Around the City Vol. 11

IN THIS ISSUE...

MAR/APR 2024

Wondering what’s for dinner tonight? We’re about to give you the most comprehensive answer you could’ve imagined with our guide to GOOD LOCAL EATS. After reading this feature story you’ll be able to confidently tell anyone who asks about the thirty-one different food options we have available right here in the White Settlement city limits. If you see something on the list you’ve never tried before, why not load up the family and go support one of these local businesses who help provide us all with a great variety of meal options.

We say it a lot (and with good reason) but here in White Settlement we love our volunteers. We’re excited to present a photographic feature called THREE CHEERS FOR THE VOLUNTEERS in this volume. These pictures were taken from the recent Volunteer Appreciation Banquet as well as the Senior Center Volunteer Luncheon. We tried to fit in as many photos as we can but rest assured, we are thankful for all who serve their community by volunteering. We always say, those who think the volunteer spirit is dying out must not have visited White Settlement lately!

You’ll find all of these stories and more as you read on. We hope you enjoy this publication, we’re glad to have you here! And as always, we kick off this volume with City Manager Jeff James and his BIG THREE!

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor: Faron Young

Mayor Pro Tem/Place 3: Amber Munoz

Place 1: Paul Moore

Place 2: Alan Price

Place 4: William Wright

Place 5: Gregg Geesa

CITY MANAGER

AROUND THE CITY TEAM

THE CITY MANAGER’S

B I G

H R E E

After a mild February there are early indicators and predictions that we may be in for above average temperatures this summer. Trust me, I’m right along with you in groaning at that as it’s tough to imagine Texas summers being even hotter than usual. More heat means that we’ll all need to be more aware of some important factors. The first is safety. The Texas heat can bring with it serious health and safety concerns such as heat stroke. As we move into the heat, please drink plenty of water and take the necessary precautions for you and your family. Another concern will be energy and our electrical grid. This mild winter kept the Texas energy grid from having any serious concerns, but a hotter than average summer could bring some challenges. I advise staying aware of any notices or updates that come from ERCOT in case there are calls for energy conservation we all need to be aware of. Lastly, I do want to remind everyone about our fantastic water park right here in town, Splash Dayz. We’ve been working to offer a lot of specials and deals to make sure Splash Dayz is a good value for each of you and can be a great place for you to stay cool and spend your summer. You can keep up with the latest deals and offers by visiting https://www.facebook.com/splashdayz

I am excited to let all of you know that we’ve hired a new Finance Director, Brittney Huff, and that she began work in February. Brittney has experience in government finance and possesses some great skills that I believe will be a big benefit for White Settlement. She has extensive expertise in the area of grants, something I’m particularly excited about. We’ve expanded our use of grants in recent years and with Brittney’s added skills I feel that we’ll be able to do even more with them in the future. She’ll also be working to help us continue to improve and evolve our budget process. If you see her at a city meeting please take a moment to say hello and welcome her to town.

With the City fast approaching the 20,000 population mark I wanted to talk a little about growth. With growth here in the City and in all the areas around us comes new challenges. White Settlement is becoming more urbanized. If you take a look around here at home and the surrounding areas, new industrial growth and housing developments continue to pop up. This means more people, more pedestrians, and of course more cars, which brings the potential for more accidents. I don’t see growth as a bad thing, but with increased growth we should be sure we also increase our awareness. I’m asking each of you to please drive defensively and alertly. Be more aware and let’s make sure that we keep ourselves and those who walk, drive, and otherwise travel in our city safe. Our police department is working hard to stop unsafe drivers, but let’s do our part as well when we’re behind the wheel.

City Manager Jeff James

GOOD GOOD GOOD LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL EATS EATS EATS

Person #1: What do you want for dinner?

Person #2: I don’t know, what sounds good to you?

Person #1: I’m not sure. You in the mood for anything in particular?

Person #2: Hmmm, I don’t know. Mexican sounds good, but so do burgers, and pizza...

Does this conversation look familiar to you? Sometimes it seems like the toughest decision of the day is where to go to grab food. Luckily, White Settlement has steadily grown into a place filled with a variety of food options. Home to many unique small business restaurants and also the fastest McDonald’s in the country, the growing meal appeal in town is undeniable. From restaurants to food trucks and everything in between, there have never been more options to choose from when deciding what’s for dinner. Just check out the following pages for an alphabetical list of everywhere to eat in White Settlement.

Arroyo Authentic Mexican Food

510 S Cherry Lane

A longtime business, Arroyo continues to serve up delicious Mexican cuisine and ice cold drinks. They are regularly praised for the friendly service, reasonable prices, and good eats! For those longtime locals, it’s finally time to stop calling this the “old Braum’s building” and embrace the great Mexican food restaurant that has been here for many, many years.

photo credit: Google Maps user Agent 8

Aviano’s Pizza Pasta Subs

601 N Cherry Lane

They’ve got great pizza, but thinking of Aviano’s as just a pizza joint is a big mistake! Just as the name suggests, they offer up great pasta dishes as well as sub sandwiches and Philly Cheese Steaks. Stop in and grab a slice for lunch or order up a full dinner feast!

Bangkok House Thai Restaurant

438 S Cherry Lane

Those looking for authentic Thai food can find it right here in the heart of White Settlement. If you love vibrant flavors and aromatic ingredients, this is the spot for you. People say to also check out their orange chicken dish, a hidden gem on the menu!

Belzoni’s Catfish Cafe

110 Jim Wright Fwy Suite C

When you hail from Belzoni, Mississippi, the Catfish Capital of the World, you set a high standard for your catfish dishes. Since they opened, Belzoni’s hasn’t just lived up to the standard, they’ve surpassed it. A favorite lunch spot, Belzoni’s pride themselves in frying up only the finest quality, farm-raised and grain-fed catfish.

Chick-Fil-A

9105 Clifford Street

They’re not called the home of the Original Chicken Sandwich for nothing. You’ll find the local Chick-Fil-A serving up delicious chicken every Monday through Saturday. Even when the lines look long, you can count on their lightning fast service to get you the food you crave in a timely manner.

Chicken Express

8805 Clifford Street

Currently closed for renovations, Chicken Express is a hometown staple serving fried chicken and all the fixin’s that go along with it. Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet tea or a full family meal, be sure to swing by once the store reopens later this year!

Danny’s Burritos

8120 White Settlement Rd

If you’ve ever driven by the Danny’s Burritos food truck in the morning and wondered if you should stop by for a breakfast burrito allow us to help you. The answer is yes, you should stop by! High quality, fresh ingredients make these some of the best breakfast burritos around and the reasonable prices sure are nice, too!

Duke’s Donuts

500 S Cherry Lane

There may be no more iconic eatery in all of White Settlement than Duke’s Donuts. A White Settlement way of life, this donut shop has been providing delicious breakfast treats for generations! Utilize their drive thru or go inside and browse the wide selection of donuts and breakfast foods.

El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant 9016 White Settlement Road

The parking lot is always full for good reason as this longtime family owned and operated White Settlement business has been serving up Mexican classics such as fajitas and enchiladas for years. From the iconic plant covered entryway to the great food, this is a quintessential White Settlement culinary experience.

El Tequilas Mexican Restaurant 8705 Clifford Street

It will only take one visit to understand why El Tequilas was recognized in 2023 by Yelp.com as an official “People Love Us on Yelp” restaurant. Serving up high quality Mexican cuisine, El Tequilas is also a favorite place for many to meet up with friends and colleagues for a meal and a drink!

Happy Bowl

8149 White Settlement Road

Long praised in the metroplex as a culinary hidden gem, Happy Bowl serves up authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Pad See Eew. Make a carryout order or dine inside, but either way be sure to check out this long standing White Settlement staple.

Hawkins Tasty Food

108 Jim Wright Fwy Suite 101

Once upon a time, you’d have to chase down the Hawkins food truck to get these delicious meals, but as of 2023 White Settlement is now home to the permanent location of Hawkins Tasty Food. The newest restaurant in the city, Hawkins Tasty Food serves up cheesesteaks, wings, catfish, burgers, and so much more. Stop by, grab some dinner, and welcome them to the city!

IHOP

2015 S Cherry Lane

No matter where you go, the White Settlement IHOP will always be here, waiting to welcome you back home with 24 hour service, warm coffee, and fluffy pancakes. Don’t forget, IHOP serves more than just breakfast foods, making it another great option for dinner.

photo credit: Google Maps user Jon Blair

Jack in the Box

8700 West Freeway

In search of some late night eats or just some classic fast food favorites? Jack in the Box offers all-day breakfast and budget-friendly combos! The combination of extended hours and good value makes Jack in the Box an enduring local favorite.

KFC

2011 S Las Vegas Trail

One of the newest places to eat in White Settlement, KFC’s world famous fried chicken is a welcome addition to the local culinary landscape. There are plenty of familiar comfort foods on the menu, but also some new items to try!

La Pasadita

600 N Las Vegas Trail

Going through multiple expansions in recent years, La Pasadita has grown into a full sized restaurant serving up authentic Mexican food. They are also a premiere breakfast option in town, serving up massive breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, migas, the BIGGEST pancake you’ll ever encounter, and more.

DID YOU DID YOU DID YOU KNOW? KNOW? KNOW?

An individual strand of spaghetti is called a spaghetto.

The world’s largest restaurant is the Bawabet Dimashq in Syria. Costing $40 million to build, it boasts a 54,000 square feet dining area that can hold over 6,000 diners and is divided into 6 different culinary sections.

Strawberries aren’t actually berries.

There are over 200,000 fast food businesses in the United States.

McDonald’s McNuggets come in four shapes: the bell, the ball, the boot, and the bow tie.

Despite their different colors, all Froot Loops are the same flavor.

At one point, Shaquille O’Neal owned 155 Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurants.

Burger King is called Hungry Jack’s in Australia.

The fear of cooking is medically described as mageirocophobia.

Over 12 million people work in the food service industry in the United States.

The Cheesecake Factory’s menu contains 22 times more words (6,000) than the Gettysburg Address (272).

The busiest day of the year for a restaurant is typically Mother’s Day.

Love Donuts

8600 West Fwy

Great donuts and breakfast foods are already enough reasons to stop by Love Donuts, but they also serve boba drinks as well! Open until 5 pm, their extended hours give you more time to enjoy all the goodness that a donut shop can offer.

LuLu’s Tacos

2001 S Las Vegas Trail

This restaurant believes that food should be a celebration of culture and a reflection of passion. This value is clear in every authentic Mexican dish they serve. Tamales, tortas, tacos, breakfast, they’ve got whatever it is you’re craving!

McDonald’s

8540 West Fwy

It’s not just McDonald’s, it’s a first of its kind super efficient, super fast McDonald’s! This location continues to draw media attention for its focus on rapid, accurate service, thanks in large part to the innovative outside pickup lane that is serviced by conveyor belts!

photo credit: Yelp user Linda L

Momma’s Donuts

823 S Cherry Lane

If you’re looking for delicious donuts and breakfast items that come with a dash of creativity, Momma’s is your spot. Not only are the donuts great, but they usually feature fun and unique designs, especially around major holidays!

Nany’s Tacos

2025 S Cherry Lane

If you ever see people piling into this gas station around lunch time it’s not because they’re all fueling up at the same time, it’s because of Nany’s Tacos. Don’t let the location fool you, this is real deal Mexican food that will have you coming back for more.

NY Joe’s Pasta & Pizza

750 Alta Mere Drive #200

Don’t let the location fool you, this is still in the White Settlement city limits and it’s definitely worth a visit! With daily lunch specials, pizza, and pasta, this Italian restaurant has the high quality food that you’re after. If you’re looking for more than just pizza you’ll also find authentic dishes such as Bologneses, Tortellini, and Chicken Parmigiana.

photo credit Taysia C

Panda Express

450 Jim Wright Fwy

Serving up tasty American Chinese food fresh from the wok, Panda Express is always a great choice for lunch or dinner! They’ve got many options to choose from, but let’s be honest, most of us are heading straight for that mouth watering orange chicken!

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

1747 Cherry Lane

Bringing those beloved Louisiana flavors right to our doorstep, Popeyes has been serving up their famous fried chicken for years. And don’t forget, they also have a killer chicken sandwich, so that’s always an option. Keep an eye out for new menu items or specials that pop up frequently.

Pupusaria Tobar

9251 White Settlement Road

Another great food truck option serving up Mexican food and tasty pupusas, a dish originally from El Salvador that is similar to a flatbread or pancake and can be filled with a variety of savory fillings.

WHITE WHITE WHITE SETTLEMENT SETTLEMENT SETTLEMENT

FOOD MAP FOOD MAP FOOD MAP

Sazon Mondragon

824 S Cherry Lane

This food truck is a fantastic spot for anyone looking for tacos, tortas, burritos, or quesadillas. They are conveniently located along Cherry Lane! Reviewers rave about the birria tacos as well as the tortas.

Smoothie King

560 Alta Mere Drive

Offering delicious smoothies that can be used to fuel a healthy and active lifestyle, Smoothie King is a great choice and yes, it’s technically within White Settlement City limits! With tons of options, everyone can find something to love at Smoothie King.

Subway

1606 S Cherry Lane

The local Subway has been a longtime business serving up great tasting sandwiches for many years. Now offering footlong snacks such as pretzels and churros in addition to the sandwiches, it’s a great time to swing by and see what Subway has to offer.

Tom's Fried Chicken

1005 S Cherry Lane

As one food reviewer said so well, you really can’t go wrong with fried chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Here’s an insider tip, if you have kids who don’t want chicken, bring them along anyway and check out some of the great extra items on the menu like corn dogs and burritos!

Wendy’s

1751 S Cherry Lane

Another long standing Cherry Lane business, Wendy’s remains a great place to grab a good meal at a reasonable price. Don’t forget to pick up a Frosty while you’re there!

Wings over Fort Worth

520 Alta Mere Drive

Believe it or not, this fantastic restaurant is technically within the White Settlement city limits! The wings are cooked fresh to order and are flavored with signature sauces that are made in-house. They also have some excellent specialty burgers and other dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Not to be confused with the upcoming air show (more on that on the next page!)

photo credit: Yelp user Roger 6

WINGS OVER COWTOWN

It takes a lot to make an air show even more exciting than they already are but one such thing is the involvement of the famed U.S. Navy Blue Angels. This flight demonstration squadron are known as elite pilots and they’ve been wowing crowds with their skills since 1946. Chief Cook has worked hard alongside Fort Worth Police Department Chief Neil Noakes, Westworth Village Police Chief Kevin Reaves, U.S. Navy Police and NAS JRB Fort Worth to make this air show a reality. Planning has been underway for many months in preparation for what promises to be a fantastic event. This will be the first air show hosted at the base since 2016 and a lot of work has gone into making this a success. There will be military and civilian aircraft displays, novelty, food, and beverage booths, a kids zone with games and activities, and of course the air show itself with the Blue Angels as the grand finale! This event is free and open to the public. Find more information by visiting https://www.navymwrfortworth.com/event/airshow

WSPD Chief of Police Christopher Cook (middle) with Blue Angels pilots LT Connor O’Donnell (left) and LCDR Brian Vaugh.

Guilty Pleasure

MOVIES WORTH WATCHING

Each volume, City staff members select a few themed movies that we think are worth watching. While all movies suggested are rated PG-13 or below, please be sure to research the movie's content for yourself to ensure it is appropriate for you and your family.

SPACEBALLS

1987 - Comedy - PG

Spaceballs is a hilarious parody movie that pokes fun at Star Wars and other 80s films in true Mel Brooks style! It's a wacky and fun ride as the heroes navigate through desert moons and hilarious antics to rescue the princess and her droid. It may not be the most sophisticated, high brow humor, but that’s why it’s perfect for a guilty pleasure movie!

Suggested by Maureen B

LION KING

1994 - Musical/Family - G

The beloved animated classic has long been a favorite for kids, but it’s got plenty of wisdom for adults, too. It teaches some life lessons that can still be applied to this day such as when Rafiki reminds us, “The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run form it or learn from it”. When the parents love it more than the kids it can be considered a guilty pleasure movie, but hey, HAKUNA MATATA!

Suggested by Laura G

BREAKIN

Breakin' is such a fun movie about a young dancer who teams up with two street dancers to create their own group for competitions. And can we talk about how incredible the soundtrack is? It's seriously FIRE! Some may say it’s a relic of the early 80's, making this a bit of a guilty pleasure, but we say that with a little help you'll be poppin' and lockin' and breakin' in no time!

Suggested by Yvette W

1984 - Musical/Comedy - PG FORREST

GUMP

1994 - Comedy/Drama - PG-13

Sometimes it’s not the movie that makes it a guilty pleasure, it’s the fact that when it’s on we just can’t help but watch it again. Tom Hanks iconic Forrest Gump is one of those movies as you get to see the history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfold in front of you from the unique perspective of the lovable Forrest Gump.

Suggested by Kyle J

13 Going On 30

2004 - Comedy/Romance - PG-13

When awkward 13 year old Jenna Rink wishes to wake up and be 30 years old she never imagines it will actually happen! What transpires is a silly, ridiculous story about growing up and having a chance to realize how many things we can lose as we get older. It’s pure sweet, silly indulgence, making it an absolute guilty pleasure. We just don’t know who could resist Jennifer Garner’s charming performance!

Suggested by Aaron H

THREE CHEERS FOR THE VOLUNTEERS

The City of White Settlement is blessed with a wide array of volunteers who help in all manner of ways. From cleaning up litter on the streets and in the creeks to sitting on a City board and making important decisions, volunteers are a critical part of keeping the home town feel alive here in White Settlement. Over the past two months, we were able to celebrate these volunteers and we wanted to share some pictures from these fantastic events. We are thankful for all those who serve this community by volunteering. The value of their contributions cannot be overstated. If you’re interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, email kwsb@wstx.us today.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

SPRINGKIDFISH

Hey there! Have you ever thought about taking your kids fishing? It's a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories. However, if you don't have a nearby fish habitat, it can be tricky to get started. That's why we're excited to invite you to the semi-annual Kid Fish Event at Veterans Park! At these events, the Parks and Recreation Department will be teaching children all about the joys of fishing, outdoor fun, wildlife preservation, and water safety. Plus, there will be prizes, trophies, and shirts up for grabs. This year's Spring Kid Fish event will be held on March 30th from 9am to 11am at Veterans Park. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity - register now!

KIDS“KLEEN”IT

Come join us on Saturday, April 27th at 9 am for Kids "Kleen" It! It's a fun event where we invite kids of all ages to come out to Central Park and help us clean up trash and debris. This is a great opportunity for kids to hang out with other kids, raise awareness about waste pollution, and inspire others to make a difference. Volunteering in a cleanup event is a wonderful way to contribute to the improvement of our local environment. We hope to see you there!

ADULTSOFTBALL LEAGUES

Has it been a while since you've stepped up to the plate and hit a home run or game-winning double? Well, it's time to dust off your glove, lace up your cleats, and relive those glory days with the City of White Settlement's adult softball leagues. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to have some fun, we have leagues for all levels of play. Register today by visiting the website: www.wstx.us/recdesk

NATIVEPLANT SOCIETY

Come hang out with us at the North Chapter Native Plant Society on Saturday, April 27th starting at 10 am at the Recreation Center. They'll be hosting a fun and informative presentation on Gardening for Life, discussing all the great environmental and personal benefits of getting your hands dirty in the garden. Don’t miss it!

COMMUNITY SERVICES

ECLIPSEPARTY

Come join us at Veterans Park on Monday, April 8 for an awesome eclipse viewing party! We are lucky enough to be in the path of totality for this eclipse, which means we'll get to see the moon completely cover the sun and witness the beautiful corona.

We'll have free solar glasses for you to use, as well as plenty of activities and snacks for the whole family to enjoy. And don't worry if the weather doesn't cooperate - we'll just move the party to the Recreation Center gym where we can watch a live stream on the big screen.

The Library will be closed from 12 - 3 for the event, so come on out and join us for this special celestial event! See you there!

SPRINGBREAKOPENGYM

Are you and your kids looking for a fun and free activity to enjoy during spring break? Look no further than the White Settlement Recreation Center! Join us for open gym sessions from March 11th to 14th, Monday through Thursday, from 1 pm to 5 pm. It's a great way to stay active and have a blast during the week of spring break. Registration is open, please bring your own basketball and sign up today at www.wstx.us/recdesk

GREATAMERICAN CLEANUP

Are you looking for a fun way to give back to your community and help clean up the environment?

The Great American Cleanup is the perfect opportunity for you! We're inviting volunteers, local businesses, and groups to join us in making a difference.

We've got a special project in mind for the City of White Settlementcleaning up the waterway between the Fire Station and Recreation Center. This area tends to gather debris that gets washed down the creek anytime there is rainy or severe weather.

If you're free on May 11th from 9 am to 11 am, come hang out with us at the Firefighter Pavilion (behind the Fire Station) and lend a hand. Let's work together to make our community a cleaner and healthier place for everyone!

MAR 2: COUNCIL WORK SESSION

MAR 5: CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MAR 6-7: SPLASH DAYZ JOB FAIR

MAR 13-14: SPLASH DAYZ JOB FAIR

MAR 16-17: COMMUNITY CLEANUP

MAR 23: KWSB ART SHOW

MAR 29: CITY OFFICES CLOSED (GOOD FRIDAY)

MAR 30: SPRING KID FISH

APR 2: CITY COUNCIL MEETING

APR 20: ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY

APR 20-21: COMMUNITY CLEANUP

APR 27: NPSOT GARDENING CLASS

APR 27: KIDS “KLEEN” IT

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