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Harvest Art Cafe presents business plan; requests $50,000 in EDA support, board refers request to closed session
Summary
Owners of Harvest Art Cafe in Elk Creek presented a business and marketing plan to the Grayson EDA and requested $50,000 for equipment and outdoor furnishings; the board heard the pitch, asked questions, and agreed to discuss the request in closed session before responding.
Owners of Harvest Art Cafe gave a detailed presentation to the Grayson County Economic Development Authority outlining plans for a renovated 1940s service station in Elk Creek to operate as an organic cafe, small grocery and community event space.
Brenda, the owner and presenter, described the venue’s focus on locally sourced and organic fare, a separated play area for children, a small grocery of local products, monthly community events and partnerships with local farms and artisans. “We want to be the destination for folks that eat organic and locally sourced produce,” Brenda said during the presentation. She detailed partnerships with local farms, a plan for monthly events, and projected first‑year revenues of about $250,000 with a 20% growth target in year two.
The cafe’s funding request: Brenda asked the EDA for $50,000 to cover equipment purchases (including a smoker) and outdoor furnishings and to help launch a grand‑opening and marketing push. She said the project has already spent roughly $29,746 on drawings, permits and interior work and that staff is completing health‑department submissions and water testing.
Board response and next steps: Board members asked about seating capacity, parking and local sourcing; presenters answered that the indoor seating plan totaled roughly 48 in the front area and about 63 in the back with additional deli seating and anticipated outdoor seating. Several members praised the concept and noted local demand for healthier dining options. One EDA member said, “It looks good to me, but as far as we’ll need to discuss this in closed session and we’ll get back with you.” The board did not approve funds at the meeting and instead moved the funding request to a closed‑session review and follow‑up on the next agenda.
Ending: The owners requested to be placed on the next meeting agenda with an updated budget and equipment list. Staff and board members said they would review the request and return with a formal recommendation after closed‑session consideration.
