Weatherford approves restaurant incentive for Cotton Bratton to support downtown project

The Weatherford Economic Development Board voted Jan. 17 to approve a restaurant incentive for Cotton Bratton at 113 College Ave., a downtown project that staff and the applicant say will create an estimated 35–45 jobs.

Ashley (S4) described the project as a multi‑use site with full‑service restaurant operations, catering and retail, and noted the board previously approved façade support for 113 and 117 College Ave. The applicant, Matt (S6), told the board the project will provide about 4,300 square feet of public seating, run six‑day service hours and include phase‑two hotel plans, cultural art in courtyards and an event venue.

Board members debated the structure of the incentive: several favored performance‑based payments tied to sales tax rebates rather than a large upfront cash payment. Chair S1 said he favored funding items that “stay with the building” (for example, grease traps, hoods and fire suppression) rather than one‑time startup costs. S3 and others described the potential incremental tax and job benefits and noted existing owners’ track records.

After discussion, a motion to approve the restaurant incentive (amount not to exceed $279,471.37, as presented in staff materials) was moved and seconded and the board approved the motion on the record. Members asked staff to maintain communication with applicants on receipts and eligibility and to confirm which items are classified as paid/partial/quoted in the packet.