Almost Raymond’s Cafe requested $59,000 in funding from the Grayson County Economic Development Authority to buy and equip a mobile unit, upgrade kitchen and espresso equipment, and install exterior signage and seating.

The cafe’s presenter said $40,000 of the total would purchase and outfit a mobile unit, $15,000 would buy higher-capacity in-cafe equipment to handle expected higher customer flow, and $4,000 would pay for signage and outdoor seating. The presenter said the cafe prefers a grant but would accept an EDA loan for part of the cost: "Of course, we'd like a grant, but we're willing to take on a loan for at least part of it," (Applicant, business owner).

The request, the presenter said, aims to increase visibility and capacity so the business can serve more drive-by visitors and destination tourists drawn to Grayson County’s outdoor recreation. "There's a lot of people we're still seeing every day that say, I didn't know you were here," the presenter said. The mobile unit, they said, would also be used to go to events in and outside the county to "invite people to come back to our place of business." The presenter estimated the project would create at least two immediate hires and 3–5 additional jobs within 24 months, depending on event demand.

The presenter gave operating context: the cafe opened about June, has grown from roughly 65 to about 125 visitors per week and currently totals $5,000–$6,000 in monthly revenue with an estimated 25% net margin. Current hours are roughly 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. six days a week, and the cafe said it may extend to about 6 p.m. with the upgrades.

Board members asked about signage, staffing and whether the applicant had sought town support. The presenter said they had not approached the town because local funds appeared limited in the near term; a board member noted the town’s economic development authority has dissolved and suggested the town manager and council would be the route for any tourism-zone help. Board members suggested applying for any available tourism- or streetscape-related grants for signage and offered to follow up after discussing EDA funding options.

The EDA did not take a final funding vote at the meeting; board members said they would review the application and return with recommendations and asked the applicant to supply a more detailed cost breakdown for equipment and mobile unit outfitting.

Ending: The applicant was told to provide a detailed itemized cost estimate to staff (Steve or Mitch) for further review; the EDA said it would discuss funding options and follow up with the applicant.