Hey y’all,

Is it just us, or has August already lasted approximately 47 days?

We’re officially in that stretch of summer when the seasonal excitement has worn off, but the Texas heat very much has not. So stay cool, makes plans to get a sweet treat later, and catch up with us from somewhere indoors—preferably with air conditioning.

One of Garland’s oldest businesses is closing its doors. (Dave Hensley/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

By Sam Cohen

Baker’s Main Street Furniture has been a staple in the Garland community for over 100 years. It’s one of the city’s oldest businesses and has been operated by the same family for three generations. Earlier this month, the owners announced the store’s closure.

In a statement, the owners wrote, “It has been nothing short of a privilege and honor for the Baker family to be part of this community for more than 100 years and serve generations of families. Thank you for the trust and loyalty that’s enabled our family and business to thrive.”

The Baker family did not explain what ultimately led them to make this difficult call, but did note that a liquidation sale is being held to offload its remaining inventory.

If there’s a DFW eatery you’d be heartbroken to see close its doors, now might be a good time to pay it a visit. Recent data shows Texas led the country in restaurant closures during the first half of the year.

Considering the current affordability crisis, it’s no wonder local restaurants are getting squeezed: Food, labor, insurance, rent and other expenses keep climbing, and only about 60% of Texas restaurants turned a profit last year.

So consider this your friendly reminder that supporting your favorite neighborhood spot doesn’t have to wait for Restaurant Week. 

(All photos by Noemi Castanon)

Hey y’all, it’s Noemi Castanon, intern here at Courier DFW, and I’m here to tell you about a fun, nostalgic experience you can try right here in Fort Worth.

Have you ever gone to a drive-in theater? They were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, with over 4,000 locations in the US. I recently got to experience Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth where I watched the new “Toy Story 5” movie.

It’s one of the few drive-ins left here in Texas, and I think it’s a great way to experience the big screen from the comfort of your own car.

Coyote Drive-In doesn’t just screen three to four new movie releases each night; it also offers an outdoor pavilion area where you can enjoy food and drinks, a kids playground, and outdoor activities like jumbo Connect-4 and cornhole. 

Unlike a typical movie theater, it offers  different snack options like Wagyu sliders, footlong corndogs, double-bacon cheeseburgers, and Oreo popcorn. I tried the Wagyu sliders and I have to say—they were quite juicy and flavorful. They also offer a food delivery option to your car.

The screens are giant, so don’t worry—you will most definitely have a good view no matter where you’re parked. 

I plan on going again, but maybe next time during the fall in a truck so I can experience the fresh air outside. 

What movie would you love to watch in a drive-in? Let us know.

Don’t Sleep On is a weekly series where I shout out DFW events and businesses I think you should try. Have a suggestion? Reply to this email.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere with reporting by Sam Cohen. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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