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McKinney's economy seems to be thriving

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:43:00 GMT

Brandi Hart, from the McKinney Courier-Gazette, writes:

"McKinney seems to be weathering the downturn in the national economy as residential and commercial development continues to thrive throughout the city. The city s employment rate was below the state unemployment rate last month.

The city s unemployment rate in January was 4.1 percent, which is higher than the Collin County unemployment rate of 3.9 percent last month, but higher than the state 4.5 percent unemployment rate, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. McKinney has maintained an unemployment average of 4 percent since 2005, and had an 8 percent unemployment rate in 2004."

Great news for McKinney! Read the full article here

McKinney Trade Days this weekend - 1/18/08 through 1/20/08

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:17:00 GMT

HOURS: 8AM to 5PM

ADMISSION: FREE

PARKING: $3

Click Here for Directions

Third Monday Trade Days in McKinney, Texas is the oldest and largest monthly trade days/flea market in North Texas. Located in a historic area of Collin County amid trees and a creek, TMTD is less than an hour’s drive from Dallas and Fort Worth.

Over 400 vendors offer almost anything you can imagine—unique gifts, delightful home décor, trendy clothing and accessories, sporting goods, antiques and collectibles, landscaping materials, tools, and small animals along with many specialty “state fair” type food concessions.

Shoppers will find plenty of all-weather parking, clean restrooms, two ATMs, an air conditioned and heated Mall building, mobility cart rental, wagon and stroller rental, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Third Monday is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the third Monday of each month. Admission is free and parking is only $3.00.

Find the Cheapest Gas in McKinney

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:18:08 GMT

This might be old news, but I just stumbled on a site that reports gas prices based off of user input and luckily for us, there is a McKinney section. There are listings for Regular, Midgrade, Premium and Diesel.

It looks like the gas stations out on Hwy 5 @ Eldorado are almost 20 cents cheaper per gallon than the stations near my house! (Eldorado @ Lake Forest area).

Here is an example of the information provided on DallasGasPrices.com :

Lowest Regular Gas Prices in the Last 24 Hours
Regular Gas	Midgrade	Premium	Diesel Fuel

Station	Area	Time	Thanks
RaceTrac	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Hwy 5 & Eldorado	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
QuikTrip	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Hwy 5 & Eldorado	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Albertsons	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Medical Center Dr	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Shell	McKinney	Wed 8:46 AM	Stargazer_1
Hwy 5 & Industrial	McKinney	Wed 8:46 AM	Stargazer_1
Murphy USA	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
US 380 & Custer	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Valero	McKinney	Tue 11:59 AM	n5vkm
Lake Forest Pkwy & US 380 West	McKinney	Tue 11:59 AM	n5vkm
Tom Thumb	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Hardin	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Conoco	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Ridge	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
7-Eleven	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Hardin	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Valero	McKinney	Tue 12:00 PM	n5vkm
US 75 & White Ave	McKinney	Tue 12:00 PM	n5vkm
Chevron	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Lake Forest	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Shell	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71
Eldorado & Lake Forest	McKinney	Wed 8:08 AM	fillerup71

No Auto Parts on the West side of McKinney

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:56:53 GMT

I have been a resident of McKinney, Tx for 4 years and in that time, I have had a need for a few auto parts here and there.

Now, I don't do any major auto repair in my driveway or anything. But, if I happen to need a new [insert minor auto part here] for my vehicle, and it isn't a wiper blade or an air filter, I have to drive all the way across town to get to an Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, or the like.

It makes me wonder...is this by design or what?

At one time, I started looking in to what franchise scenario's might be available. I just can't imagine that an auto parts business somewhere along Eldorado wouldn't thrive. What I found was that, of the franchiseable stores, the rights for the city are held by the first franchisee. And apparently those owners aren't interested in expanding their business (I guess?).

Why don't we have any parts stores on the West side of McKinney?

McKinney, Tx Web Development: World Wild Web Systems, Inc

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:37:27 GMT

World Wild Web Systems, Inc is an online application and web development company passionate about developing websites and online applications that are clean, scalable, powerful and effective.

Some of the great services World Wild Web Systems offers: Complete Website design / re-design, E-commerce / shopping carts, Search Engine Positioning as well as Consulting on your own application.

The great guys at WWW are actually the creators of this great free web site/blogging network www.InstantSpot.com.

Coffee Shops in McKinney, TX

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:28:55 GMT

We all know that AnyCity, USA is going to tout at least a few Starbucks locations and McKinney is no exception to that rule. Here are a few alternative coffee shops we have here in McKinney.

Back Stage Coffee Co.

Back Stage Coffee is located on the square in McKinney - about a block from the McKinney Public Library.
Hours:

Monday - Thursday 7am – 5pm
Friday - 7am – 10pm
Saturday - 8am – 10pm

Website: http://www.backstagecoffee.com/
Address: 103 East Virginia St. Suite 109
Number: 972-562-6620

Kalare Coffee Company

Address: 407 East Louisiana Street
Number: (972) 547-0667

Bill Smith’s Café

While not strictly a coffee shop, Bill Smith’s Café is a McKinney landmark. “There is no better place for quite a ways, especially if one considers the atmosphere as well as service and food. Its an old-time town cafe and there aren't that many of those around anymore. Plus my little boy absolutely LOVES the place.”
Address: 1500 W. University Drive
Number: (972) 542-5331

Poor Scoring Restaurants in McKinney, TX - July 5, 2007

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:58:01 GMT

McKinney scores its restaurants on a regular basis and reports the findings. A score of 0-30 is passing, anything over 30 is a FAIL. So, while many restaurants pass, they may not be passing by much!

Here is a list of the failing, and borderline, 20 points or higher, businesses (as of 07/05/07):

22pts - ALBERTSON'S GROCERY #4296 (6800 W. Virginia Pkwy)
26pts - BIG TONY'S PIZZA AND SPORTS (1705 W. University)
38pts - CHOPSTICKS (1717 W. University)
23pts - DODIE'S CAJUN CAFE (3190 N. Central Expy)
21pts - EL POLLO ALEGRA (2011 N Tennessee St)
26pts - GOLDEN CORRAL (475 S. Central Expy)
29pts - HANK'S TEXAS GRILL (1310 N. Central Expy)
25pts - JALAPENO TREE (2020 N. Central Expy)
32pts - LA INDEPENDENCIA (821 McDonald)
25pts - LA SALVADORENA (1103 S. McDonald Street)
20pts - LONG JOHN SILVERS (1708 W. University Drive)
29pts - MARRY'S BISTRO (6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
21pts - MISD/ WILMETH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (901 Lacima Dr)
25pts - MR. GATTIS PIZZA (2107 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
31pts - RICE LOVERS (2960 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
22pts - ROSATI'S PIZZA (5261 McKinney Ranch Pkwy)
20pts - SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE (2801 Craig Drive)
24pts - SHOGUN HABACHI GRILL (1230 N. Central Expy)
20pts - SHOP N GO #6 (101 Industrial Blvd)
26pts - SUPER LA INDEPENDENCIA (821 N. McDonald Street0
20pts - TACO CABANA (2005 W. University Drive)
23pts - THE LONDONER (100 N. Tennessee)

Free Wine Tasting at Wales Manor Vineyard (July 6-8)

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:34:31 GMT

Wales Manor in McKinney, Collin County's first commercial vineyard and winery, is hosting a free wine tasting this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be live music on Saturday afternoon as well.

The hours for the wine tasting:

Friday 12 - 7pm

Saturday 11am - 7pm (live music 1-5pm)

Sunday 12 - 5pm

"We invite you to come watch the winery operations in progress and take advantage of our free tours of the winery and vineyards and a free wine tasting. Afterwards, enjoy a bottle of wine in our tasting room or sit outside on the patio or picnic area. If you want to bring a picnic basket--do so! (Tours held weather permitting)

Contact: 972.542.0417 or www.walesmanor.com "

More about McKinney's Galleon Dubrovnik (Adriatica)

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:36:10 GMT

Recently, the McKinney Planning and Zoning committee approved the plan to allow a croatian galleon to be floated at Stonebridge Lake. According to the minutes from that meeting, here are a few facts about the boat in question:

Will contain both a coffee shop and an ice cream shop.
Will NOT contain a restaurant.
A 42" railing will be placed around the edge of the boat to keep children from falling over-board.
If either the coffee shop or the ice cream shop goes out of business, the maintenance agreement states that no other business may replace it.

If this does happen, the boat will still remain on the lake and would still be accessible to the public.

The boat will be built on site:

A steel hull will be used as a starting point.
“Eutuba Brazilian Wood” (iron-wood) will be used as the exterior of the boat. This wood is rated to last around 100 years.
Will feature approximately 800 square feet of floor area and will be utilized as an ice cream/coffee shop

The boat will truly be floated (water on all sides) but will be secured so that it cannot move.
Once the shops (coffee, ice cream) close each day, public access to the boat will also be closed.

Live music in McKinney, Tx: Hank's Texas Grill

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:10:42 GMT

Even long time McKinney residents might not realize that there are some live music spots in McKinney, TX. One of those establishments is Hank's Texas Grill.

Hank's Texas Grill offers live music several times per week some times free of charge, but more often with a cover charge ranging from $5-$10 per person. The genre is usually along the lines of Alt. Country and/or Southern Rock.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Thursday: 4 pm to Midnight

Friday 11 am to Midnight

Saturday 11 am to 1 am

Sunday 11 am to 10 pm

Address:

1310 N. Central Expressway

McKinney, TX 75069

Ph (972) 542-5144

Check out more photos of Hank's at their photo gallery

Golf courses in McKinney, Tx

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:34:09 GMT

El Dorado Country Club

2604 Country Club Dr McKinney, TX 75070, (972)529-2770

Private, 18 hole, 6770 yds, Par 72

The Golf Club At McKinney

3191 Medical Center Dr # G, McKinney, TX 75069, (972)540-6880

Public, 18 hole

McKinney Country Club

1099 Country Club Rd, McKinney, TX 75069, (972)562-7731

Private, 9 hole, 6355 yds, Par 72

Oak Hollow Golf Course

3005 N McDonald St, McKinney, TX 75069, (972)562-0670

public, 18 hole, 6679 yds, Par 70, CR-72.3, S-121

The Ranch Country Club

5901 Glen Oaks Dr, McKinney, TX 75070, (972)529-5990

Chisholm/Cimarron Course - Private, 27 hole, 7087 yds, Par 72
Cimarron/Saddleback Course - Private, 27 hole, 6935 yds, Par 72
Saddleback/Chisholm Course - Private, 27 hole, 7004 yds, Par 72

Stonebridge Country Club

7003 Beacon Hill Rd, McKinney, TX 75070, (972)540-1100

Private, 18 hole, 7312 yds, Par 72

Tournament Players Club at Craig Ranch

8000 Collin McKinney Parkway, McKinney, TX 75070, (972)747-9005

Private, 18 hole, 7438 yds, Par 71

WestRidge Golf Course

9055 Cotton Ridge Rd N, McKinney, TX 75070, (972)346-2212

Public, 18 hole, 7005 yds, Par 72

McKinney - Car Wash: The Finish Line

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:36:59 GMT

Just a quick note to give thumbs up to a great new car wash in town.

Finish Line Car Wash on 2791 Virginia, just East of Hardin, has a fantastic automated car wash ($3 basic wash) that is just the best in town right now. They also provide around 20 free vacuum stations for customers (high powered too!).

Nice establishment, hiring local high school kids from the looks of it (way to go Finish Line).

If you are looking for a great car wash, be sure to check out The Finish Line.

Poor Scoring Restaurants

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:33:05 GMT

McKinney scores its restaurants on a regular basis and reports the findings on the main site. A score of 0-30 is passing, anything over 30 is a FAIL. So, while many restaurants pass, they may not be passing by much!

Here is a list of the failing, and borderline, 20 points or higher, businesses (as of 06/05/07):

21 pts - WENDY'S (1714 W. University)
23 pts - THE LONDONER (100 N. Tennessee)
20 pts - TACO CABANA (2005 W. University Drive)
26 pts - SUPER LA INDEPENDENCIA (821 N. McDonald Street)
24 pts - SONIC DRIVE-IN (6481 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
20 pts - SHOP N GO #6 (101 Industrial Blvd)
20 pts - SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE (2801 Craig Drive)
29 pts - RICE LOVERS (2960 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
21 pts - MISD/ WILMETH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (901 Lacima Dr)
25 pts - MR. GATTIS PIZZA (2107 W. Eldorado Pkwy)
25 pts - MCKINNEY EXXON (300 E. University Drive)
25 pts - LA SALVADORENA (1103 S. McDonald Street)
32 pts - LA INDEPENDENCIA (821 McDonald)
26 pts - GOLDEN CORRAL (475 S. Central Expy)
21 pts - EL POLLO ALEGRA (2011 N Tennessee St)
23 pts - DODIE'S CAJUN CAFE (3190 N. Central Expy)
28 pts - BOSTON'S PIZZA (6800 State Hwy 121)
22 pts - ALBERTSON'S GROCERY #4296 (6800 W. Virginia Pkwy)

Summer Film Series at Myers Park

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:57:36 GMT

Humphrey Bogart, Superman, Ferris Bueller, zombies and Oompa Loompas will be featured in the summer film series each Friday beginning tomorrow through Aug. 24 at Myers Park and Event Center, formerly called the Collin County Youth Park.

The park will be open at 6 p.m. every Friday for the entire family. The cost to see the movies is $10 per vehicle, no matter how many people are in the car. The movies will be shown at dusk and cartoon short films will be shown prior to the movie. An open play area will be available for children. Concessions will offer a variety of items, including popcorn, hot dogs and other items, and coolers will not be allowed into the park.

Scheduled Movies:

“Grease” 06/08/07
“Night of the Living Dead” 06/15/07
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” 06/22/07
“Superman” 07/13/07
“Viva Las Vegas” 07/20/07
“The Karate Kid” 07/27/07
“The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” 08/03/07
“Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” 08/24/07
“Casablanca” 08/17/07
“Back to the Future” 08/24/07