Shoppers could save more than ever during the sales tax holiday scheduled for Aug. 21-23.

That’s because the holiday this year includes more than two dozen school supply items in addition to the clothing and backpacks that historically have been covered by the tax break.

“Most families are on tight budgets, and it can be a real challenge to buy kids the clothes and supplies they need for a new school year,” Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said. “To help out, the Legislature has added many school supplies to the list of tax-free items during the sales tax holiday. The tax break on school supplies alone will save families nearly $9 million in state and local sales taxes this year.”

Shoppers can see a complete list of clothes and school supplies covered by the tax break at www.txtaxholiday.org.

Baylor promotes spirit

Baylor University wants local businesses to break out in the school’s green and gold colors.

At no charge, the Baylor Spirit Program will provide companies with Baylor flags, banners, decals, posters and schedule cards. For taking part in the promotion, businesses will receive complimentary tickets to a select number of Baylor athletic events during the 2009-10 academic year.

“Our goal is to create an even stronger connection between Baylor athletics and the local business community so that everyone appreciates the fact that when Baylor wins, Waco wins,” athletic director Ian McCaw said.

Baylor University economist Tom Kelly said Baylor athletics had a $155.6 million impact on the local economy during the 2008 calendar year, which is a $54.3 million increase over the previous study completed in 2004.

Businesses wanting to take part in the program can call (254) 710-3073.

Sulak’s Cafe reopening

Sulak’s Cafe in West has reopened under the ownership of Jeff and Ashley Redding of Robinson.

They will serve many of Sulak’s original recipes but have added a few of their own specialties.

One they are proud of is called Czech Wings, which are made from chunks of chicken, sugar-cured bacon and seasoned sauerkraut.

The wings are grilled and served with blue peppercorn mustard.

Schlotzsky’s Deli coming

The former Dickey’s building at New Road and North Valley Mills Drive should become a Schlotzsky’s Deli location by the end of September, local Schlotzsky’s franchisee Mike Pool said.

Schlotzsky’s will be relocating there from 900 N. Valley Mills Drive.

Pool had hoped to open in the Dickey’s building by June or July, but he said he has faced delays because the Schlotzsky’s chain has come up with a new look for its restaurants inside and out.

“I am about to start work on renovating the building,” Pool said.

Pool bought the Dickey’s building after the barbecue chain closed the Waco location. He said the building will give him space for about 50 more inside diners, but he also will have a drive-through window.

Pool owns a second Schlotzsky’s location on Interstate 35 that sells Cinnabon baked goods. When his new location on Valley Mills Drive opens, it also will offer Cinnabon goodies.

Kick-off lunch sold out

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Charlie Waters is a popular guy.

Tickets are sold out to hear Waters speak at the First Community Bank Kick-Off Luncheon on Aug. 25.

Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Lesly Rascoe said 1,142 tickets were sold.

Attendees also will hear a report on Baylor University football from head coach Art Briles.

The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. at Baylor’s Ferrell Center.

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

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