Congratulations, Graduates! St. Michael’s Prep Celebrates the Class of 2026 

The 93 members of the Class of 2026 earned more than $18.3 million in merit aid and will continue their journeys at top colleges and universities across the country. 

AUSTIN, Texas (May 21, 2026) — As another school year comes to a close, St. Michael’s Prep proudly celebrates the Class of 2026 and the dedication, perseverance, and spirit that have defined their journey. 

This year’s graduating class includes 93 outstanding Warriors who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, leadership, service, creativity, and commitment to the St. Michael’s Prep community. Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned more than $18.3 million in merit aid, with 72 graduates receiving scholarship awards. 

Their impact also extends well beyond the classroom. During their time at St. Michael’s Prep Upper School, members of the Class of 2026 completed an impressive 14,891 hours of community service, serving organizations throughout Austin as well as communities abroad through international service opportunities in destinations including the Dominican Republic and Belize. 

As they prepare for their next great adventure, members of the Class of 2026 have been admitted to an impressive range of exceptional colleges and universities across the nation. 

Their acceptances include:  

  • California Institute of Technology 
  • Stanford University 
  • Rice University 
  • University of Notre Dame 
  • Boston College 
  • New York University 
  • The University of Texas at Austin 
  • Georgia Institute of Technology  
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
  • Texas A&M University 
  • Wake Forest University 
  • University of California, Los Angeles 
  • University of California, San Diego 
  • University of California, Santa Barbara 
  • Tufts University 
  • University of Virginia 
  • University of Wisconsin 
  • University of Michigan 

These admissions reflect not only the individual accomplishments of our graduates, but also the strength of the St. Michael’s Prep experience: a PreK3–12th grade journey that helps students grow into confident, capable, and compassionate leaders. 

Throughout their years at St. Michael’s Prep, these Warriors have developed the skills and habits that will serve them well in college, career, and life, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

The Class of 2026 has left a meaningful mark on St. Michael’s Prep. Through their hard work, generosity, leadership, and school spirit, they have strengthened our community and inspired the students who will follow in their footsteps. 

Congratulations to our newest alumni, the St. Michael’s Prep Class of 2026. We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see the difference you will make in the world. 

Once a Warrior, always a Warrior. 

About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School 

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades pre-K-12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity. 

Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics. 

For more information, visit the school website. 

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Excellence All the Way to Our Nation’s Capital: St. Michael’s Prep Students Invited to Represent Texas at Inaugural U.S. Governor’s Cup Robotics Showcase 

Austin, Texas: The nation’s capital is calling, and St. Michael’s Prep students are answering on behalf of the entire state of Texas.  

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially invited the St. Michael’s Prep FIRST® Tech Challenge Robotics Team 12928, the Lightsaders, to represent the state of Texas at the inaugural United States Governor’s Cup FIRST ® Tech Challenge Showcase Event in Washington, D.C. In a formal letter to Mike Scallon, Robotics Coach and Innovation Instructor at St. Michael’s Prep, Governor Abbott recognized the team’s exceptional accomplishments and leadership in robotics education, citing their sustained excellence, innovation, and impact on STEM learning across Texas. Over the past several years, St. Michael’s Prep students have established themselves as one of the most successful and respected robotics teams in the state and nation, earning: 

  • Four consecutive Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) State Championships (2021–2024) Multiple appearances at the FIRST World Championships, including Division Finalist and Championship Finalist Alliances Repeated selection as a top alliance partner and captain at regional, state, and championship-level competitions Top-tier innovation, design, and inspire awards recognizing engineering excellence, strategic thinking, and team leadership 

    • Most recently, during the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge season, the Lightsaders advanced to the finals of their division at the FIRST World Championship, a distinction reserved for only the highest-performing teams in the world. Governor Abbott commended the Lightsaders for their talent, collaboration, perseverance, and innovation, noting that their work serves as an inspiration to students and competitors throughout Texas and beyond. “Representing the state of Texas at the first-ever Governor’s Cup is an incredible honor for us. Our team has grown so much this season and has shaped who I am as a leader and as an engineer. We’re proud to bring our ideas, innovation, and Texas spirit to D.C.” -William R. For students at St. Michael’s Prep, achievements at this level are earned through months of preparation and countless hours in the robotics lab. Student engineers and programmers design, build, test, refine, and re-code their robots through hands-on problem-solving, trial and error, and relentless iteration. Late nights, precision coding, mechanical adjustments, and repeated testing are hallmarks of the program, mirroring the rigor of collegiate engineering environments and real-world innovation labs. At a time when robotics education is rapidly evolving, St. Michael’s Prep stands apart. No other school in Central Texas offers students this level of competitive success, sustained excellence, and national recognition in robotics. This invitation to Washington, D.C. underscores the school’s commitment to preparing students not only to compete, but to lead, build, and innovate at the highest levels. “We are immensely proud of our students,” said Heidi Sloan, Head of Upper School. “Their dedication, creativity, and perseverance exemplify the St. Michael’s Prep experience and demonstrate what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and empowered to think boldly.” As the Lightsaders prepare to represent Texas on the national stage, they do so as ambassadors for student-driven excellence, engineering rigor, and the future of STEM education. About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School   St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades Pre-K3 – 12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity.    Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics.   The “St. Michael’s Prep Difference” is one hallmarked by an independent and innovative educational experience, a deeply committed and vibrant school spirit and culture, and a profoundly unique and transformative fifteen-year journey for every student.   

    For more information, visit https://www.smcprep.org/    ###   

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    Lightsaders Take on the World at FIRST Championship 

    St. Michael’s Prep FTC robotics team #12928 places 13th in its division at the world’s largest robotics event for students in grades 7–12. 

    AUSTIN, Texas (May 6, 2026) — The St. Michael’s Prep Lightsaders recently took their talents to the world stage, competing at the 2026 FIRST® Tech Challenge World Championship, part of the FIRST® Championship presented by BAE Systems. 

    Known among competitors simply as “Worlds,” the FIRST Championship is the culminating international event of the youth robotics competition season and a global celebration of STEM innovation, engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving. This year’s FIRST Tech Challenge brought together 335 FTC teams from more than 60 countries, including Kazakhstan, China, Brazil, Vietnam, Israel, and many others, representing the highest level of competition in the program. 

    Against this extraordinary field, the Lightsaders delivered an outstanding performance, placing 13th in their division and once again demonstrating the skill, discipline, and ingenuity that have defined their season. 

    Their performance at Worlds followed a historic achievement at the 2026 TAPPS State Robotics Championships, where the Lightsaders captured their fourth straight state title. The four-peat reflects the team’s sustained excellence, technical skill, strategic thinking, and commitment to continuous improvement year after year. 

    At the FIRST Championship, the Lightsaders put their award-winning robot to the test against some of the most talented student robotics teams in the world. Throughout the competition, team members adapted, collaborated, problem-solved, and persevered through the fast-paced challenges that make FIRST Tech Challenge one of the premier robotics programs for students. 

    This year’s appearance marks St. Michael’s Prep’s fourth qualification for the FIRST World Championship, adding to an impressive robotics legacy that includes appearances as both Division Finalist and Championship Finalist Alliance members. Over the years, the Lightsaders have earned prestigious Innovation, Design, and Inspire Awards, recognizing excellence in engineering, creativity, strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership. 

    In 2024, the Lightsaders advanced to the finals of their division at the FIRST World Championship — a distinction reserved for only the highest-performing teams in the world. Their continued success reflects not only technical talent, but also the team’s commitment to resilience, teamwork, and shared purpose. 

    Beyond the results, the experience offered students the opportunity to collaborate and compete alongside peers from around the globe, building skills, friendships, and perspectives that will last well beyond the robotics arena. 

    For the Lightsaders, Worlds was about far more than robots. It was about perseverance, teamwork, global collaboration, and representing St. Michael’s Prep with excellence on an international stage. 

    Congratulations to the Lightsaders on an exceptional season, a fourth consecutive TAPPS State Robotics Championship, and an inspiring performance at the FIRST Championship. St. Michael’s Prep is proud of the hard work, discipline, creativity, and dedication you demonstrated throughout the year. 

    Go Lightsaders! Go Warriors! 

    About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School 

    St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades pre-K-12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity. 

    Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics. 

    For more information, visit the school website. 

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    TXB to Reel in Big Dollars for CASA at their 30th Annual Fishing and Golf Tournament 

    The family-owned, Texas-based convenience store chain hosts annual tournament to raise donations for essential nonprofit

    SPICEWOOD, Texas (May 4, 2026) — Texas Born (TXB), a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores serving fresh-made food, is hosting their 30th annual Fishing and Golf Tournament on May 11 through 12 to raise money for CASA, a child advocacy nonprofit benefiting children in foster care. Recently, TXB announced $1,000,000 donated to the organization, much of which came from this event.  

    The tournament will be hosted at Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas with the fishing event on May 11 and the golf event on May 12. After the two-day tournament, all proceeds will be donated to local CASA chapters throughout Texas.  

    “Over the last 17 years, we have dedicated our support to CASA through many donations from the tournament and are thrilled to continue to live out our mission to Leave ‘Em Better.” said Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB. “In 2024, we were able to break $1,000,000 in donations total and are looking forward to giving even more back to helps kids throughout Texas.” 

    “The annual tournament is an event that I look forward to every year. CASA will always be close to my heart from my personal experience of adopting my daughter,” said Sherry Dean, Director of Philanthropy at TXB. “Knowing that the donations raised are filling in gaps and assisting children with permanent homes or reuniting them with their parents is very rewarding. This cause will always be dearest to me, and I am so honored to be a part of making such a huge impact.”  

    TXB’s outstanding commitment to giving back is a mission that is not only instilled in the brand’s values, but also a core pillar in their philosophy and mission. By engaging with their communities across the state, they are actively serving the causes that matter most.  

    To learn more about TXB, visit https://txbstores.com/  

    About TXB 

    TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With locations across Texas and a line of private-label products, TXB is rooted in quality, hospitality, and its mission to “Leave ’Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit www.txbstores.com. 

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    Texas Born Celebrates Newest Location in Frisco, Texas 

    With 54 Locations in Texas and Oklahoma, the family-owned, locally-based convenience store chain continues to Leave ‘Em Better

    FRISCO, Texas (April 29, 2026) — Texas Born (TXB), a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores serving fresh-made food, is celebrating the grand opening of their newest location in Frisco, Texas at 15355 Preston Rd., Frisco, Texas 75033. 

    To celebrate, TXB is hosting a ribbon-cutting event on April 29 and invites the community to join them as they share the beginning of a new convenience store experience in Frisco, Texas.  

    “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Frisco community,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB. “With the new theme park opening soon and being right down the street from The Star (Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters) and the PGA Frisco golf course, we’re happy to know that TXB will be a part of our guests’ journey to their destinations.  We’re enthusiastic about expanding our mission to Leave ‘Em Better.” 

    TXB is not your typical convenience store. The brand offers guests delicious menu items and a line of private-label products, including jerky, water, coffee, and more. The Frisco community can now have a taste of TXB’s fresh-made food for themselves. From hand-breaded, never frozen, juicy chicken tenders and specialty, made-to-order tacos on tortillas pressed daily in-store, guests can make the stop worth it every single time.  

    TXB’s philosophy to Leave ‘Em Better goes far beyond serving local communities at their stores. By expanding to Frisco, TXB is honored to further its philanthropic initiatives to local causes that make a lasting difference in Texans’ lives. Each day, TXB fulfills their promise to live by authenticity, hospitality, and integrity.  

    To learn more about TXB, visit https://txbstores.com/  

    About TXB 

    TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With locations across Texas and a line of private-label products, TXB is rooted in quality, hospitality, and its mission to “Leave ’Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit www.txbstores.com. 

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    LivAway Suites® Breaks Ground in Las Vegas, Continuing its Nationwide Surge

    LAS VEGAS, April 28, 2026 — In a world with shifting travel patterns and a rising demand for flexible living, LivAway Suites® is emerging as one of the fastest-growing independent hotel brands in the country and is now planting a major flag in one of the country’s most dynamic markets – Las Vegas.

    The company today announced the groundbreaking of its first Nevada location in North Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in its rapid national expansion and reinforcing its position as a leading force in the affordable extended stay segment.

    With 22 locations open or under development nationwide and 10 additional markets expected to be announced later this year, LivAway Suites is scaling at a pace rarely seen among independent hospitality brands – fueled by strong capital backing and a uniquely fully-integrated operating model.

    “LivAway Suites continues to execute on a platform that’s built to scale,” said Mike Nielson, CEO of LivAway Suites. “Las Vegas is one of the most dynamic and resilient markets in the country with high barriers to entry, and we’re excited to bring a product that meets the evolving needs of today’s extended stay guest.”

    Located in North Las Vegas with convenient access to I-15, this property is positioned to serve a wide range of demand drivers including healthcare professionals, military personnel, construction crews, and the local hospitality workforce.

    The site offers proximity to key destinations including the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, while also providing convenient access to the Las Vegas Strip and downtown core.

    Unlike traditional hotels catering to short-term leisure stays, LivAway Suites is purpose-built for longer-term guests seeking flexibility, value, and consistency without the friction of up-front deposits and long-term commitments.

    LivAway Suites operates through a fully integrated platform with in-house development, construction, property management, and brand operations all under one cohesive system. In an industry often fragmented across multiple stakeholders, LivAway’s model is designed to eliminate misalignment and inefficiencies driving stronger execution and more predictable results for investors and lenders.

    “We’ve built a platform where every part of the process is working toward the same outcome,” Nielson said. “That alignment translates directly into better performance, stronger margins, and a more scalable model.”

    As housing affordability challenges persist and workforce mobility increases, demand for flexible, apartment-style accommodations continues to rise. LivAway Suites is positioning itself squarely at that intersection offering modern, clean, and highly functional living spaces designed for long-term stays.

    Las Vegas is just the latest step in a rapidly expanding national story. With a disciplined approach, fully-integrated platform, and a clear nationwide vision, LivAway Suites is redefining how extended stay hospitality is built and operated.

    For more information or to follow upcoming openings, visit: https://www.livawaysuites.com/locations

    About LivAway Suites

    LivAway Suites is a purpose-built affordable extended stay hotel brand headquartered in Lehi, Utah. The brand combines modern, residentially inspired design with a relentless focus on cleanliness, operational consistency, and guest service. Each property features thoughtfully designed suites with full kitchens, technology-enhanced living spaces, and amenities intentionally built for today’s extended stay guests. LivAway Suites is expanding nationally in high-demand markets through a vertically integrated development and operating platform supported by disciplined site selection. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com.

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    Deoleo Achieves 2030 Recycled Plastic Target Five Years Early

    DALLAS, April 15, 2026 — Deoleo, the world’s No. 1 olive oil company, has presented its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining the primary environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress achieved during the last fiscal year. The firm thus demonstrates that the growth driven by its new roadmap, “EVOO-lution,” is advancing in full harmony with its purpose, “Caring for what cares for you.”

    A Firm Commitment to Circular Economy and Decarbonization

    The circular economy and industrial efficiency have consolidated as structural pillars for Deoleo’s ESG strategy. According to its Report, the company has incorporated 40% recycled plastic (rPET) in its bottles, representing an increase of 15 percentage points compared to 2024 and a five-year advance on the 2030 goal. This type of plastic consumes 70% less energy and 90% less water; furthermore, this progress has led to a net reduction of 7.6% in plastic waste, with 79% of Deoleo’s bottles now being recyclable. At the industrial level, the consolidation of its “Zero Waste” model has allowed for the recovery and “second life” of 94.4% of the waste generated at its Alcolea and Tavarnelle factories.

    Regarding the decarbonization of the value chain —and adding the role of olive trees as carbon sinks (for every liter of oil, olive trees absorb 10.7 kg of CO2) —Deoleo has secured a 30.3% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) compared to 2022. This has avoided the emission of 135,270 tons of carbon dioxide, advancing firmly toward its climate goals validated by the international SBTi initiative. This is complemented by the fact that the company’s factories operate with 98% renewable electrical energy, following a 14.5% annual increase in the use of clean sources.

    Growing Collaboration with Farmers through the Sustainability Protocol

    The Sustainability Protocol remains the core of Deoleo’s ESG strategy regarding the oil’s origin. At the close of 2025, the company has certified 95 mills under this Protocol, an 8% increase over the previous year. This close collaboration network with more than 61,000 farmers allows Deoleo to support and certify agricultural practices across nearly 850,000 acres of olive groves worldwide.

    Thanks to its application, 36% of Deoleo’s EVOO volume comes from these sustainable mills, 2% more than the previous year. To put this progress into perspective, the company recorded total sales of 158 million liters globally during the year, demonstrating its ability to transfer these good practices to large production volumes and lead the sector’s modernization from field to table.

    Talent and the Consumer as Axes of Development

    In its social dimension, Deoleo closely links the growth of its human team with adaptation to new market demands. Internally, the company has strongly boosted professional training, reaching 27,267 training hours in 2025, a 27.5% increase over the previous year. This commitment to talent is complemented by progress in equality, reflected in a pay gap that favors women within the organization and the promotion of pioneering social initiatives like “Women Congress Growing Together,” which highlights the role of women in the olive oil sector.

    Transparency as a Hallmark of Identity

    At Deoleo, transparency has been consolidated as a cross-cutting axis of corporate governance, ensuring integrity at every stage of the business. Under this premise, the company has made a qualitative leap by expanding its digital traceability system based on Telefónica Tech’s TrustOS technology. This QR code technology, which certifies the product’s entire journey and provides exact data on the oil’s origin in every bottle, is already implemented in 51 EVOO references across various brands, covering 36% of all volume marketed by Deoleo.

    These good governance practices have allowed Deoleo to renew its EcoVadis Platinum medal for the second consecutive year with a score of 87 points.

    For more information on Deoleo’s sustainability progress, please consult the full 2025 Sustainability Report at this link.

    About Deoleo

    Deoleo is the world’s No. 1 olive oil company (Source: Euromonitor International, Cooking Ingredients and Meals), present in 43 countries across five continents. It has factories in Spain and Italy and commercial offices in 12 countries. Deoleo has 27 brands in its portfolio of oils, olives, sauces, and vinegars, including global leaders like Bertolli, Carapelli, and Sasso, as well as Spanish brands Carbonell, Hojiblanca, and Koipe. For more information, visit: www.deoleo.com/sostenibilidad

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    Hawaiian Bros Says Aloha to its Second Location in Tennessee 

    Beloved Island-Inspired Restaurant Expands the ‘Ohana to Knoxville, Tenn. 
     

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (April 13, 2026) – Hawaiian Bros, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains, is opening its newest island-inspired location in Knoxville, Tenn. Sequoyah Hospitality, a multi-unit franchisee, continues to expand as they introduce their first Hawaiian Bros restaurant in the area.  

    Hawaiian Bros is hosting a grand opening celebration at their new location in the Knoxville area (6903 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tenn. 37919) on April 13 at 11 a.m. At the grand opening, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt and a Hawaiian Bros gift card ranging from $25-$500 (with purchase), and one lucky winner will win Hawaiian Bros for a year.  

    Hawaiian Bros will also host VIP events on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. First responders, medical personnel, academic staff, students, and local business employees will be treated to a free classic Plate Lunch.  

    “With our expansion to Knoxville, we’re eager to share the Aloha Spirit and true island comfort food of Hawaiian Bros with the community” said Brion Voges, Owner/Operator of Sequoyah Hospitality. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the grand opening of our newest location with the neighborhood.”  

    Hawaiian Bros is known for its island-inspired plate lunch, which offers a variety of juicy chicken or pork glazed with sweet, savory or spicy sauces; macaroni salad, a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or vegetables; and for dessert, a smooth and tropical Dole Soft Serve®. Never relying on freezers or microwaves, the simple menu is prepared with the highest quality, freshest ingredients – unlike any fast-casual restaurant in the area. 

    To learn more about Hawaiian Bros and its offerings, visit https://hawaiianbros.com/. 

    About Hawaiian Bros 

    At Hawaiian Bros, we’re inspired every day to spread the Aloha Spirit; to show kindness and respect, and to treat everyone as ‘ohana – like family, in everything we do. Founded on the principles of honor, inclusion, and gratitude, we respect the dignity and self-worth of every team member and guest. We value our differences and celebrate our common ground. And, we say, “thank you” often, emphasizing the positives in our lives every day. Hawaiian Bros owns and operates nearly 100 restaurants serving the Aloha spirit in 14 states across America and has expanded its franchise opportunities since 2023. 

    Hawaiian Bros has earned a variety of prestigious awards since its opening in 2018, including a number one spot on Ingram’s Corporate Report of the Top 100 fastest growing companies and the number seven spot on QSR Magazine’s 40/40 List of America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals. Hawaiian Bros has been named QSR Best Brands to Work For and is a multi-year Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers winner. For more information, visit www.hawaiianbros.com. 

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    From Cashier to HR Director, Trenton Local Nathan Graham Celebrates His Decades-long Career at TXB Convenience Stores 

    What started as a high school job has now grown into family and company leadership  SPICEWOOD, Texas (March 26, 2026) — TXB, the Texas-based convenience store brand is proud to spotlight one of its most loyal team members: Trenton’s own Nathan Graham. Nathan’s story at TXB started well over two decades ago when he was a senior in high school working as a cashier at the company that was then known as Kwik Chek at their Store Number 6 location in Bonham. In 2004, Graham left for college, later returning to work in the corporate TXB office in 2009. Now Nathan serves as the company’s HR Director, bringing a down-to-earth approach and building a workplace that feels like home since 2017.  “It’s an honor to have a front row seat to Nathan’s growth over the years,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO at TXB. “His pride in seeing team members succeed is one of the many ways he shows what it means to be Texas Born.” Nathan is one of a number of long-term employees at TXB who have helped grow the company’s philanthropic and community efforts. In 2025, TXB hosted its 29th annual fishing and golf tournament in Lake Texoma, which raised more than $200,000 for CASA, and the company donated more than $75,000 in school supplies to help teachers and students in the towns and cities they serve. Nathan has said that this commitment to community support is one of the reasons he’s stayed with the company for so long.  Because of his own background starting as a cashier, Nathan has added several training programs to help employees find their own path toward leadership positions at TXB. “It is my goal every day to ensure all employees feel supported and equipped to tackle their workday,” he said. “That’s the kind of innovation I want TXB to be known for.”   Nathan hopes his story inspires other teenagers to think big about their own careers and to encourage other HR specialists to invest in training programs that support entry-level employees. He is available for interviews, continuing to be a powerful voice in what it means to be an inspiring leader.    For more information about TXB, visit https://txbstores.com/    About TXB 

    TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With locations across Texas and a line of private-label products, TXB is rooted in quality, hospitality, and its mission to “Leave ’Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit www.txbstores.com. 

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    Hawaiian Bros Says Aloha to its Newest Missouri Location 

    Beloved Island-Inspired Restaurant Expands the ‘Ohana to Springfield, Mo. 

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (March 23, 2026) – Hawaiian Bros, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains, is opening its newest island-inspired location in Springfield. Ohana Restaurant Group, a multi-unit franchisee, continues to expand as they celebrate their newest location.  


    Hawaiian Bros is hosting a grand opening celebration at their new location in the Springfield area (1272 E Battlefield Rd., Springfield, Mo., 65804) on March 23 at 11 a.m. At the grand opening, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt and a Hawaiian Bros gift card ranging from $25-$500 (with purchase), and one lucky winner will win Hawaiian Bros for a year.  


    Hawaiian Bros will also host VIP events on March 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. First responders, medical personnel, academic staff, students, and local business employees will be treated to a free classic Plate Lunch.  
    “In true Aloha Spirit, we’re celebrating the opening of our newest location in Springfield,” said Zach Fugate, Owner of Ohana Restaurant Group. “We’re enthusiastic about expanding the ‘Ohana and bringing even more island-inspired flavors to the community.”  


    Hawaiian Bros is known for its island-inspired plate lunch, which offers a variety of juicy chicken or pork glazed with sweet, savory or spicy sauces; macaroni salad, a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or vegetables; and for dessert, a smooth and tropical Dole Soft Serve®. Never relying on freezers or microwaves, the simple menu is prepared with the highest quality, freshest ingredients – unlike any fast-casual restaurant in the area. 
    To learn more about Hawaiian Bros and its offerings, visit https://hawaiianbros.com/. 
     
    About Hawaiian Bros 
    At Hawaiian Bros, we’re inspired every day to spread the Aloha Spirit; to show kindness and respect, and to treat everyone as ‘ohana – like family, in everything we do. Founded on the principles of honor, inclusion, and gratitude, we respect the dignity and self-worth of every team member and guest. We value our differences and celebrate our common ground. And, we say, “thank you” often, emphasizing the positives in our lives every day. Hawaiian Bros owns and operates nearly 100restaurants serving the Aloha spirit in 14 states across America and has expanded its franchise opportunities since 2023. 
     
    Hawaiian Bros has earned a variety of prestigious awards since its opening in 2018, including a number one spot on Ingram’s Corporate Report of the Top 100 fastest growing companies and the number seven spot on QSR Magazine’s 40/40 Listof America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals. Hawaiian Bros has been named QSR Best Brands to Work For and is a multi-year Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers winner. For more information, visit www.hawaiianbros.com. 
     
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