Justin Lines, sales manager at Saturn of Waco, said he never had any doubt that General Motors would find a buyer for its Saturn brand and that dealerships nationwide would remain open.

He made that prediction even as many thought Saturn was kaput — and apparently he knew what he was talking about.

You may have read that GM has struck a tentative deal to sell the brand to former race car driver and dealership group owner Roger Penske. Penske told reporters he expects to offer all the dealers new franchise agreements and will retain all 13,000 Saturn employees for now.

Neither Penske nor GM would say how much Penske is paying for the brand. Penske said he expects the deal to close in the third quarter.

Waco’s Saturn store is located at 4824 W. Waco Drive.

No more hot dogs

Several people have called and sent e-mail messages inquiring about the Wienerschnitzel at New Road and Franklin Avenue.

It apparently has closed, and people are wondering why.

Wienerschnitzel says each location is privately owned by a franchisee, and it could not shed any light on the situation.

The chain sells 120 million hot dogs per year, but apparently it won’t be selling any more in Waco for the foreseeable future.

New Wing Stop location

The Waco area is getting another Wing Stop location, this one in WestRock Centre on Hewitt Drive.

Mike Beheler, the local Wing Stop franchisee, said he hopes to have the chicken-wing restaurant open by August.

Beheler also operates Wing Stop locations in downtown Waco, in Bellmead near LaVega High School, at New Road and Franklin Avenue near Wal-Mart and in Temple.

Starburst tournament

Local hotels and restaurants have circled June 15-17 on their calendars, as a small army of younger golfers will descend on Waco for the Starburtst Junior Golf Classic.

A total of 1,050 players have registered for the 11th annual event, which will be played on seven courses in and around Waco.

The Starburst tournament is open to all junior golfers ages 7 to 18. Players from 11 states and Mexico will take part this year, making Waco’s tournament the largest junior tournament in the U.S.

“While our goal has always been to be the best junior golf tournament, being the largest is a significant milestone and one we’re proud of,” said Steve Smith, senior vice president of sports and special events for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber spokeswoman Lesly Rascoe said these boys and girls typically are accompanied by their parents, and some stay in Waco a few days longer, making a vacation of the event.

It all puts money in the coffers of local businesses.

“Yeah, we do see some of the players in here,” said Paula Owen, who manages George’s Restaurant & Catering.

Local business expands

Texon Polymer Group, 501 Precision Drive, is expanding its operation of making plastic products used in gardening, such as flower pots.

Texon is spending $1.9 million on new equipment and will hire about 50 people, more than doubling its employment level, said Kris Collins, director of business retention and expansion for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

The city of Waco will give Texon a business grant equal to 40 percent of the personal property taxes it pays on the equipment.

Texon is a division of Myers Industry.

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

757-5736