Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC), in partnership with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC) and Resto Tech, invites business owners, entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, logistics professionals, and community leaders to attend a special Trade & Tech Roundtable focused on the future of artificial intelligence and technology in the restaurant industry.
The event will be held at the Pharr Global Business Hub and will feature industry leaders sharing how innovation, automation, and AI are transforming customer experiences, operations, and profitability across the food service sector.
A highlight of the discussion will be the remarkable story of Dairy Queen’s growth in Pharr, from its local beginnings to becoming one of the most recognized quick-service restaurant operations in Texas. Attendees will hear firsthand how strategic investments in technology and operational excellence have helped drive success, including recognition for operating one of the fastest drive-thru experiences in Texas.
The roundtable will explore how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, automation, customer engagement tools, and smart operations are reshaping the restaurant industry. Participants will gain insights into practical applications of AI, current industry trends, and what the future may hold for restaurant owners seeking to remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
“This event represents the launch of our new Trade & Tech initiative, designed to help businesses understand how technology is impacting industries and how innovative tools can create measurable returns on investment,” said Leticia Adame, Economic & Workforce Director, at Pharr EDC. “Our goal is to connect businesses with resources, experts, and real-world examples that demonstrate how technology can improve efficiency, increase profitability, and create new opportunities for growth.”
The Trade & Tech initiative is a collaborative effort led by Pharr EDC and the Pharr Global Business Hub to increase awareness of emerging technologies across key industries, including trade, logistics, manufacturing, retail, food service, and professional services. Through educational programming, networking opportunities, and expert-led discussions, the initiative will provide business leaders with access to valuable resources that support innovation and long-term success.
As a center for international trade, logistics, and business development, the Pharr Global Business Hub continues to serve as a platform for connecting local businesses with global opportunities. The Trade & Tech series expands that mission by helping companies navigate technological change and identify solutions that deliver tangible business results.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, engage with technology experts, learn about available business support resources, and discover strategies for leveraging AI and emerging technologies within their organizations.
| Event Details: |
| Date: June 22nd |
| Time: 11AM – 1PM |
| Location: Pharr Global Business Hub |
| Address: 301 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX. 78577 |
Registration is encouraged. For more information, contact Pharr EDC at 956-221-2124.
