Hey, South 817!
I'm excited to introduce myself and welcome you to the very first issue of South 817 Pulse!
I'm Jeff Moder, and after 30+ years in communications and marketing, plus a journalism degree that's been gathering dust while I helped other people tell their stories, I realized it was time to tell ours.
I've lived in and around South Fort Worth, Crowley, and Burleson for the last several years, and I kept hearing the same refrain from people:
"There's nothing going on around here."
"I wish I knew what was happening in our community."
So I decided to flip the script.
I started paying closer attention to what was actually happening here in the South 817, and you know what I discovered? We're absolutely buzzing with amazing local businesses, incredible community events, fantastic restaurants, and neighbors doing remarkable things.
The problem wasn't that nothing was happening…it's that nobody was connecting the dots and sharing these stories with all of us.
Enter the South 817 Pulse: The Heartbeat of South 817.
Every week, you'll get a friendly dose of what's making our community tick:
🌟 Local businesses worth celebrating (trust me, we have some gems)
🎉 Events and activities perfect for families and friends
✨ Good news stories that'll make you proud to live here
🍕 Restaurant spotlights and new openings
What you WON'T find here: Crime stories, political drama, or anything designed to stress you out. Life's complicated enough. Let's focus on what makes the South 817 special.
My goal is simple: help us all find out what’s going on in the communities where we live. Whether you've been here for decades or just moved in, there's always something new to discover about our community.
And here's where I need your help: This only works if we're in it together. See something cool happening? Know a local business with an amazing story? Spot a neighbor doing something wonderful? Hit reply and tell me about it! Those little tips and stories are what'll make this newsletter truly ours.
Oh, and if you own a business or know someone who does, let's talk! We can help each other.
Thanks for being here from day one. Let's make South 817 an even better place to call home, one story at a time.
P.S. - I read every single response, so don't be shy about hitting reply.
To kick it off, tell me your favorite local spot that more people should know about? Just hit reply.
Thanks,
South 817 In The News
Big Jobs, Fresh Dough: Paris Baguette Chooses Burleson for First U.S. Facility
Paris Baguette Bets Big on Burleson
Burleson is making headlines with big economic development momentum. On September 18, 2025, the City of Burleson celebrated the groundbreaking of SPC Group’s first dough manufacturing facility in North America, a landmark project set in Highpoint Business Park.
Here’s what makes this news especially promising:
What’s Being Built
A $200+ million investment by SPC Group (the parent company of Paris Baguette).
A 267,000-square-foot production facility to produce dough central to Paris Baguette’s supply chain in the U.S.
What It Means for Burleson
Jobs: The facility will create 450 new jobs, boosting local employment and giving opportunities for residents across the region.
Economic growth: With this project, Burleson isn’t just adding a manufacturing plant, it’s strengthening its industrial base, attracting sizeable commercial investment, and expanding tax and economic activity streams.
Strategic positioning: Producing dough here will help Paris Baguette streamline its supply chain and support growth toward its goal of 1,000 cafés by 2030. For Burleson, it reinforces the city’s appeal to large global companies looking for U.S. locations.
Why This is a Win
It’s rare for a company to choose a first North America site of this size and scale. That’s a strong signal of confidence in Burleson’s infrastructure, workforce, and business climate.
The facility not only brings immediate construction and operations jobs, but it also has ripple effects: suppliers, logistics, services, retail, and housing may all see positive spillover.
The announcement aligns with Burleson’s greater vision to broaden its economic base, foster job growth, and attract quality development.
This is exactly the kind of big win that shows what happens when vision, planning, and opportunity come together. Burleson isn’t just growing, it’s stepping up in a way that can benefit residents, businesses, and the region for years to come.
Crowley’s Market on Main Shines
Crowley’s Market on Main Shines
On Sundays from March through October, Crowley’s Market on Main turns the downtown plaza into a showcase of local flavor and creativity. With about 80 vendors, it’s where you’ll find farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked treats, food trucks, and one-of-a-kind goods you won’t see in big-box aisles.
What makes the market stand out is the connection it creates. Each booth tells a story, whether it’s an artisan sharing their craft, a baker offering a family recipe, or a local restaurant offering one-of-a-kind fare. Strolling through, you’re not just shopping, you’re meeting the makers who give Crowley its character.
The relaxed Sunday pace makes it easy to linger, sample, and discover. From special Date Night editions to holiday-themed markets, it’s as much a community gathering as it is a shopping trip. For anyone looking to experience Crowley’s personality, Market on Main is a perfect place to start.
New Business Spotlight
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Opens in Burleson
425 SW Wilshire Blvd
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a popular Ohio-born chain known for its more than 100 flavors and “homemade” flair, recently opened a new location in Burleson. The shop is located at 425 SW Wilshire Blvd.
Key Details:
Handel’s was founded in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio by Alice Handel, who started by making ice cream at home using fruit from her backyard. The company still uses her original recipes.
Each Handel’s location features at least 45 flavors from its large library of over 100, including creative ones like “Graham Central Station” (graham ice cream with graham cracker ripple and chocolate-covered crunchies), “Monkey Business” (banana cake batter with brownies and caramel ripple), and “Blue Monster” (blue vanilla loaded with Oreo and Chips Ahoy!).
The Burleson shop is owned by Deric and Vanessa Sheriff, who opened their first Handel’s in Arlington in spring 2024, and also operate a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise in Burleson. The store will be in a small strip center alongside Mo Bettah’s Hawaiian Style Food and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Please click the share button below to send the link to anyone who’d enjoy keeping up with what’s happening in South 817.
What’s Going On? Upcoming South 817 Activities
Have an event or activity you want to share? Click reply and share the who, what, when (date & time), where, and details.
Friday, September 26, 2025
What: Full Circle Women’s Conference
When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Pathway Church, 325 NW Renfro Street, Burleson
About: Join us for a day devoted to honoring the strength, resilience, and limitless potential of women. This event celebrates every facet of womanhood as leaders, nurturers, changemakers, and the driving force behind our families, businesses, and communities.
Tickets available here.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
What: A Royal Daddy Daughter Dance by Burleson HS Cheer
When: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Burleson High School Cafeteria
About: Dress Code is Royal Attire
Girls - Princess dresses, gowns, or party dresses. Sparkles, tiaras, and fun accessories encouraged.
Dads or father figures – Suits, dress shirts, slacks
Tickets available here.
Sunday, September 28, 2025
What: Crowley Main Street Market
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 201 E Main St., Crowley, TX
About: Shop our local businesses for homemade breads, pastries, salsa, jams & jellies, and many handmade goods!
Monday, September 29, 2025
What: AgriLife Class: Better Living for Texans
When: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: The Brick - Recreation center in Burleson
About: Join us once every 8 weeks for a FREE class on health, wellness, and practical life skills! Learn how to build healthy habits, cook nutritious meals, and make informed lifestyle choices for you and your family. Led by AgriLife Extension educators, this class is open to all—come ready to learn, grow, and live well!
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
What: Meadowcrest Park Pickleball Tournament (ages 16+)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Meadowcrest Park - Burleson
About: Get ready for a fun, fast-paced evening of pickleball at Meadowcrest Park! This special pop-up tournament is perfect for players of all skill levels. Don’t miss your chance to play under the lights and compete for ultimate bragging rights! Dads or father figures – Suits, dress shirts, slacks
Registration deadline September 30 at noon. More info here.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
What: Cybersecurity Awareness Event
When: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Burleson Public Library, 248 SW Johnson Ave, Burleson, TX
About: Learn how to spot scams, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats, plus discover the best practices to protect your sensitive information. Guest Speaker: Officer V. Johnson from Burleson PD. Free & open to the public – don’t miss it!
Thursday, October 2, 2025
What: Downtown Mural Celebration - Echoes of Alvarado
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: 120 S. Spears Street, Alvarado, TX
About: The City of Alvarado invites you to a historic moment as we celebrate our community’s first public mural, "Echoes of Alvarado".
The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from city leaders, recognition of the artist, and a community photo in front of the mural. After the ceremony, we invite you to stay for a community lunch right on the Downtown Square. Food will be available for purchase, and picnic tables will be set up. If you don't want to purchase food, you can also bring a lunch of your choosing and still enjoy sharing a meal together. This event is a celebration of creativity, community, and pride in Alvarado. "Echoes of Alvarado" marks the beginning of our commitment to the beautification of the city, while maintaining its history.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
What: Crowley Main Street Market
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 201 E Main St., Crowley, TX
About: Shop our local businesses for homemade breads, pastries, salsa, jams & jellies, and many handmade goods!
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
What: National Night Out (Crowley)
When: 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 201 E Main St., Crowley, TX
About: National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. Spend the evening meeting your local police department and city council! Enjoy free hot dogs (while supplies last), bounce house, face painting, yard games, local informational vendors, and much more.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
What: BTX Night Hikes (Burleson)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Coyote Loop Trail—704 Elizabeth Dr., Burleson
About: Explore Burleson trails under the stars! Join us for a free night hike to discover the sights and sounds of nature after dark. Don’t forget your flashlight or headlamp!
Saturday, October 11, 2025
What: Alvarado Artisans and Farmers Market
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Pecan Orchard, 101 S. Parkway Dr., Alvarado, TX 76009
About: Come spend your Saturday morning at the Alvarado Artisans and Farmers Market, sponsored by the Alvarado Development Corporation, and peruse local businesses selling fresh fruits and veggies, crafts, dog treats, homemade breads, sweets, baked goods, and artisan crafts galore!
***
What: Burleson Founder’s Day
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza in Old Town, 141 W. Renfro St., Burleson, TX 76028
About: Shop our local businesses for homemade breads, pastries, salsa, jams & jellies, and many handmade goods!
***
What: Saddle Up & S'mores (Burleson)
When: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Russel Farm Art Center, 405 W County Rd 714, Burleson, TX 76028
About: A fun evening of instructional country western dancing followed by cozy s’mores by the fire. Perfect for date nights or a fun girls’ night out! Cost is $40 per couple. Spots are limited— don’t miss out on this sweet western night under the stars!
Monday, October 13, 2025
What: LinkUp Teen Nights at the BRiCk - ages 13-17 (Burleson)
When: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Burleson Recreation Center
About: Looking for something fun to do on a Monday night? Join us for LinkUp Teen Nights at the BRiCk! October’s theme is Mario Kart Night—a Nintendo Switch tournament where teens ages 13–17 can race for bragging rights. Come hang out, make friends, and enjoy a night just for teens. Fee: $10 per person. Registration Deadline: October 12 at 5 p.m.
Friday, October 17, 2025
What: Kids Night Out - ages 5-11 (Crowley)
When: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Crowley Recreation Center, 405 S. Oak Street, Crowley, TX 76036
About: Grab your coziest PJs and get ready for an evening of games, crafts, a movie, and tasty treats. Parents, enjoy a night to yourselves while the kids enjoy the ultimate pajama party filled with memories to take home. Pizza, snacks, crafts, games, and a movie are on the lineup for the evening.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
What: Dogs and Donuts – Halloween Edition (Burleson)
When: 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: Burleson Bark Park, 616 Memorial Plaza, Burleson, TX 76028
About: Get ready for a HOWL-oween paw-ty! Delicious donuts and apple cider await you and your furry best friend at the Burleson Bark Park! Join us for our Dogs and Donuts Halloween Edition for a morning of spooky fun! Don't forget to dress up your pup in their cutest (or creepiest!) costume for our Halloween costume contest! The cost is free, but registration is required to make sure we have enough treats.
***
What: Fall Fest at the Farm
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Russel Farm Art Center, 405 W County Rd 714, Burleson, TX 76028
About: Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled day packed with:
Hayrides, Petting Donkeys, Fall Arts & Crafts, Games, Train Rides, and more!
No registration needed — just show up and enjoy! Free event. All ages welcome
***
What: Crowley Fall Festival - Sponsored by Texas Health Huguley Hospital
When: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Crowley Crossing, 201 Main Street, Crowley, TX 76036
About: Kids can dress in costumes to enjoy free carnival games, candy, bounce houses, food trucks, Market on Main vendors, and more. Dog costumes, too!
Admission is one canned food or non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Crowley House of Hope.
***
What: Harvest Moon Lantern Festival
When: 5 p.m. –9 p.m.
Where: Bailey Lake Park, 280 West Hidden Creek Parkway, Burleson, TX 76028
About: Join us under the glowing Harvest Moon for a magical lantern festival filled with music, food, and good vibes!
Friday, October 24, 2025
What: Pumpkin Paint Night
When: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Crowley Recreation Center, 405 S. Oak Street, Crowley, TX 76036
About: The City of Crowley, along with the Crowley Recreation Center and Library, will be hosting Pumpkin Paint Night at the CRC. Bundle up your family, wear your best costume, and join us for an evening of fun activities.
***
What: Old Town Picture Show
When: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza in Old Town, 141 W. Renfro St., Burleson, TX 76028
About: Join us at 6 p.m. to watch Hocus Pocus at Old Town Picture Show in the Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair and get ready to enjoy the show! The Old Town Picture Show is a FREE community event that encourages people from all over Tarrant & Johnson Counties to gather here in Old Town and enjoy a family-friendly movie on a giant screen.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
What: Boo Bash Festival (12 years and younger)
When: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Chisenhall Fields, 500 W. Hidden Creek Parkway, Burleson, TX 76028
About: Join us for a spooktacular evening with your friends and family. Come dressed up in your best costume! Enjoy free candy for children from birth to 12 years old. Children can participate in free games, bounce houses and more. The cost is free, but registration is required to make sure we have enough candy. This year's activities include pumpkin painting, Country Critters petting zoo, bounce houses, and performances. There will also be on-site food trucks with food available for purchase.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
What: Zumba Nights in the Plaza: Thriller Edition
When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza in Old Town, 141 W. Renfro St., Burleson, TX 76028
About: Get ready to move and groove with Claudia Soto at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza's Zumba Latin Nights! Come dressed in your spookiest Halloween costume on Oct. 29 for a special Latin Thriller Night! There will be a chance to win prizes in our costume contest! See you on the dance floor!
Did You Know? Burleson, Texas, was founded in 1880 when the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad established a depot, and it was named after Rufus Columbus Burleson, a teacher.
Thanks for reading the South 817 Pulse! Let’s chat again next week!
If you’d like to submit a story or an event, just hit replay.
And don’t forget to share and share often 😄