Additionally, sales tax revenue in both cities has increased over the last few years, in part, due to new businesses, officials said.
The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges with inflation and the supply chain have caused some businesses, such as FnG Eats in Keller and Chop Shop Live in Roanoke, to struggle and shutter, officials said. But these cities and their local chambers of commerce have mechanisms to help support shops and restaurants to keep them afloat.
For example, Keller officials streamlined its permitting process in 2024 and the city of Roanoke has what’s called the Facade Grant Program, which helps businesses downtown pay for outdoor improvements to their establishments. Both cities and the local chambers of commerce pitch in to advertise businesses once they’re up and running.
Even with the closures, vacancy rates in both cities remain low and officials are actively approving and looking to bring in more businesses.
Roanoke Economic Development Manager Siale Langi said the area’s proximity to airports and good schools make for a friendly business climate and are reasons to be optimistic about the economics of the region.
What happened?
In Roanoke, local restaurant Craft & Vine and music venue Chop Shop Live on Oak Street closed down in 2024. Some businesses are still trying to recover from the impact that the pandemic has had in the business world, per city officials.
In Keller, FnG Eats closed its doors in January after 12 years and officials learned that the Big Lots in the city will shut down as part of the company’s bankruptcy filing.
However, the two cities have consistently brought in dozens of businesses annually, according to data provided by Keller and Roanoke staff. Keller saw 74 businesses open in 2024 compared to 32 noted closings. One future opening includes a Monster Mini Golf, which City Council approved Jan. 7. Roanoke officials said 69 pulled permits were filed in 2024, including DFW Deep Sleep, which opened in mid-January.
“We do believe we can be quite successful here,” said DFW Deep Sleep owner Steve Gauvey.
How we got here
Keller’s Economic Development Director Mary Culver noted that during the pandemic there was an outpouring of support for local businesses. However, that diminished some over time.
“If that momentum is not maintained, that’s where you’re going to see some of those businesses that have been holding on for the past few years say, ‘OK, we’re done now,’” Culver said.
With streamlined processes and advertisements, officials in Keller and Roanoke are doing what they can to help businesses get their start and maintain success, they said.
Businesses can also gain longevity by connecting to the communities they serve, Culver said.
“Keller residents have a sense of pride in our local business community,” she said. “They understand the importance of keeping that money that they spend local whenever they can.”
Cities see a return on investment though a boost in sales tax revenue when they help local businesses, as well.
What's next?
Culver said this year she and her staff want to focus more on promoting Keller’s restaurant community.
Langi said Roanoke will continue to help support local businesses. The Facade Grant Program was created so business owners can receive up to $15,000 for exterior improvements like signage and landscaping.
“As [businesses] try to be more dynamic, that’s a good example for us as a city to try to be a little more dynamic,” Langi said.
