Lewisville - Coppell | May 2023

A DESIRE FOR MORE RESTAURANTS

Results from a recent community survey indicated attracting more restaurants is one of the most important quality of life issues.

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of those respondents said city’s efforts to attract restaurants has been “poor/very poor” 80%

17% said attracting restaurants is most important factor for quality of life

24% said public infrastructure is most important

22% said parks/open spaces is most important 20% said minimizing traffic congestion/other is most important 17% said city preparedness/response to emergencies is most important

SOURCE: 2022 COPPELL CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

attracting and keeping restaurants. “[People] can want more restau- rants, but unless they’re willing to patronize them, they’re not going to come,” she said. ‘Fabric of a community’ There are several benefits to hav- ing a restaurant within city limits, officials said. Having a restaurant nearby is con- venient for residents. Restaurants also contribute to a city’s sales tax revenue and provide employment opportuni- ties, Hurley said. “Restaurants are at the fabric of a community,” she said. Firehouse Subs is one of Coppell’s newest dining options. Franchisee Ryan Franklin said he was drawn to Coppell because of its perception as a close-knit community. “It just seemed like a great place that has a nice balance of residential and daytime workforce population, which essentially is what we need to be suc- cessful in the suburbs,” he said. Loyal clientele has proven to be essential for Coppell’s restaurants, city officials said. J. Macklin’s Grill is one that has a strong following. “When [residents] like some- thing, they like it, and they will rotate between places,” Kerr said. “Because of our long standing here, we’ve become that community [restaurant].” Providing a good experience is also necessary for a restaurant in Coppell to succeed, Kerr said. “You have to give [people] a great product at a great value,” he said. Meeting the community’s need Coppell plans to grow its restau- rant inventory by gathering commu- nity input. Hurley said the city plans to launch a retail and restaurant survey later this year to find out what residents

specifically desire. “Hopefully, it will produce some conclusive results that help us then to go out and really try to get the types of food and the types of restaurants that our community wants,” she said. Hurley said the city is also constantly trying to meet with restaurant opera- tors to convince them to consider Cop- pell as a place to set up their business. If approved by council, a consultant will be tasked with assisting officials in their efforts. Keeping dining options in Coppell is also a priority, city officials said. The city has offered grants to support busi- nesses, and there are programs and promotions intended to attract patrons. For instance, the chamber is spearheading the Discover Coppell campaign. Part of its mission is to drive visitors and residents to local restaurants. More restaurants are planned for Coppell, according to the city. Four are set to open soon. There are also spaces throughout the city intended for restaurant use. For instance, coun- cil recently approved a zoning change request for a new Old Town develop- ment that is expected to bring more restaurants to the area. Kerr plans to open his newest concept, San Daniele Italian Eatery, this summer. He said he hopes the full-service restaurant will draw vis- itors who will then frequent other Coppell restaurants. While bringing restaurants in is one of city officials’ goals, Hurley said it’s important for the community to sup- port existing businesses. “We will constantly try to do better to support our restaurants in any way we can,” she said.

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LEWISVILLE - COPPELL EDITION • MAY 2023