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CBS News
4 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Frisco businesses struggle as road closures and $70M construction disrupt downtown
Continued road closures in downtown Frisco are adding to the frustration for small business owners already dealing with months of construction. For Clayton Jones, recently opening Dad Jokes Cheesyburger on Frisco's Main Street was a dream come true. "Every burger, every hotdog, every chicken sandwich comes with a joke," he said. Lately, the serious amount of construction just outside the restaurant has been no laughing matter to the owner. "It's challenging," he said. "I did not know that they're going to close both of our entrances." The $70 million project began last summer, designed to make the Rail District more walkable with wider sidewalks, new landscaping and better lighting. The latest closure—5th Street between Main and Oak—is expected to last eight weeks. "Our business dropping 50% week to week is tough," Jones said. "I'm certainly not the only business being affected." Across the street, Soccer City says sales are down even more. "The construction has been devastating for our business," Austin Stigletz said. "I mean we're down over $500,000 dollars in 2024 and 2025 will be worse." The owner of Randy's Steakhouse, a downtown staple for decades, says things got so bad, payroll checks started bouncing. "I mean, we've been through hard times before, I've always been able to work my way, but this is way different," he said. Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney acknowledges the concerns over this construction and says the city is working to bring more customers to the area. "That's included putting up temporary direction signs, helping them print open signs, letting people know they're open for business," he said. The work on Main Street is expected to wrap up by January, just in time for the World Cup. "We know that the eyes of the world will be on Frisco as one of the host cities and we certainly want to use it as a kickstart to the small businesses that are down there," Cheney said. "It's going to bring a lot of people in and it's going to be even better, and I think that was the city's ultimate goal," Jones said. Until then, business owners say every customer counts.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Small business owners struggle to stay open during revamp of Frisco's historic downtown before the World Cup
Plans to spruce up Frisco's historic downtown before next year's World Cup have business owners demanding help from the city to stay open. Frisco's downtown, called the Rail District, will be revitalized with major street and sidewalk improvements. The goal is to make the downtown area very walkable, with wider sidewalks, landscaping and lighting. But small business owners who are established here fear the lengthy impact of construction will drive them out of business before they ever see it finished. Rod Smith is the most vocal of those who said his barber shop, called Brooklyn Cutz, has been suffocated by construction. "We are vibrant—rated number one the last four years in the DFW metroplex," said Smith. "I have a plethora of clients from all walks of life." That was before major renovations on Main Street began, which continue to this day. He said there was a recent two-week period in which customers had no access through his front door and had to park in a temporary lot behind the downtown area. Luka Doncic, Rod Smith Rod Smith The Main Street construction project started in July 2024 and since then, Smith said he had to part ways with six employees because of the negative impact it's had on his business. Smith thought his barbershop in downtown Frisco would be there for many years. But the shop owner, whose list of star athlete clients includes Luka Doncic, said he will have to shut down soon and move. "If the city would come and give us a subsidized lease for a few months, let us catch our breath, that would be good," Smith said. "But they haven't offered nothing." Frisco's Director of Engineering Services, Jason Brodigan, said the city knows businesses are suffering and has created a temporary parking lot for customers behind downtown, as well as creating signs directing people to stores. "It's been difficult on several businesses, but all we're asking for is cooperation," said Brodigan. "Let us know what your problems are. We'll do our best to help you as far as what construction we can manage." This project is scheduled to be completed in January before the World Cup comes to North Texas. Nearby Toyota Stadium is expected to host practices and Frisco hotels will host teams and fans.
