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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LivAway Suites® Expands Arizona Footprint with Glendale Opening, Its Third Hotel Debut in 2026

GLENDALE, Ariz., March 17, 2026 — LivAway Suites®, one of the nation’s fastest growing affordable extended stay hotel brands, today announced the opening of its newest property in Glendale, marking another major milestone in the company’s rapid expansion across Arizona and the greater United States. 

LivAway Suites – Glendale delivers purpose-built, residentially inspired accommodations designed specifically for today’s extended stay traveler. Strategically positioned, the property offers convenient access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Luke Air Force Base, professional sports venues, and Glendale’s vibrant downtown district. 

Unlike traditional hotels retrofitted for longer stays, LivAway Suites is intentionally designed from the ground up for business travelers, project-based workers, relocating families, and individuals seeking dependable, fully furnished, extended stay solutions. LivAway Suites – Glendale allows travelers to enjoy the ease of a long-term hotel stay with the comfort of residentially inspired suites tailored to their lifestyles. 

“We are building LivAway Suites locations across the country to meet the growing demand for higher-quality, affordable extended stay accommodations,” said Mike Nielson, CEO of LivAway Suites. “Our Glendale opening reflects our disciplined expansion strategy and our commitment to delivering a consistent, fresh experience in markets where long-term travelers need reliable, purpose-built solutions.”

The Glendale opening marks the brand’s second location in Arizona, with three more hotel openings in The Grand Canyon State expected later this year. With a growing pipeline of additional locations underway nationally, LivAway Suites continues to scale its fully integrated extended stay platform combining affiliated brand, development, construction, and property management verticals within a single platform to ensure disciplined cost and outcome control, while maximizing overall property performance.

Want to book a stay at LivAway Suites’ Glendale location? Visit https://www.livawaysuites.com/locations/az/phoenix/glendale#overview.  

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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Increase Foot Traffic at Your Grocery Store and Help Save the Planet with ecoATM

Device recycling leader drives foot traffic to grocery stores by making it easy for consumers to recycle used smartphones

SAN DIEGO (March 17, 2026) – Known for keeping e-waste out of landfills, ecoATM is bringing incremental foot traffic to grocery stores across the U.S. through their automated device recycling kiosks. In 2025 alone, ecoATM kiosks saw 15,000,000 visits in partner stores.

National grocery retailers are turning to ecoATM to not only meet environmental sustainability goals, but also to increase store traffic and revenue. ecoATM’s model supports revenue generation by paying high-margin rent for unused space and by paying customers cash to spend in store. ecoATM pays out almost $1M in cash each day, collecting 20,000 devices and paying $50 per device on average. According to user surveys, 70% of cash payouts are spent in-store during their visit. 

Prabash Coswatte, COO of Heritage Grocers Group said, “Partnering with ecoATM has been a powerful way to connect sustainability with real customer value. We’re not just doing good for the planet; we’re giving our customers a reason to participate and rewarding them instantly for it. It’s rare to find a program that drives measurable business results and meaningful environmental impact, but ecoATM does both seamlessly.”

Grocery store owners report that hosting an ecoATM makes valuable use of idle space in their stores. ecoATM only needs 3 feet of linear space and access to power, creating $35,000 in incremental sales. In the right location, ecoATM can turn low-traffic areas into revenue generators. Additionally, ecoATM pays its retail partners to host the kiosk and manages all logistics and maintenance.

ecoATM makes smartphone recycling simple, providing grocery customers with a quick way to recycle their electronic devices right where they shop. With more than 7,100 kiosks across the U.S. at major grocery stores such as Kroger, Albertson’s, Walmart, and Dollar General, ecoATM is actively working to change how the world disposes of pre-owned consumer technology and make a lasting, positive environmental impact.

“We’re proud to drive incremental foot traffic to grocery stores nationwide and offer responsible ways to recycle devices and reward consumers,” said Neil Fried, ecoATM SVP of Corporate Development. “It takes less than seven minutes to sell a device at an ecoATM kiosk, and we can turn unused space into highly profitable experiences for partners.”

Interested in seeing an ecoATM at a grocery store near you? Visit https://locations.ecoatm.com/.

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About ecoATM

For over 15 years, ecoATM has been a leader in driving the recommerce revolution by expanding access to affordable technology and recycling e-waste. Every year, billions of electronics are discarded into landfills, creating mountains of harmful waste. But many of these devices deserve a second life – one that pays. ecoATM is determined to make it easier than ever for everyone to contribute towards a more sustainable future, one device at a time. Through conveniently located kiosks we give Americans a simple way to dispose of their used phones and other electronics – and get paid for doing it. For retail partners, ecoATM delivers a turnkey, no-cost solution that generates rental income, drives incremental store traffic, enhances the in-store experience, and provides measurable sustainability impact.

For more information, visit https://www.ecoatmb2b.com/

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LivAway Suites® Opens First Texas Location in San Marcos, Marking Launch of Statewide Expansion

SAN MARCOS, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 — LivAway Suites®, one of the nation’s fastest growing extended stay hotel brands, today announced the opening of its San Marcos, Texas location, the company’s first hotel in the state and the first of many planned across Texas.

Ideally positioned between Austin and San Antonio, LivAway Suites – San Marcos offers guests convenient access to two major metropolitan areas while capturing the charm and livability of one of Central Texas’ most vibrant communities. Guests will have the opportunity to explore scenic rivers, a thriving local dining and brewery scene, and the energy of Texas State University. Whether traveling for work assignments, relocation, academic needs, or project-based stays, LivAway Suites delivers a flexible and affordable living solution designed for longer term guests.

LivAway Suites’ residentially inspired accommodations are designed with extended stay guests in mind. From in-room kitchens with full size appliances, to a modern fitness center and smart laundry facilities, LivAway Suites ensures guests never have to compromise comfort or convenience to enjoy an affordable extended stay. Guests also benefit from LivAway Suites’ long-term stay rate advantages, advance booking discounts, and SavAway™ members-only benefits.

“This opening in San Marcos represents an exciting milestone as we enter the Texas market,” said Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer of LivAway Suites. “Similar to our recent growth throughout the state of Arizona, San Marcos is just the beginning of our expansion across the Lone Star State. We look forward to bringing LivAway Suites’ modern, purpose-built extended stay experience to communities throughout Texas.”

The San Marcos opening reinforces LivAway Suites’ accelerated national growth strategy and the company’s commitment to serving guests seeking dependable longer-term accommodations that combine quality, convenience and affordability. 

Want to book a stay at LivAway Suites’ San Marcos location? Visit 
https://www.livawaysuites.com/locations/tx/austin/san-marcos. 

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 how extended stay guests live today. 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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Hawaiian Bros Says Aloha to First Glenwood, Ill. Location 

Beloved Island-Inspired Restaurant Expands the ‘Ohana to Glenwood, Ill.,  
Expanding its Chicagoland Reach 

GLENWOOD, Ill. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Hawaiian Bros, one of the fastest growing restaurant chains, is opening its first island-inspired location in Glenwood, Ill. The Feb. 16 opening marks an exciting moment for JCK Ohana, a multi-unit franchisee, as they continue to expand in the state.  

To celebrate, Hawaiian Bros is hosting a grand opening celebration at their new location in the Glenwood area (18851 S Halsted St, Glenwood, Ill. 60425) on Feb. 16 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 Feb. 14 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.  

“We’re looking forward to expanding the Aloha Spirit further into Chicagoland,” said David Griffiths, VP of Operations for a multi-unit Hawaiian Bros franchisee. “We truly cannot wait to expand the ‘Ohana and bring 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 more than 70 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 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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LivAway Suites® Announces Groundbreaking of First Virginia Hotel in Hopewell

HOPEWELL, Va., Feb. 5, 2026 — LivAway Suites, the rapidly expanding extended-stay hotel brand delivering contemporary, affordable accommodations powered by smart technology, has officially broken ground on a new location in Hopewell, Virginia. Situated just south of Richmond, the property marks LivAway Suites’ first entry into the commonwealth and a significant milestone in the brand’s East Coast expansion.  

The Hopewell location will serve a diverse mix of extended-stay travelers, offering the security, convenience, and modern amenities that define the LivAway Suites experience. The site’s proximity to Fort Gregg-Adams, where more than 70,000 military personnel train annually, positions the hotel as an ideal lodging option for service members and their families.  In addition, the property is located within a four-mile drive of TriCities Hospital, providing a convenient solution for traveling healthcare professionals, and near Virginia State University, offering visiting families and staff comfortable, affordable accommodations close to campus.

“We’re excited to bring LivAway Suites to Hopewell and to expand our footprint into Virginia for the first time,” said Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer at LivAway Suites. “This location places us at the intersection of military, medical, and academic demand, allowing us to deliver the comforts of home to guests who need reliable, extended-stay accommodations.”

The Hopewell development reinforces LivAway Suites’ commitment to thoughtful growth in high-demand markets nationwide, while continuing to set a new standard in the extended-stay segment through innovative design and technology-driven operations.

Interested in following along with LivAway Suites’ Hopewell, Virginia, expansion? Visit https://www.livawaysuites.com/ to learn more.

About LivAway Suites
LivAway Suites is a purpose-built, affordable extended-stay hotel brand headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Positioned in the “upper-economy” segment, LivAway Suites offers guests essential amenities and a contemporary design focused on simplicity, comfort, and value. The brand’s vertically integrated platform—spanning development, operations, and technology—enables efficient execution and consistent investor returns. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com. 

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‘GT Anywhere’ Launches a Virtual School Built Exclusively for High-Performing K–8 Students, Free with Texas ESA Vouchers

New School Removes Cost Barriers for Families Seeking a High-Quality, Advanced Virtual Education

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 4, 2026 — GT Anywhere, a new Texas-based virtual school designed exclusively for advanced K–8 students, officially launches, as the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) application window opens February 4th, 2026. It’s built for kids who are always asking questions, crave academic challenges and want to go deeper than a traditional classroom may allow. It’s also built for families who want accelerated learning for their kids. 

Students can work at their own pace, progress beyond their grade level, interact with academic peers and learn life skills like problem solving and financial literacy while in school. The best part? Tuition can be fully covered for eligible families through Texas school vouchers (ESAs). 

GT Anywhere operates under the Alpha School umbrella, the rapidly growing, AI-driven education model gaining global attention for rethinking how students learn. It was created in response to a growing gap in education: as gifted programs disappear; families are increasingly left trying to make a one-size-fits-all system work for kids who require a more challenging curriculum. Built specifically for advanced learners, GT Anywhere uses Alpha School’s proven 2-Hour Learning platform and similar life-skills workshops to support accelerated students who thrive alongside peers who are equally curious and driven.

“GT Anywhere was built for students whose learning needs weren’t being met by traditional school pacing,” said Arvind Nagarajan, Founder-in-Residence of GT Anywhere. “We designed a virtual school where students can move faster, build real-world skills, and achieve at the level they’re capable of, with clear outcomes like a 1400+ SAT score by eighth grade. It’s a powerful opportunity for students seeking an accelerated learning environment.”

What Makes GT Anywhere Different

GT Anywhere is the only Texas-based virtual school designed exclusively for advanced learners, with no grade-level ceilings and no artificial limits on academic progress. Students learn at up to three times the pace of peers at the same starting level and are encouraged to continue advancing as long as curiosity and mastery remain high.

GT Anywhere School features:

  • Limitless academics, no grade-level caps to move ahead
  • 3x learning speed, students advance at their own accelerated pace
  • 1400+ SAT score by 8th grade for students in the program
  • Real-world opportunities to interact, retreats, competitions and life-skills workshops
  • A community of intellectual peers, just as curious, capable, and motivated

GT Anywhere focuses on producing builders and creators, not passive consumers of curriculum. Students don’t wait for permission to advance. They keep going at their own pace with coursework that’s personalized for them.

“I wanted more for my kids,” explains Opeyemi Jackson, a Dallas-area mom of twin girls who just enrolled her daughters. “I want higher standards, more opportunities to challenge them and a learning community that responds to their abilities.”

Texas ESA Vouchers Make GT Anywhere Accessible

For the first time, Texas families can use Education Savings Account (ESA) vouchers to access education online. GT Anywhere tuition can be fully covered for eligible families, making advanced education accessible without the need for private tutoring or after-school academics.

Texas ESA applications open today, and GT Anywhere is approved as an eligible education provider. Families can apply vouchers directly toward tuition through the state’s program, making tuition free for those who qualify.

Why This Matters Now

Across the U.S., high-performing students are left bored, under-challenged, or disengaged despite strong grades and the desire to excel. GT Anywhere was created to address this growing need.

Most importantly, GT Anywhere reframes advanced education as a necessity, not a luxury only highly resourced families can access. This launch marks a dramatic opportunity for Texas families who can now access advanced learning, measurable results, aligned with how motivated students actually learn.

GT Anywhere is accepting applications now for Fall 2026. Families interested can learn more and reserve a spot at: https://anywhere.gt.school

About GT Anywhere
GT Anywhere is a Texas-based virtual school serving K–8 students through an advanced, learning model. Designed for high-performing learners seeking greater academic challenge, the program combines accelerated academics with real-world learning opportunities and measurable outcomes. GT Anywhere is a sibling organization under the Alpha School education umbrella and is eligible for Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) vouchers, expanding access to advanced virtual education for families statewide.

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Art at the Intersection of Photography, Metallurgy, and Surface Chemistry

February 3, 2026 FEATURED ARTICLES MEET THE ARTIST Christopher Crane, Christopher Crane Fine Art

Christopher Crane’s innovative practice traces back to formative time spent in a home- built darkroom, where images revealed themselves incrementally. That early exposure to process-based image formation established a lasting interest in systems where outcomes emerge through time rather than immediate control.

Based in Austin, Texas, Crane works at the intersection of photography, metallurgy, and surface chemistry, developing methods that allow images to emerge from industrial materials not typically associated with fine art. Rather than composing images directly, he works through controlled chemical reactions and natural aging on steel surfaces, allowing form, color, and structure to develop gradually.

Steel may take months or years to develop its surface. The work is built around that refusal to accelerate. These images emerge through long, irreversible chemical arcs that cannot be scheduled, optimized, or forced without collapse. Their significance lies in a largely unseen process operating outside the synthetic time systems that govern contemporary life—quarterly targets, academic calendars, performance cycles. Where those structures depend on collective agreement and constant renewal, this work records material change that is cumulative, permanent, and indifferent to human timetables, aligning it more closely with environments designed to endure than with cycles designed to refresh.

Crane refers to this process as Ferrophoto, a method that treats steel not as a substrate but as an active image-forming medium. Each work unfolds through weeks or months of etching, coating, and surface manipulation, with many pieces failing before a final image is realized. Crane’s interventions define the boundaries within which material time is allowed to operate. “Steel is unpredictable,” Crane said. “If you wake it, you need to have a plan to control it.” The finished surfaces are photographed and transferred to large-scale glass panels, producing archival works that often appear painterly or atmospheric despite originating from rigid industrial material.

Crane’s work has been placed in prominent corporate, civic, and private settings, including a large-scale installation at Charles Schwab, a flagship Deloitte lobby in Austin, and a permanent placement with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer at the World Trade Center in New York. Additional works are held by TD Ameritrade, Baker Tilly, Greystar, numerous start-ups and in private collections across the United States and Canada, with installations in New York, Chicago, California, Texas, and Toronto.

In parallel with Ferrophoto, Crane developed Signal, a companion body of work derived from microscopic fragments of Ferrophoto surfaces. Where Ferrophoto emphasizes organic complexity and material volatility, Signal isolates moments of structure and clarity, digitally enlarging them into large-scale compositions on glass. The resulting works retain their metallurgical origin while offering a more distilled visual language, making them well- suited to architectural corridors, transitional spaces, and environments where focus and calm are essential.

Crane’s work is produced with architectural integration in mind, with finished pieces ranging from 4 to 30 feet in scale and fabricated to meet the demands of long-term installation in corporate and private environments. Works are completed in his Austin studio and delivered ready for installation, with mounting systems, finishes, and materials specified for durability and consistency across locations. He works directly with designers, consultants, and facilities teams to ensure each piece aligns with spatial constraints and lighting conditions.

Crane’s approach reflects a broader commitment to innovation, grounded in the belief that we are at our best when doing what we are not certain can be done. His practice delivers works that tell a story of innovation but are resolved and capable of sustaining long-term placement in architectural and institutional contexts.

About Christopher Crane, Christopher Crane Fine Art

Christopher Crane is an abstract expressionist artist based in Austin, Texas. He creates large works through experimental processes that merge industrial materials and photographic techniques. Crane came from four generations of metal workers, from his great-great-grandfather’s foundry in Ireland, to his grandfather, a metallurgist for the U.S. Navy. Much of Crane’s early life was spent in a darkroom with his father, a career 35mm SLR photographer, where he learned how to process images from negatives and cull them. In 2008, Crane had a strong pull to work with steel using photographic film processing logic. Due to breaks in his family, he came to realize at this time that he was subconsciously putting together the integral pieces of his heritage. Crane’s works include major series such as his Ferrophoto Series, where he utilizes industrial steel transformed into abstract expressionist art through an innovative process, as well as his Signal Series, where he isolates microscopic fragments of Ferrophoto images to digitally enlarge and stretch them revealing intricate linework and subtle gradients that are otherwise invisible. Crane lives in Clarksville, Old West Austin, with his wife and two children and holds degrees in Sociology and Anthropology from Southern Methodist University, and an MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.

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Locally based Convenience Store Wins Big for Foodservice Innovation 

TXB named the 2026 Gold Medal Winner for Overall Foodservice Innovator of the Year  

SPICEWOOD, Texas (January 28, 2026) — TXB (Texas Born), the Texas-based convenience store brand , has been awarded the 2026 Gold Medal for overall Foodservice Innovator of the Year by Convenience Store News, marking their first win for overall Foodservice Innovator of the Year and their fourth recognition in the Foodservice Innovators program.  

Awarded for their innovation in food and beverage, TXB ‘s mission to “Leave ‘Em Better” drives them to reimagine what convenience-store dining can be—fresh, modern, and full of Texas-sized flavor.  

Selected through industry peer voting, TXB is awarded for raising the bar on quality, service, and innovation in foodservice. The award is to be recognized at the Convenience Foodservice Exchange in San Antonio in May 2026.  

“This recognition by Convenience Store News is a direct reflection of the hard work, collaboration, and commitment across our teams at TXB,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB. “At TXB, innovation in food and beverage is at the heart of everything we do, and I am thrilled to share this accomplishment alongside all our team members that work every day to proudly serve our communities.”  

TXB has a long history of recognition by Convenience Store News’ Foodservice Innovators Program, winning Silver in 2025 and Gold in 2020 and 2022 for the Prepared Foods category. Their continued recognition seals their spot as an industry leader in innovation and excellence. 

“Through collective innovations, TXB continues to set the standard for foodservice in convenience retail,” continued Smartt. “Our teams have redefined what guests can expect from a c-store dining experience.”  

For more information about TXB, visit https://txbstores.com/  

About TXB: 

TXB, short for Texas Born, is an award-winning 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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Austin Teen Earns Perfect ACT Score: St. Michael’s Prep Senior William Robertson Achieves a 36 

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AUSTIN, Texas (January, 21 2026) — William Robertson, a senior at St. Michael’s Prep, earned the highest possible ACT Composite score of 36, placing him in the top one-quarter of 1% of all ACT test-takers nationwide. 

In last year’s U.S. high school graduating class, only 3,041 out of 1.37 million students who took the ACT earned a perfect composite score of 36. 

The ACT includes four subject tests: English, mathematics, reading, and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s Composite score represents the average of those four section scores. 

“When a student earns a top score of 36 on the ACT test, it opens doors to a promising future, demonstrating for colleges and universities that they are ready for the challenges ahead,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “This remarkable achievement is something we celebrate along with the student and their family.” 

William’s perfect score reflects years of disciplined academic work, deep curiosity, and an ability to perform at the highest level across multiple subject areas. In addition to his academic success, he is a leader and builder, serving as the Lead Programmer and Captain of his school’s award-winning FTC Robotics Team, where he leads design, prototyping, testing, and the development of autonomous and driver-operated code. 

William’s passion for robotics began early. In second grade, he started learning to code using Scratch, and by fifth grade, he had already built a reputation as a student who could bring ideas to life through programming. That year, St. Michael’s Prep’s STEM Director invited William to program a Dash and Dot robot to deliver a message to teachers during faculty inservice—an early moment that helped spark what would become a long-running love of engineering, problem-solving, and innovation. 

William has also balanced his rigorous coursework and extracurricular commitments with meaningful real-world engineering experience. He has worked as a classic automotive mechanic at Jerry Dixon’s Automotive since he was 14, gaining hands-on experience rewiring harnesses and rebuilding major engine components, an opportunity that has further strengthened his passion for engineering and problem-solving, including purchasing and rebuilding his own 1965 Buick Electra. 

Outside of academics and STEM, William is deeply involved in the life of the St. Michael’s Prep community. He serves on the school’s Executive Student Council and was selected for the Senior Leadership Team, roles that reflect his character, work ethic, and commitment to leading by example. He is also an altar server for school Masses and plays piano for school concerts, gatherings and community socials, contributing his talent to some of the school’s most meaningful events. 

William is also known for stepping into new challenges with determination and grit. As a junior, he began playing football for the first time and earned Rookie of the Year as an offensive lineman, quickly becoming a valued member of the team through his discipline, coachability, and drive to improve. 

His accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom and workplace. William and his robotics team have earned top honors at the state, national, and international levels, including FTC State Championships and a Top 5 finish at the FTC World Championship, competing against thousands of teams worldwide. 

“Balancing academics with robotics, work, and football taught me a lot about discipline and time management. I’m proud to earn a 36, and I’m grateful for the many people who have challenged and supported me as I work to become the best version of myself,” said William Robertson. 

At St. Michael’s Prep, preparation for college is a Pre-K3-12th grade journey supported by counselors, faculty, coaches, and families. Students are encouraged to explore their strengths, pursue their passions, and find best-fit colleges where they can thrive. 

ACT scores are accepted by major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S. and remain one of the key factors used in admissions, scholarship consideration, and course placement decisions. 

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. 

For more information, visit the school website. 

About ACT 

ACT is transforming college and career readiness pathways so that everyone can discover and fulfill their potential. Grounded in more than 65 years of research, ACT’s learning resources, assessments, research, and work-ready credentials are trusted by students, job seekers, educators, schools, government agencies, and employers in the U.S. and around the world to help people achieve their education and career goals at every stage of life. Visit ACT online. 

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