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🍷 Wine ambitions

Dev Test County • September 9, 2025

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Good morning, Dev Test County. The Dallas wine scene is about to uncork something special. Local favorite Cru Food & Wine Bar is poised for national domination under new ownership, with plans to expand from its upscale Texas roots to 25 locations nationwide within three years. The ambitious transformation includes modernized designs, reimagined menus, and an e-commerce platform that will deliver curated wines straight to your doorstep—proof that sometimes the best things in life do travel well.

Meanwhile, food enthusiasts have plenty to savor this week as the 14th annual FOE Barbecue Cookoff pits backyard pitmasters against each other for charity, and Central Market transforms into a German wonderland starting September 10. On a more serious note, the Dallas City Council has shown its support for literature lovers, backing amendments to keep the Skillman Southwestern Branch Library open three days weekly amid ongoing budget discussions that will conclude September 17.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🍷 Dallas wine bar chain Cru poised for national dominance. The upscale concept has new majority ownership under hospitality executive Simon Bozas, who aims to fill "a significant gap in the wine bar market." Founder Patrick Colombo remains involved as the brand undergoes a complete refresh including modernized design, reimagined food and beverage programs, and expanded event offerings. The company plans aggressive expansion with 4-6 new locations opening next year and a target of 25 total locations within three years. An e-commerce platform is also in development to deliver curated wines directly to customers' homes.

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🍖 Dallas sizzles with BBQ showdown and global food events this week. The 14th annual FOE Barbecue Cookoff headlines a week of culinary adventures, pitting backyard teams against each other to benefit the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center. Central Market transforms into a German wonderland for two weeks with tastings and special events starting September 10. Other highlights include tequila and whiskey pairing dinners, an Ethiopian pop-up at an Italian restaurant, and a wine dinner featuring French vineyard Chapoutier. Meanwhile, Dallas-based Cru Food & Wine Bar enters a new era with fresh ownership planning national expansion.

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📚 Dallas City Council backs library funding amid budget debate. The council discussed fifteen proposed amendments to the 2025-26 budget during their September 3 workshop. Three amendments received majority support, including funding to keep the Skillman Southwestern Branch Library open three days weekly and increasing street maintenance funds. Two of the approved amendments will use American Rescue Plan Act funds, while one will tap General Funds. The council will vote on the final tax rate and an additional emergency management amendment during their September 17 meeting.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

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PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

Real estate listing image Spacious wooded retreat awaits buyers: Priced at $305,000, this 3BR, 2.5BA townhome on Pine Drive offers a wooded setting with vaulted ceilings, skylights, two fireplaces, and open concept living, all wrapped in a tranquil 1971 sq ft package with abundant storage.
Real estate listing image Country haven with natural splendor: Priced at $369,900, this Randolph Township country haven offers 4 bedrooms across 4.25 private acres, featuring dual primary suites, a heated sunroom, home office, and rural charm with its own pond and wildlife visitors.
Real estate listing image Cash-flowing duplex major updates: For just $200,000, this turnkey duplex in Aurora generates $2,000 monthly from two fully-occupied units, featuring recent updates including a new roof, sewer line, and interior renovations that minimize maintenance while maximizing rental income.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 Sep. 12 - Kent Rocks Music Festival: Rock out at Kent Rocks Festival with free live music throughout the community on September 12! Head to Dan Smith Community Park and venues around town for this toe-tapping celebration. Visit kentrocks.com for details.
🎸 Sep. 12 - Kent Rocks Festival: Strum into the weekend at Kent Guitar Fest, where local artists rock Main Street Kent for free on September 12! Thanks to Wayside Furniture and generous patrons, this musical celebration costs nothing to attend.
🎸 Sep. 12 - Punching Oswald @ Kent Rocks: Catch local favorites Punching Oswald as they rock the stage at Dominick's for the annual Kent Rocks Festival! Join the fun Friday, September 12 from 7-10pm at 147 Franklin Ave.
🎸 Sep. 12 - RJ Chandler Acoustic Set: Catch local talent RJ Chandler as he makes his debut at The Kent Rocks Music Festival! Enjoy his acoustic set at 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall from 7-9pm on September 12.
🎸 Sep. 13 - White House Tavern Debut: Live music hits the White House Tavern's spacious patio on September 13! Catch this exciting debut performance from 7-10pm at 161 N Chestnut St in Ravenna.
👮 Sep. 13 - Support The Blue Fundraiser: Rally for our local heroes at the 5th Annual Support the Blue Fundraiser! The Dusty Armadillo hosts an afternoon of food, raffles, and exciting K9 demonstrations on September 13th, starting at noon.
🧩 Sep. 13 - Community Puzzle Swap: Puzzle lovers unite at Reed Memorial Library for a jigsaw swap extravaganza! Bring puzzles to share and take home new challenges on September 13 at 167 E Main St, Ravenna.
🧚‍♀️ Sep. 14 - Midsummer Children's Magic Festival: Fairies and forest friends unite at the Midsummer Night's Dream Festival! Join the free children's program on September 14 at A.C.C. Moebius Nature Center for an enchanting evening of magical fun.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

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PRESENTED BY Northbend Church

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

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