Howdy Frisco -
Samsung just announced it's moving its entire U.S. headquarters to Plano by end of 2026. Yes, that Samsung. The one that makes your phone, your TV, and your refrigerator that judges you at midnight. Eight months after cutting the ribbon on a brand new New Jersey campus, they're packing up and heading to Collin County.
About 1,000 employees now have to decide whether to move to Texas or find a new job. I'm going to go out on a limb and say a few of them are going to be just fine with this outcome.
Alright, on to the good stuff.
🏟️ The Dallas Stars Are Skating to Plano, and It's Kind of a Big Deal
If you haven't heard yet, the Dallas Stars want to build a brand new arena at the old Shops at Willow Bend site in Plano, and it's no longer just a rumor. The team signed a non-binding Letter of Intent for the 107-acre Willow Bend site, and the Plano City Council votes on it June 8.
The development would include the arena plus sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces. Think of it as what the mall always wanted to be, but couldn't quite figure out.
A little context on Willow Bend: It opened in 2001 as the last enclosed mall built in Texas. It was luxury-forward, perfectly positioned... and then 9/11 happened six weeks later. It never really recovered. Multiple ownership changes, a $100 million renovation that stalled, occupancy dropping below 70%. It's been a tough 25 years for that site.
A redevelopment project called The Bend was already in the works, with plans to tear down 500,000+ square feet of enclosed retail and replace it with apartments, walkable streets and green space. Now an NHL arena could anchor the whole thing.
Why this matters for Frisco: The Mavericks, meanwhile, just announced plans for a new arena near LBJ and Preston in Dallas. Both teams are leaving American Airlines Center, and both are heading north. Collin County is quietly becoming the center of gravity for North Texas sports.
The growth along the Tollway corridor is not slowing down. Adding an NHL arena just a few miles south of me honestly doesn't surprise me one bit.
The council vote is Monday, June 8. Worth watching.
🏈 Free Family Day at Kaleidoscope Park, June 28
This one is going straight on my calendar, and I'd suggest you do the same.
On Sunday, June 28, Kaleidoscope Park in Frisco is hosting For The Family Day, a completely free outdoor event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's presented in partnership with Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams and NFL legend Charles Haley, and benefits the Tackle Tomorrow Foundation, which focuses on youth education and mentorship.
Here's what they've got lined up:
Live DJ
Foam bubble party (my girls would absolutely lose their minds)
Interactive activity stations
Lawn games
Local food trucks
Community vendors and family-focused programming
The event is open to all ages and free to attend. Kaleidoscope Park is at 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco.
I've been looking for more things to do with the girls this summer that don't require me to spend $300 or wait in a 45-minute line. This checks every box. A free Sunday morning, foam bubbles, food trucks, and NFL royalty? My 4-year-old will think I planned the whole thing myself.
Put June 28 on your calendar now before summer fills up.
🥐 New Spots Open in Frisco (And One You'll Want to Know About)
Frisco keeps adding to its restaurant and retail scene, and a few things just opened that are worth your attention.
The Brunch District opened its Frisco location on May 15 at 5199 Panther Creek Parkway. It's their fourth DFW location, joining spots in Colleyville, McKinney and Addison. The menu is Southern and Tex-Mex breakfast classics: steak and eggs, loaded grits, migas, plus sandwiches and salads for lunch. Emily has already mentioned it twice. I'm taking that as a sign we're going this weekend.
Kame Sushi opened May 8 at 5251 Panther Creek Parkway. Sushi, nigiri, sashimi, hibachi and a sake menu. For date night once the baby cooperates.
True Texas Burgers opened May 28 at 5001 Panther Creek Parkway. Burgers, melts and shakes. My kind of keep-it-simple spot.
And here's one to put on your radar: 1845 Mercantile is opening June 5 in Frisco's Rail District at 6726 Main Street. It'll carry Texas and Frisco-inspired goods including clothing, accessories, books, trinkets and large canvas prints of historic Frisco. If you've ever wanted to buy your neighbor a gift that says "I actually live here and love it," this is your store.
Also coming soon: Frenchies Modern Nail Care opens June 9 at 3900 PGA Parkway, and Water Wings Swim School is coming to 13600 Coit Road, though not until 2027. (Still logging that one for future swim lesson duty.)
🏡 The Frisco Market Is Softer. Your Agent Choice Isn't.
Real talk on what the numbers show right now: median sale price around $662K, down ~4.6% year-over-year. 35% of listings have taken a price cut. 78.5% of homes are selling under list price.
That's not a disaster. That's a market where the right agent makes a real difference.
Most sellers aren't losing on price because of market conditions. They're losing because their agent doesn't know what sold two blocks over last month.
My wife Emily runs a free referral service matching Frisco sellers with hyperlocal agents who know your neighborhood, not just your zip code. Ten minutes to find out who you should actually call.
✅ 100% Free
✅ Takes 10 minutes
✅ Whether you’re selling tomorrow or next year
📅 THIS WEEK IN FRISCO
Thursday, June 4
⚽ Guinness World Record Attempt: World's Largest Soccer Ball Number | 9 AM-12 PM Warren Sports Complex, 7599 Eldorado Pkwy. Visit Frisco is going for a world record as a World Cup warm-up. Free to attend, free parking. The official adjudicator will certify on the spot.
🔬 Community Science Night at Frisco Library | 6-8 PM Hands-on science stations with 20+ organizations including NASA, Frisco Fire Department, Dallas Paleontological Society, Code Ninjas, and more. Free. Great kickoff to summer for the kids.
Friday, June 5
🤸 Gymnastics Day at Frisco Library | 10-10:30 AM & 11-11:30 AM The Little Gym Frisco brings the fun to the library. Ages 5 and under. No shoes or socks for skills. Space is limited - tickets available in the lobby one hour before. Complete waiver in advance.
💃 Date Night at Kaleidoscope Park | 7-9 PM Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Pkwy. BYOB, live music, wine tastings, lawn games, and craft activities. Recurring first Friday of the month. Leave the kids with grandma.
Saturday, June 6
🥕 Frisco Rotary Farmers Market at Kaleidoscope Park | 9 AM - 1 PM Saturday Morning Brushy Creek Farm (Montague, TX) is joining as a CSA drop-off and booth vendor this weekend - family farm, 30+ years, no synthetic pesticides. Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers, melons and more. Produce is back at this market.
🧱 DFW Lug Social Hour | 9-10 AM Stonebriar Mall food court. All-ages LEGO meetup. Free, casual, and genuinely fun if you've got a little builder at home.
🎻 Strings and Splashing Tails: Plano Symphony Family Concert | 3 PM Nack Theater, 6711 Oak St. String trio and piano performing Little Mermaid, Moana, Carnival of the Animals, and more. $17/ticket. This one is custom-made for the under-8 crowd.
🍹 Frisco Margarita Festival | 12-6 PM Rollertown Beerworks, 6450 Main St. Ten 3.5 oz margarita samples included with entry. Live DJ, street food, beer garden, and a chance to win a trip to Mexico. A portion of proceeds benefits children's charities.
Sunday, June 7
🌱 Community Picnic at Frisco Commons Park | 12:30-2:30 PM Hosted by I Belong and Grace Avenue UMC. Free event for people with disabilities and their families. BBQ lunch (first 100), plus art, yoga, and music at Hope Park. No RSVP needed.
🍽️ Taste of Alpha at Kaleidoscope Park | 5-8 PM Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Pkwy. Free entry community food event from Statis Catering. Menu includes seafood buckets, cognac alfredo pasta, jerk chicken pasta, and more. Come hungry.
⚾ Toy Story Night - Frisco RoughRiders | 6:05 PM Riders Field, 7300 Rough Riders Trail. Special Toy Story jerseys on the field, postgame fireworks. Tickets here.
