Hey neighbor,
If you're reading this from Gate C37 at DFW wondering why airports are designed to break the human spirit, we have news: it'll be better in 2027.
DFW just approved $60 million more for Terminal F construction. So in two years, your holiday travel nightmares will happen in a slightly nicer building.
Progress!
Anyway, here's what's actually happening in Frisco this week.
🌭 Chicago Is Coming (And We're Not Mad About It)
Peep the plant-based garden dog above. Finally, a way to disappoint both your cardiologist AND your vegan friend at the same time.
Portillo's broke ground on their first Frisco location December 11th. If you've never experienced a proper Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich, prepare yourself.
What's coming:
Chicago-style hot dogs (the ones with everything on them)
Italian beef sandwiches (the messy kind)
Char-grilled burgers
Chocolate cake (apparently it's legendary)
The setup: 6,250 square feet, double drive-thru, 120 seats, plus a 500 sq ft patio. They're calling it their "restaurant of the future" design.
When: Early 2026
Where: Northwest corner of Gordon Heights Lane and FM 423
Finally, a reason to argue about hot dog toppings.
🛒 H-E-B Is Building a Massive Fulfillment Center
Before you get too excited: this isn't a store. It's a 51,599 square-foot warehouse for curbside and delivery orders.
The details:
Located at FM 423 and US 380
Construction starts July 2026, done by June 2027
Cost: $14.4 million
Purpose: Stock goods for online orders
Translation: H-E-B is betting big on curbside pickup. Which means my toddler will never get to drive one of those adorable mini carts through the aisles. Tragic, really.
🚬 Frisco Is Cracking Down on Vape Shops
The planning commission unanimously approved new rules: vape shops can't open within 1,000 feet of homes, schools, churches, hospitals, or daycares.
The result: No more vape shop clusters. The city's already notified 41 existing shops they're in the new buffer zones. They can stay open but can't expand or relocate—what's called "legal nonconforming use."
City Council votes early 2026.
🎄 What's Actually Worth Doing This Week
Saturday, Dec 20:
SaturYAY: Holiday Edition at Kaleidoscope Park | 10am-12pm, FREE | Santa visits, Letters to Santa station, holiday crafts, mini train rides.
Afternoon Tea at Omni PGA Frisco | 11am-2pm, $75 adults/$35 kids | Premium teas, fancy bites, live acoustic guitar at Trick Rider. Reserve at bit.ly/46IYCun.
Still Running Through the Holidays:
Christmas in the Square (through Jan 5): Free light show, 6-10pm nightly
The Light Park at Riders Field (through Jan 4): Drive-thru lights
Santa at The Star (through Dec 24): Photos from $39, code STAR5 saves $5
📬 Got a Tip?
If you see the Portillo's construction crew working overtime on FM 423, honk twice. They're building us something good.
And if you've got tips on what's opening, closing, or just plain weird in Frisco, hit reply. I'm reading every one.
Enjoy the lights,
Noah
P.S. — Ketchup doesn't belong on hot dogs. I don't make the rules.