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Keller economic development reports 2024 business activity, new leads and retail survey
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Summary
Economic development staff reported roughly 104 business certificates of occupancy for 2024 (about 74 new businesses), said Big Lots will close its local store, and outlined recruitment activity including Monster Mini Golf and potential restaurant openings in Old Town.
Keller’s economic development staff told the City Council on Jan. 7 that the city closed 2024 with an estimated 104 certificates of occupancy issued, including about 74 for new businesses, and shared current recruitment leads and community outreach plans.
“We’re estimating about 104 COs right now, 74 of which were new businesses,” Economic Development staff said.
Key updates and items staff presented:
- New and incoming businesses: December saw several openings or near-openings, including Simply Stylish on South Main Street, Kops Landscaping on Hill Street, Nutrition Chef on Main, a State Farm office and Phoenix Lawn Suites on North Main. Staff also reported a building permit issued for Wabi Smokehouse, a remodel at 111 West Vine (the former Station Patio Ice House).
- Big Lots closure: Staff confirmed the local Big Lots store is closing as part of a nationwide downsizing. The Big Lots space is about 27,000 square feet and will be marketed; Monster Mini Golf has an SUP before the council for a nearby parcel and staff said they are pursuing entertainment and family uses to fill large-format vacancies.
- Outreach and marketing: Staff closed a “foodie favorites” public poll with roughly 1,600 responses and will publish results; they also launched a retail/restaurant survey with about 200 responses so far. The results will inform recruitment and promotional work, including plans for a Keller Restaurant Week targeting summer months.
- Entertainment and recruiting: Staff said Monster Mini Golf is seeking a location at 1580 Keller Parkway (an SUP was on the agenda) and that the department is actively pursuing entertainment users to fill large-format vacancies near the retail center.
Why it matters: Staff said the data helps target recruitment and marketing, shows continuing small-business activity downtown, and identifies large vacancies that could support entertainment uses to increase visits to Old Town.
Ending: Staff said they will continue outreach to prospective tenants for the large vacated spaces, will publish the results of the restaurant poll and will follow up on building-permit activity for Wabi Smokehouse and other projects.
