The Stories of the Hearts Behind the Businesses in Frisco’s Rail District
By Yvonne Brown
The Rail District in Frisco is a lively area that blends history and local charm. It’s the area in which the very roots of Frisco are so deeply intertwined, given that it’s where much of Frisco’s early commerce and community began. Once a hub for railway expansion in the late 19th century, it became a neighborhood to many with streets of Victorian homes, some of which hold historic stories. It’s now also home to unique shops, cozy restaurants, and a variety of entertainment.
As Frisco grows and evolves, construction is underway to revitalize the area, improve walkability, create rail-themed public gathering places, and provide a space for live music and other performances. While the overall project is badly needed and has been in the planning stages for years, now that the project is underway, the construction phase comes with its challenges. While the challenges are there, so are the hearts behind the businesses that call The Rail District home. We met with some of the businesses navigating these changes to learn their story and understand their passion to operate in the historic part of town.
Brooklyn's Cuts
If you want to experience a true hometown barber shop, then Brooklyn's Cuts is the place to check out. Owned and operated by Rod 'Brooklyn' Smith, he describes his barber shop experience as like “No other in North Texas.”
Located right on Main Street next door to Summer Moon, Rod explains. “You don't just come to get your hair cut – you also get to experience a sense of true community in my store. You never know who you may bump into here, and everyone is welcome.”
Rod is originally from New York, where, at a young age, he crossed paths with a barber named Mr. Cunningham, who visited family in his neighborhood in Brooklyn every year. Mr. Cunningham was a trained barber, and Rod would watch closely how he cut hair in addition to the skill of shaving.
Over time, Mr. Cunningham taught Rod the basics of the craft and eventually gave him a set of his hair tools, a gift he holds dear to this day. “I was just mesmerized by the detail in what he did and asked so many questions until I started cutting hair myself before I even had a license,” Rod explains.
Smith eventually went on to play basketball in college and overseas, but he never forgot his barber skills and eventually unleashed his inner entrepreneur to establish a store in Dallas. He moved his business to Frisco in 2012, which was known as “Da Nu U” near the intersection of Main Street and Preston Road, but a few years ago, he suffered a massive loss when a series of burst pipes ruined the premises beyond repair.
Not giving up, he soon found a larger and improved location in the heart of The Rail District near the intersection of Main Street and 4th and decided to rename his business “Brooklyn’s Cuts.”
Operating as a barber for over 20 years, Rod cites high-profile names in sports as some of his regular clients, including Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, Trey Lance of the Dallas Cowboys, and WFAA's primetime sports anchor Joe Trahan.
Having been a resident of Frisco for 14 years, Smith enjoys actively participating in the community, coaching basketball, and hosting events at his store. Once a month, he provides free makeovers and haircuts to cancer survivors, and every year in late summer he hosts a back-to-school “Block Party Extravaganza,” inviting food trucks to the area and collaborating with other Rail District businesses like the School of Rock for live music.
“It’s important to take care of those who take care of you,” he says. “Having been raised by a single parent to appreciate good things, I see this as my opportunity to give back.”
Discussing the current redevelopment of downtown, Rod agrees there have been challenges for all the businesses affected, particularly with parking, but he understands the need for a revitalized area and looks forward to the next chapter of The Rail District with even more shopping, dining, service, and entertainment choices.
Looking to the future, Rod would like to expand his merchandising options for the store and also open a barber school where he will provide hands-on experience to pass on his skills and train future barbers.
“I love my business neighbors here in the downtown community, and I enjoy meeting and welcoming people from all walks of life, bringing a different energy to my store and the community. Frisco is a wonderful melting pot, and I hope I have created a space where people feel at home and have a sense of family,” Rod concludes.
Three Empires Brewery
Say hello to Mandy and Dave Wible, the friendly faces behind Frisco's very first family-owned craft nano brewery! Hailing from right here in Texas, they met at Stephen F. Austin State University and decided to get married and establish their family right here in Frisco, a place that truly feels like home to them.
Having been laid off from her job, Mandy found a new opportunity, leading the couple to relocate to Minneapolis for just over a year. They faced challenges with the cold winters but appreciated the city’s vibrant craft beer scene, which they felt was lacking in North Texas.
The Wibles have always been interested in exploring different styles and flavors of craft beer, and they took advantage of a monthly subscription service to sample various types from across the country. While in Minneapolis, they frequently visited Fulton Brewery and enjoyed connecting with the local community and mingling with the residents. The 'community table' at the brewery was a fantastic experience, allowing them to meet people, forge friendships, and share common interests.
It was there they discovered the owners even built their first brewing system using a metal bed frame. Dave recalls the moment that planted a seed and thought, "If these guys can do this, I can surely build something like that too.”
During Cinco de Mayo, while clearing snow off their patio, they had a lightbulb moment, realizing they preferred being in a warmer climate, sipping on margaritas in the sunshine! This realization inspired their move back to Houston, where they dove right into researching brewing kits. Their very first brew, an amber ale, was affectionately named “Amber's First Time,” and it’s now a cherished offering at their brewery. They loved the process so much that they kept experimenting, moving from a small five-gallon setup to a one-barrel brewhouse, which they happily shared with family and friends.
Following a few years in Houston, they decided to return to Frisco. Although they had stable jobs, they were eager to pursue their true passion. They began looking for a space to launch their brewery concept and eventually signed a lease for a place in the old Ford Building located at 5th and Main Street in The Rail District.
The venue is a compact 1,300 square feet and can seat up to 50 people. In a short time, they have built a vibrant community with a heartfelt atmosphere, creating a family-like feel. Already, some of their regulars even have their names on the chairs.
In just over a year since its opening, the Wibles have made significant strides in connecting with the community, participating in various local events like the Chamber’s Women Enhancing Business group and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Mandy is a breast cancer survivor whose personal journey of battling the disease has shaped their vision and inspired the family to channel their challenges into something uplifting and meaningful and embrace the opportunity to pursue their dream.
Mandy feels that many people appreciate the intimacy of the small space, which fosters a sense of connection. Location is also important, especially as their spot has access to the outdoor area at Imagine Park in The Rail District. They have successfully utilized this space for both themed and charity events, including collaborations with other local organizations. Last year, they also hosted a successful Eclipse Party, attracting attendees from out of state who chose the brewery as their meeting spot.
Recent collaborations with other local businesses include creating a coffee stout using grains sourced from La Finca and providing “Winner Card” prizes for the Rail District neighbor, The Gameshow Experience, allowing them to receive a beer or free flight. Their crafted beers are also sold at the Railyard and Scotty P’s, and they created a special new brew called “Rail District Ale.”
Three Empires has faced obvious challenges with the downtown construction and upgrades, but they are excited about the future. “Right now, with the reconstruction in the area, we have the challenge to survive, but once that revitalization piece is done and we get through this, we believe it will truly thrive and expand itself," Mandy admits.
While Dave spends most Sundays knee-deep in the brewing process, Mandy is constantly curating new ideas and events for the venue, including hosting food trucks and pop-up vendors. Thursday is Trivia night, and themed music bingo takes place every Friday. All events are family-friendly, and dogs are also welcome and can sample homemade dog treats made from spent grain.
Customers come far and wide to visit while an authentic community feel is the center of their why. Dave explains, “Come to our brewery, and you will experience a community atmosphere and be a part of something a little different and special that's not just like every other place that you could go to on a weekend night. Everyone who comes in wants to see us succeed and support our business and The Rail District community."
The Blushing Bride
No one can mistake the Blushing Bride and its dominant location on the corner of 5th and Main Street, but its story began in a different building on the opposite side of the street. Fourteen years ago, a small blue Victorian house adjacent to Randy’s Steakhouse became available, and its location of just 800 square feet inspired owner Shana Lepsis to start a dream and create a bridal boutique. The space, with its charm and unique layout, featured a central room shaped like a hexagon. This provided the perfect viewing area for brides, allowing for a 360-degree perspective while trying on gowns.
With a design background, Shana aimed to start small while maximizing the space's potential and gradually learning the intricacies of running a small business. Having the flexibility to manage her schedule was crucial; as she wanted to remain an involved mom, she decided to work by appointment to ensure she or her husband would always be available to care for their three young children.
Frisco had a couple of generic bridal stores at the time; however, Shana wanted to create a unique boutique experience for brides who desired one-on-one attention and care. “I wanted to design a beautiful space where brides felt welcome and at home, but also to view different types of gowns and designers that were exclusive to the Blushing Bride.”
Within a few years, she had moved locations on Main Street twice and eventually landed in Blushing Bride’s current space almost ten years ago. Describing it affectionately as her fourth child, the store's interior is elegantly decorated with bright natural light, soft neutral colors, and features various rooms for viewing and trying on dresses.
The Blushing Bride is housed in a historic brick building over 100 years old that survived a fire in the early 1900s, which destroyed much of the downtown area. It was once the town hardware store, where coffins were manufactured in the back and stored in the attic. Shana loves how The Rail District still feels authentic, and although the businesses may have changed over the years, the landscape still looks the same.
Shana's passion lies in fostering a culture of teamwork, transparency, and authenticity. She and her staff, many of whom have been with the store for years, enjoy building relationships and educating clients.
“I want each person who walks through our front door to feel the Blushing Bride difference. We truly care about learning our bride's love story and sharing in this elated moment of their lives. We need to meet their excitement level and understand each of their individual love stories. Using our professional expertise, we create an introduction between each client and their dream dress.”
Shana chose the downtown area because her husband, Matt, grew up in Frisco and reminisced about the one-light street where kids would meet at the Dairy Queen. She was charmed by The Rail District and wanted to create a destination boutique for brides from other cities and states. Some clients have traveled from the east and west coasts and even overseas as far off as Australia.
Over the years, she has built strong relationships with various designers around the world, focusing on exclusivity while catering to brides of all price ranges and style preferences. This variety and choice are evident throughout her store, which features over 1,000 dresses available at any given time. For brides who are pressed for time, there is an “off the rack” section for last-minute purchases, offering significant discounts. Any dresses that remain unsold are donated to consignment businesses, with some also going to Frisco Resale, just down the road.
Discussing the re-development project in the area and acknowledging that many businesses are struggling due to the challenges posed by the construction, she is excited about its aesthetic facelift and hopes it will boost tourism, becoming a must-visit destination in Frisco.
Shana believes the community must commit to investing and supporting these businesses to ensure they not only survive but thrive. “I encourage everyone in Frisco to make a conscious effort to shop, dine, grab coffee, buy flowers, and explore what’s happening downtown. These small businesses deserve our local support, and together, we can help maintain the charm that the downtown rail district brings to Frisco.”
Marianas Taco Shop
I'm not going to lie; I have a soft spot for this eatery (as do many in Frisco!). Anytime our family considers Mexican cuisine for lunch, dinner, or even just a quick snack, we choose Marianas Taco Shop, home of authentic Californian-style Mexican food at an affordable price.
Located one block north of Main Street, at the corner of 5th and Oak Street, this charming house is surrounded by mature trees and adorned with its signature red umbrellas that provide shade for the many patio picnic tables, creating a perfect outdoor dining experience.
Owner and Operator Veronica Aranda spent 15 years in Escondido, California, before moving to Texas. They loved the food from California and were shocked to find that there was nothing quite like it here in Texas.
So, in 2009, her brothers decided to start a Southern California-style Mexican restaurant in Frisco and named it Marianas Taco Shop. Unfortunately, after six years, they were unable to continue the business. Her biggest dream had always been to own her own restaurant, so when they could no longer carry on, she stepped in to keep it going.
“Owning my own restaurant was a dream come true for me, and the challenges – both the highs and lows – were just obstacles to overcome,” Veronica recalls. “However, almost ten years later, we are still standing strong, and none of it would have been possible without the most important factor: our loving customers.”
Veronica is dedicated to a customer-centric approach, always striving to meet and exceed expectations. She focuses on maintaining a consistent standard in her restaurant, making it a place where customers return with joy. In short, her customers are her passion, and her primary goal is to ensure that customers leave happy each day.
The family chose downtown Frisco because they believed it would be a great location for growth. Grateful to settle there, they never expected the shop to flourish as much as it has.
Veronica believes The Rail District is a strong commercial area and enjoys connecting with all the wonderful people nearby. The positive energy shared by their neighbors and other local businesses truly enhances the experience.
She sees the downtown revitalization project as a wonderful chance for all the local businesses to come together and make the heart of Frisco even more special. It’s an exciting opportunity to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to come and enjoy their delicious So-Cal Mexican dishes. Together, they can create a place that not only celebrates their tasty food but also builds lasting connections with both longtime fans and new friends in the community.
As a small, family-owned establishment, Veronica takes great pride in the business, and with the help of her children, managing the restaurant has become much more practical. Depending on when you visit, you’ll often find one, if not both, of Veronica’s daughters working with smiles at the storied shop.
Although the recipes are simple, they are authentic, and the ingredients are prepared fresh every single day. Each dish is made with care, and they appreciate regular feedback from customers, always taking their suggestions seriously.
“We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of our restaurant. Your patronage means the world to us, and we are truly thankful for your loyalty,” Veronica concludes.
Apple Boulevard
Just one block south of Main, on Elm Street, sits a charming pink and white building that houses Apple Boulevard. Once a warehouse, this beloved Rail District destination is a thriving family-owned clothing and accessories boutique owned by Katie Apple.
Her story begins as a young mother of three sons who had a desire to turn her passion for the clothing industry into a business. Leveraging her experience from working in the industry during high school and college, she began brainstorming ideas other than retail, where pay is often low. She ultimately realized she could sell affordable, trendy clothes that would appeal to her peers. Katie started her venture by selling items at trunk shows, attending local events where she’d set up a booth as a vendor, and hosting shopping parties for friends. This marked the humble beginnings of Apple Boulevard.
As her following grew, she realized that she needed a suitable place to store her inventory and decided to rent a warehouse in West Frisco. During COVID, when many local businesses faced challenges, Apple Boulevard excelled in online sales through Facebook Live streaming, offering nationwide shipping, including to Hawaii.
As the business grew, she discovered a building in The Rail District area and decided to purchase it rather than rent it and transform part of it into a retail store. She hired contractors and a designer to renovate the space, and now it is like a second home. She consistently hosts three Facebook live sessions a day scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m., during which customers can view items, buy and pick them up locally, or ship them for free!
There are still those who shop online and never come into the store, but many customers like to touch and feel the products. So, if they come to pick up something, they often end up browsing the retail area as well. The success of the live shows often means shoppers from out of town try to find the store and wander in to meet the team or check out what is in stock.
Katie now employs over 15 people across her retail and back-of-house operations, including her mother and sister. Speaking with her mom, Chrissie Dunham, who is actively involved in the operations, she shared how they feel right at home among the other businesses in The Rail District, building relationships and collaborating with many. Katie has also served as a judge for Frisco's Got Talent at the Nack Theater and has enjoyed working on exclusive Rail District events such as the Wine Walks and Ladies Night Out.
Chrissie shares, “Katie’s always lived in Frisco. Her children are in Frisco schools, and she loves everything about the area. Now that her business is in The Rail District, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. We love the history of the area and understand the goal to create a visual appeal with these charming little stores and have that culture spread to other streets nearby.”
So far, they have not been hugely affected by the revitalization project and are lucky to have their own parking lot, but look forward to the positive changes the redevelopment will surely bring to their business and the area.
The store is quite versatile and has hosted events for area school’s PTAs and fundraisers, often donating some of the proceeds back. They also welcome private events such as baby showers, engagement parties, and birthday celebrations. Additionally, the space can host fundraisers and clients have the option to bring food and wine. The space is adaptable, and the possibilities are endless!
In addition, the retail shop provides many great deals and sales and supports those in need. Any clothes they cannot sell after a certain period are donated to Grace Bridge Resale, located in Frisco.
Looking to the future, Katie says she is always learning and evolving, so stay tuned. Apple Boulevard encourages the community to spread the word and not only join their online live sessions but also come visit. Mention this article and receive a discount on your purchase.
