to be plenty opening this month, so stay tuned.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Sports, empanadas, Total Wine & More make Lubbock business headlines
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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