Hello A-J readers!
This week, we saw an excellent piece on Rejino Barbeque, an extensive interview with Layne's Chicken, and the sweet story of an upcoming lemonade truck. I also discovered what may be the best meal I've had in Lubbock yet.
Alex Driggars made the drive out to Rejino Barbeque in Olton for its grand opening on Friday, July 21. The popular barbecue joint also opened its grocery market side on Wednesday to meet needs in what had become a regional food desert.
"Everything that we've done, everything we've sacrificed has been worth it," Aaron Rejino, who founded and owns Rejino Barbeque with his wife Christina, told the Avalanche-Journal Friday in-between shuttling orders to customers.
Another sweet article appeared on Sunday, telling the story of Jennifer and Nirav Patel's upcoming business. The couple came up with the idea for Lemon in Paradise, a lemonade trailer, during their honeymoon in May.
"My favorite part of going to the South Plains Fair is the fresh strawberry lemonade," Jennifer said. "I want people to have that kind of experience when they come to us."
More: Lubbock couple's honeymoon inspires new mobile lemonade business, Lemon in Paradise
And rounding off the week's articles, I spoke with two people in Layne's Chicken leadership to discuss why they want to come to Lubbock, and what they are looking for in a franchisee.
More: Layne's Chicken explains Lubbock expansion, search for franchisee
Looking into next week, keep an eye out for articles on the Aug. 1 reopening of the Schlotzsky's on 19th Street and the upcoming opening of Rusty Taco. The end of July business wrap-up story, which details openings, closings and announcements, will also appear early next week.
And finally, I have a new best bite of the week. After months of seeing recommendations for Desert Rose Baking Co. and Cheesecakery, I booked a preorder for dinner on Tuesday. I tried the famous Navajo Taco, the Smothered Burrito, the Cookie Dough Cheesecake and the PB&J Cheesecake.
This may be the best meal I've had in Lubbock yet. The fry bread for the taco was huge, delicious, and a perfect plate for the taco mix. The Smothered Burrito had rice that reminded me of dirty rice I've had in Louisiana, and the sauce was the perfect amount of heat. The Cookie Dough Cheesecake, which came with edible cookie dough bites and a cookie crust, was creamy, rich, and everything I look for in a cheesecake.