Frisco Insider - BBQ Team + Holiday Season + More

Howdy, Frisco,

Well folks, school’s out, the kids are home, and let’s be honest, the snack pantry is already half gone. Between last minute shopping, holiday traffic that feels like rush hour at Disney World, and half the city trying to find tape for wrapping paper, it’s officially Christmas crunch time.

Whether you’re spending the week baking cookies, catching a movie, or letting someone else handle the Christmas Eve cooking (we see you, Revel Patio Grill), here’s everything happening around town, plus some heartwarming and heartbreaking local stories before Santa makes his grand arrival.

🔥 Frisco High School BBQ Team Heads to the World Championship

The Frisco High “Blazin’ Raccoon BBQ Team” just earned themselves a golden ticket to compete at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis next year — and yes, their secret weapon was “Poor Man’s Burnt Ends.”

• They placed second in the People’s Choice vote

• Walmart chipped in $500 to support their program

• They started cooking at 6:45 AM and still nailed their batch

Sponsor David Carmona said none of the students had prior cooking experience, but they’ve learned everything from smoker management to proper meat handling. The club started as a casual idea two years ago and has now become a competitive culinary powerhouse.

It’s safe to say, these students are smoking the competition.

If you have kids, listen up

Mom, do I have to go to school tomorrow?"

You've tried everything. Earlier bedtimes. Incentive charts. Pep talks about how great school is, even though you're not sure you believe it yourself anymore.

The truth? Some kids aren't struggling because something's wrong with them. They're struggling because the system wasn't designed for how they learn.

The Grove at Hearth is a micro school in Frisco built for those kids. The ones who ask deeper questions. The ones who get lost in crowds of 30+. The ones who are bright and capable but shutting down because nobody really sees them.

We serve 1st-6th graders in groups of 6-10 with educators who know your child's name, their learning style, and what lights them up. Deep learning through books, hands-on projects, and real conversations. We prioritize real mastery over rushing through material just to say we covered it.

Parents tell us their kids stop complaining. They get curious again. They remember that learning can feel good.

Frisco Insider exclusive: Schedule a trial day and mention this ad to get a complimentary enrichment day where your child can experience our Friday community program.

If your gut says there's a better way, trust it. Let's talk.

Express interest here or call (972) 528-9035 ext. 800

Instagram: @thegroveathearth

🛍️ First Look: The Belk Market in Frisco

Frisco just got a new reason to browse, the Belk Market at The Centre at Preston Ridge has opened, and it’s nothing like the old department stores your mom dragged you to.

• Think Nordstrom Rack energy, open layout, easy to browse

• A surprisingly large home section (actually worth walking through)

• Women’s apparel takes up most of the floor

• Bonus: A “mini gift zone” near checkout for last minute stocking stuffers

It’s more of a “find your own treasure” experience than a formal store, great for those who love a bargain hunt.

It’s at 3333 Preston Rd #700, Frisco

🚲 2 Frisco Triathlon Club Cyclists Fatally Struck in Denton County

A somber moment for the Frisco fitness community, two members of the Frisco Triathlon Club, Andre Kocher and Scott Mages, were tragically struck and killed by a vehicle during a group ride in Pilot Point early Saturday morning.

Police say the driver initially drove away but returned shortly after and has been cooperative with the investigation. Both men were described by friends as “joyful, strong, and loved by everyone in the club.”

The tragedy has hit the local athletic community hard, with many planning memorial rides later this week to honor their teammates.

🚧 Weekly Roadwork Roundup

Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a construction detour.
Here’s what to watch this week:

• Lafayette Dr. (5612) — Pavement replacement

• Prestmont Pl. (9804) — Ongoing pavement work

• Kings Ridge Rd. (Castle Dr. to Camelot Dr.) — Pavement + utility projects

Luckily, most projects are expected to wrap up within two weeks, weather permitting.

🏈 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl: UNLV vs. Ohio | Ticketed

📅 Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 8 PM
📍 Ford Center at The Star
Two powerhouse programs, UNLV (10–3) and Ohio (8–4), face off indoors this year as Toyota Stadium continues renovations. Expect high scoring action, halftime excitement, and a packed house. UNLV coach Dan Mullen called Frisco “a great bowl city,” and we have to agree, this is our kind of December football.
Details: Here

🍽️ Christmas Eve Dinner Dine-In @ The Revel Patio Grill | Ticketed

📅 Dec. 24 | 4 PM–Midnight
📍 9305 Preston Rd, Frisco
Skip the chaos of cooking for Christmas Eve, The Revel’s serving up Maple Apple Bourbon Glazed Ham, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and more. Bar’s open till 2 AM, and yes, they’ll be open Christmas Day too. Bring friends or family and let someone else do the dishes this year.
Details: Here

🏈 Cowboys vs. Commanders Watch Party | No Cost

📅 Dec. 25 | 12 PM
📍 The Revel Patio Grill, 9305 Preston Rd
Christmas Day football? Yes, please. The Cowboys take on Washington, and The Revel’s got five sound zones, crawfish, and drink specials to keep the cheer going. Bring your jersey, and maybe your stretchy pants. The Revel is really taking over this week huh.
Details: Here

⛸️ Christmas in the Square | No Cost

📅 Through Jan. 5 | Nightly 6–10 PM
📍 Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd
125,000+ people visit every year for a reason, this light and music show is unreal. Tune your radio to 107.3 FM and watch over 180,000 lights and 200 dancing snowflakes move in perfect sync. Don’t forget Skate the Square, Frisco’s only real ice outdoor rink.
Details: Here

🧘‍♀️ Prenatal Yoga | Ticketed

📅 Multiple Dates | Triada Chiropractic for Women & Children
📍 1518 Legacy Dr Suite 280, Frisco
For all the moms to be, this gentle Vinyasa inspired class helps you stretch, strengthen, and connect with your baby while easing tension. All trimesters welcome, no yoga experience required, just bring yourself and your mat.
Details: Here