Whitney Richter, business development and marketing manager at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, said she was excited by Monday’s news.

She wondered aloud if those who visit the Silos would afterward make a beeline for The Elite, or whatever it becomes, for a meal to tell the folks back home about.

Or would a Magnolia-themed eating place create its own following, with guests stopping at the Silos to complete their trip to Central Texas?

‘Positive limelight’

“It’s really an exciting time to be growing up in the Greater Waco area and seeing the positive limelight Waco is in right now,” Richter said. “I’ve talked to older people about what Waco was like before the tornado of ’53, and they mention how popular it was, especially downtown, for shopping and entertainment experiences.”

“We’re regaining that feel,” she said. “And it’s not only exciting, but positive for economic development and the future of Waco.”