Progress at a Price?
By Amanda Baze Hall
Are we concerned about all of these developments with high-end restaurants coming to town while so many of our local favorites are closing their doors? I recently posted this question on Facebook, and it struck a chord. Restaurants that have been woven into the fabric of our family outings are shutting down, with the rising cost of leases often cited as the main culprit. This made me wonder: Is Frisco’s rapid development pushing out the very businesses that made us fall in love with this city in the first place?
I posted this query on Facebook following an announcement made by local officials regarding the upcoming high-end development, Firefly Park, ‘where urban sophistication meets unparalleled natural beauty and world-class amenities.’ This announcement came on the heels of hearing that some of my favorite local restaurants were either closing their doors permanently or moving from Frisco to a more profitable location. To my surprise, my post ignited a lively debate. (I was more surprised and wholeheartedly pleased, though, that the lively debate that ensued was a largely respectful one in which those who chose to engage did so subjectively, courteously, and mostly without malice towards others or the subject – that was a welcomed and refreshing added bonus to my query knowing there could be great conversation without all parties necessarily agreeing.) Nearly 150 comments later, it became evident that this wasn’t just a personal reflection but a citywide concern. Friends, neighbors, business owners, and long-time residents chimed in, offering their perspectives on the sweeping changes happening right under our noses.
Julie expressed frustration over what feels like an inevitable loss, admitting, “When smaller places can’t get a lease in Frisco, cities like The Colony, Plano, or Prosper will step in and take our tax dollars with them.” Steve pointed out the role of the city’s development standards, stating, “Frisco’s requirements for high-quality buildings and lots of open space are driving up rents, making it harder for smaller restaurants to survive.” While Kristen touched on the impact on families, which hit home for me as she admitted, “When it costs $100 for a family of four to eat out, it’s just too much. Are they trying to price out most families?”
These comments highlight a growing concern – Frisco’s growth is undeniable, but the costs seem to fall unevenly. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of high-end developments with the need to preserve the identity of our community and the accessibility of local businesses.
We’ve seen beloved local businesses close their doors. My daughter’s favorite spot, Gloria’s, plans to shut down its Frisco location in 2025 due to rising rent and relocating to Plano instead. MASH’D permanently closed in August 2024. These are chain restaurants that are struggling with rising lease rates in our city. I imagine the mom-and-pop shops and businesses don’t have much of a chance for success in this economic climate. Our favorite family-owned little shop-of-goodies, Batch Bakery, was recently relocated due to ever-increasing, astronomical rent costs in The Shops at Starwood. Still in Frisco, though, thankfully! But now sharing a space with another business. I’m excited to watch as they adapt, with new exciting opportunities on the horizon, and I pray that Frisco will continue to support them.
Growing Pains Through Revitalization
Frisco is currently working to revitalize the historic Rail District in an effort to preserve our rich history and promote tourism and walkability in a charming, ‘downtown’ area. This revitalization has come at a cost, though, as most, if not all, businesses along Frisco’s downtown Main Street have been largely affected by major ongoing construction. I happen to live near the Rail District and have watched our local downtown businesses struggle to stay open, even before construction started. Now more than ever, they are feeling the overwhelming pressure to get creative with ways to bring in business.
In mid-October, I shared a post with information about our local downtown barber shop, Brooklyn’s Cuts. Rod “Brooklyn” Smith says his business has seen over 50% decline in revenue since the start of construction. Other family-owned treasures in the Rail District, including Tumbleweed TexStyles (the best Texas-themed apparel with a cool origin story), The Game Show Experience (an amazing team building experience for businesses), Didi’s Downtown (a popular, yummy spot with a great patio and live music), Randy’s Steakhouse, Three Empires Brewing craft brewery, Apple Blvd Boutique (the most adorable boutique owned by the most adorable Boss Babe, Katie Apple), eight11 Place (the best vibe with cozy outdoor fire pits, a generous wine selection and frequent live music), Bittersweet Ivy Boutique, Patti Ann’s Flowers, La Finca Coffee and Bakery (owner, Lee Gonzales, focuses on direct trade and ethically sourced products which makes his coffee and daily, fresh baked goods the highest quality), Frisco Rail Yard, Makers Gym (the COOLEST art hub in North Texas, this spot is a one-stop-shop, creative playground for artists that provides access to state-of-the-art innovative tech media) are among those I consider vital staples to the culture of our community.
While this is not a comprehensive list of businesses in The Rail District, I encourage you to make your way downtown to enjoy all that this area has to offer. It breaks my heart to know there is a very real possibility that they aren’t able to stay open long enough to reap the benefits of the downtown facelift, with the project slated to be completed in 2026.
All of our downtown businesses and other smaller individual/family-owned businesses around Frisco are hurting. To what end? To the end of their business if we don’t step up in a big way. Can we amplify the voices of these small businesses…that they’re still here and want to stay? How can The City help? How do we help? We show up and shop locally (yes, even when parking might be a bit of a hassle). It’s disheartening that we’ve seen so many restaurant and business closures since the pandemic. And yet, we seem to be building high-end developments at a break-neck pace.
A Balanced Approach for All?
Frisco has a strong history of public-private partnerships with land developers and corporations alike. It’s incredibly easy to see the upside of Frisco’s partnerships with developers, especially when you look at developments like The Star. This entertainment district is more than a flashy addition to the city – it’s part of a strategy to enhance the quality of life for Frisco residents. Through its collaboration with Jerry Jones and The Dallas Cowboys, this development has provided Frisco Independent School District (FISD) students access to sports facilities, cutting-edge audiovisual technology, and media production at The Ford Center. Events like high school football games, marching band showcases, and graduations now take place in a state-of-the-art venue that’s second to none. I personally love that our children are benefiting from this partnership. It’s part of what makes Frisco unique. Plus, the revenue generated from The Star’s businesses – contributing to Frisco’s approximately $65 million sales tax revenue – supports essential services like parks, infrastructure, and public safety.
Public-private partnerships like The Star, Firefly Park, and Fields West are key drivers of Frisco’s economic growth. I understand, too, that these developments create jobs, attract new businesses, and generate tax revenue that funds essential services like public safety, including police and fire services; public works, which maintain infrastructure like roads and parks; and community development projects that enhance the quality of life for residents. However, as the city continues to prioritize high-end projects, we’re witnessing a concerning trend: less affluent residents are struggling more than ever in this economy, and many local businesses are closing their doors. I believe the impact of these changes is felt acutely in our community, where the closures of beloved local establishments not only diminish the diversity of our dining and shopping options but also threaten the very fabric of our neighborhoods.
As Frisco has seemingly shifted its focus towards upscale developments over the past few years, it’s critical for city leaders to ensure that the benefits of growth are equitably distributed. The notion we must grapple with is how to foster an environment where economic development does not come at the expense of those who helped build this city. In my opinion, a balanced approach that values ALL residents is essential for maintaining Frisco’s unique identity and ensuring that everyone can thrive in our community.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats… Or Does It?
This brings us to a larger issue—gentrification. As high-end developments move in, local businesses that can’t compete with the skyrocketing lease costs are pushed out, resulting in a loss of the local charm and accessibility that many families rely on. These are the places that give our city its unique flavor and community spirit, yet they’re being priced out of their own hometown. Frisco has long adhered to the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” In many ways, this approach has worked. Our growth has brought undeniable benefits – stronger infrastructure, better services, and new opportunities. But are we ensuring that the small business owners, the working families, and those on fixed incomes – people who helped build this community – can continue to thrive here?
Full disclosure: I have a disability and am currently on a fixed income in order to receive medical benefits. I am a single mother. I live with aging parents who are retired school teachers and will be on fixed incomes in the not-too-distant future as well. Gentrification is a very real concern for me and my family. I moved to Frisco ten years ago to help run a nonprofit dedicated to physically disabled adults, children, and veterans. I have actively maintained involvement in local nonprofits, serving on boards and committees locally, nationally, and with the city. I have a heart for serving others and helping to provide a higher quality of life.
Once upon a time, I was a certified teacher. I am acutely aware of the very real fact that as a single mother (and not relying on a second income), I would not be able to afford to live in Frisco if I were a teacher in FISD. At what point will I no longer be able to live, work, and play in Frisco, Texas? I ask myself this more than I care to admit. I do hope that this is on the radar of the leaders in our city and there is open communication regarding ways to combat gentrification, both for residents and small businesses.
I am also concerned with the loss of local identity. I’ve been around long enough (and actively involved) to know that, at its core, Frisco has had a culture of inclusion. In my opinion, part of what makes Frisco unique is its relationship with innovation, yes, but also its people who chose to share their time, talent, and treasure through volunteering (nonprofits, boards and commissions, community events). Never once have I been turned away by city leaders (elected and city staff) when I had a question or concern. As a disability advocate, I’ve had the privilege to work closely with The City of Frisco to try to create a more inclusive and disability-friendly city. We’re a work in progress, but as I said before, for the most part – everyone is working to do right by our community.
Our Chamber of Commerce does well in embracing smaller businesses and giving them a platform to share their passions and products with their peers. We also love ‘small-town charm’ and have tried our best to maintain that feeling through small-school models and thoughtful residential developments and public spaces. Frisco is not just “new and shiny.” I think most people would be shocked to know that so many city employees/leaders have been working for the city for DECADES. Those serving in elected and volunteer board positions have been actively and intently involved in the well-being of our community for years, if not decades, as well.
We’ve grown rapidly and capitalized on this growth in ways that have benefited residents. Frisco has made many smart choices in a relatively short period of time. But are we focused on ensuring that those who built this city can do business here long-term? Live here? Raise their families here? Are we being mindful of the potential for economic disparity? Is this growth sustainable? Are we considering the long-term impacts of allowing high-end development and protecting small businesses? Is the city’s push for high-end developments worth the potential cost to local businesses?
I don’t have the answers, but I want to raise these questions: Are we maintaining a balance between innovative, high-end developments and the smaller businesses we’ve grown to love? Are we so focused on the future that we’re losing our grip on our history and culture? Are we unintentionally driving out long-standing businesses and residents who have played a crucial role in shaping Frisco’s identity due to growing economic disparities?
I want to ensure that concerns shared by so many are prioritized in discussions about future decisions. The city faces a delicate balancing act of promoting economic growth while preserving the character of its local businesses and the culture residents cherish. Can we create an inclusive environment that benefits everyone, not just those who can afford the higher price tags accompanying these upscale developments?
As we navigate the complexities of our community’s growth and the accompanying challenges, fostering open dialogue and active participation among residents is essential. Now, more than ever, we must embrace our shared humanity and engage in respectful conversations, especially during these politically charged times. By listening to diverse perspectives and working collaboratively, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Frisco that reflects the values and aspirations of all its citizens.
I encourage everyone to dig deep, reach out, and contribute to constructive discussions that pave the way for a future where our community thrives collectively. Attend City Council meetings. Volunteer for boards and commissions. Join your local chamber of commerce. Get involved in the school district. There are multiple ways to participate in the growth of our city. Don’t wait until you’re standing at the polls to have a voice in your future as a resident. I invite you to share your own experiences or thoughts with this publication and with the city. Your voice matters, and together, we can create meaningful change that supports all residents and the beloved city we are continuing to build.
Amanda Baze Hall is a proud Frisco resident with a passion for writing, serving her community, and asking hard questions with no clear and easy answers. Amanda currently serves Frisco on the City of Frisco’s Charter Review Commission, Frisco Chamber of Commerce’s Women Enhancing Business Council, the Muscular Dystrophy Association Care and Community Committee, is the current Board President of Melody of Hope, and is a proud graduate of Leadership Frisco Class XXV.
*The views expressed in this article reflect the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Frisco STYLE Magazine.*
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