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Economic development staff reports new openings, delays for incentivized projects and mixed results for restaurant week

Keller City Council · November 5, 2025

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Summary

Staff reported seven October business openings in Keller, permit activity for new restaurants and an app relaunch for Open Rewards. The Keller House Collective faces a potential six‑month delay to upgrade commercial power, and restaurant week generated modest charitable donations but low business reporting, prompting staff to reassess the event.

In a work‑session update Nov. 4, city economic development staff reported seven businesses opened in October, including Living Hope Counseling (1858 Keller Parkway), Bold as Lions Academy (private tutoring), Gruntobi Bistro (110 Lamar Street), Kung Fu Tea (900 S. Main St.), Avila Taco (1540 Keller Parkway), Burke Insurance Services (Farmers Insurance at 950 North Main) and Mahuya Industries (2000 Whitley Road). An ice cream shop, Moo’s (three o’s), has filed for a building permit in a shopping center on the former Big Lots site.

Staff gave status updates on incentivized projects: Keller House Collective (207 S. Elm) discovered the building’s electrical service is sized for office/residential use rather than commercial and is working with the power provider (Encore) to upgrade service; that upgrade could delay occupancy by about six months. City Sports continues to work through civil plans. Staff said they are finalizing marketing for a relaunch of the Open Rewards program and will distribute materials to participating businesses and partners before Nov. 20.

On special events, staff reported Keller Restaurant Week (held July–August) had 22 participating restaurants and raised just under $2,000 for two charities (Humane Society and Community Storehouse), although only 13 restaurants returned donation data and staff said low business reporting limited post‑event assessment. Staff said they are reconsidering the format and staff time required for future restaurant week events. Staff also previewed the Shop Small scavenger hunt (Nov. 29–Dec. 5) in partnership with American Express and an upcoming brokers luncheon to highlight recruitment priorities and incentive programs.