What’s Hot in Killeen This Week (Plus a New Foodie Map Link)

Happy Monday! Monica here with another round-up of Killeen’s best — from food and family fun to local legends (like the King himself 👀).

Trivia Time 👇

What famous American icon lived in a small house on Oakhill Drive in Killeen in the 1950s while stationed at Fort Hood?

The Waffle Den is where soul food meets creativity. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM, this local gem has built a loyal following thanks to its warm hospitality and nostalgic, home-style vibe.

The real draw? Waffles—over 100 kinds, both sweet and savory. Whether you're craving Bourbon Maple Bacon, Red Velvet, Jalapeño & Cheese, or even Dr. Pepper waffles, you'll find something unexpected and delicious. Pair them with crispy fried chicken, pork chops, or sausage for a Southern brunch that's both comforting and memorable.

With a 4.3-star rating on Yelp and fans calling it “a place that treats you like family,” The Waffle Den is more than a restaurant—it’s a cozy community staple.

🍴 Plan Your Visit

📅 Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: 223 E Avenue D, Downtown Killeen, TX
🎟️ Admission: Free to attend
📄 Details: Central Texas’s first-ever Filipino-themed food celebration brings together lumpia lovers, food trucks, cultural music, and community fun. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Family-, stroller-, and pet-friendly!
👉 Details & Registration

📅 Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Killeen Civic & Conference Center, 3601 S W S Young Drive
🎟️ Admission: $45 per person (includes painting supplies, food & drink)
📄 Details: Enjoy an upscale evening of soulful R&B music, expressive painting, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. No painting experience needed—just bring your vibe. A perfect adult night out!
👉 Event Info

📅 Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
🕒 Time: Mini Maker Morning: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Craft-to-Noon: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location:Mini Maker: Killeen Main Library, 205 E Church Ave, Craft-to-Noon: Copper Mountain Branch Library, 3000 S WS Young Dr
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Creative fun for kids of all ages! Mini Maker Morning offers STEAM-based exploration, while Craft-to-Noon provides themed arts and crafts. Perfect family-friendly outings to start the weekend.
👉 View Event

🎨 Meet the Maker: Jada of Painted Prairie Co.
Jada’s handmade soy candles and pressed flower art have been quietly lighting up Killeen’s craft scene. After moving here with her husband stationed at Fort Cavazos, she started Painted Prairie Co. as a creative outlet — now it’s a full-blown side business.

Catch her work every Saturday at The Golden Flea or shop her online store for thoughtful, nature-inspired gifts.

👉 Follow Jada on Instagram
👉 Browse Her Etsy Shop

📍 Location: Killeen Animal Center, 3518 East Rancier Avenue
🕒 Adoption Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📄 Details: Ripley is an energetic and affectionate pup who thrives on playtime and companionship. Whether you’re headed to the park or the couch, Ripley is always game for adventure.

👉Learn More About Ripley

Alice – Graceful, Sweet, and Ready to Love 🐱

📍 Location: Killeen Animal Center, 3518 East Rancier Avenue
🕒 Adoption Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📄 Details: Alice is a poised and gentle feline who adores peaceful spaces and quiet cuddles. She’s spayed, vaccinated, and ready to bring calm and affection to your home.

👉Meet Alice and See Her Profile

For the fourth year, the City of Killeen and the National Mounted Warfare Foundation are honoring local service members with Hometown Heroes banners. This November, 60 banners will line the Historic Downtown District, celebrating active-duty members, retirees, and veterans who have served at Fort Hood.

Families, friends, and community members can submit nominations through Sept. 16—but only 60 spots are available. It’s a powerful way to recognize the sacrifices of those who’ve served.

👉 Submit a nomination or learn more

Artificial intelligence is reshaping retail work in Killeen. Cashiers, sales associates, stock clerks, supervisors, and customer service reps are among the roles most vulnerable to automation.

But it’s not all bad news—this article explores how workers can stay ahead by building skills AI can’t easily replace, like emotional intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving. It also highlights why reskilling and lifelong learning will be critical in the years ahead.

👉 Read the full article here

If the link didn’t work for you the first time, no worries — here’s a fresh one that opens right in your browser:

📍 View the PDF Foodie Map
👉Open the download in Browser

📍 Explore the Map Locations
👉 See all 21 spots on Google Maps

Elvis Presley

P.S. If you haven’t opened the Foodie Map yet… seriously, go now — it might inspire dinner tonight.