Economic Development

2021 has been a powerful year of transition for Grapevine Economic Development. As the local economy rallies back from the hardship of a pandemic-ravaged year, the department finds itself under new leadership and more motivated than ever to do everything we can to support local businesses. What was true before Covid is still true after Covid: Grapevine is an incredibly unique mixture of qualities that makes us a golden opportunity for many businesses looking to start up or relocate. Here are a few highlights of what we have to offer.

RESTAURANT & RETAIL

The restaurant industry was hit particularly hard this year by the Coronavirus shutdown, but stands poised to come back more streamlined and successful than ever. In an historic and wildly unpredictable year, our restaurant and retail businesses performed exceptionally as they navigated restrictions and workforce challenges. As things return to normal, Grapevine is dedicated to supporting and growing our local market for new opportunities and competitive brands.

The former Payton Wright Ford dealership, which has been empty for nearly a decade, is under construction to become a new restaurant complex boasting high-end brands that are new to the market. The centerpiece of this development will be Rock & Brews, a large KISS-themed restaurant currently operating in The Colony that will expand into our market. It will boast delicious food, a variety of spirits, live entertainment, indoor/outdoor games, and an iconic dining location. In addition to Rock & Brews, the development will have 3-4 other restaurant concepts (including Velvet Taco) and has the potential to be one of the most successful restaurant destinations in town.

Craft Brewing has made quite the splash since being brought to Grapevine! Hop & Sting Brewing Company provides craft label beers to the Metroplex region and also has an incredible drinkingmanufacturing location Brewery at Jean St. and Dallas Rd. The building includes a 10,000 sq. ft. brewing and tasting area, along with an outdoor beer garden and patio.

CITY PROPERTY PURCHASE

In 2014, the City of Grapevine purchased the largest remaining contiguous commercial site in Grapevine, consisting of 185 acres at the northeast corner of Grapevine Mill Blvd. and FM 2499. The property, now known as “The 185”, languished during the recession and the City of Grapevine purchased it to return it to private development. The centerpiece of this new development is Kubota Tractor’s North American Headquarters, which opened in 2017. Relocated from California, this campus will initially house 350 employees, with plans to grow to 550 and a ceiling of nearly 1,200. Along with administration and executive services, a Research & Development building is located there as well.

Kubota is the first of many high-end businesses planned to locate within this development, known as “The 185”. In 2019, the HR software company Paycom (based out of Oklahoma) broke ground on their Grapevine facility and will become one of the largest sales tax generators in the city upon completion. They are scheduled to have a grand opening in early 2022. It will boast nearly 1,000 employees once it’s fully operational and is expected to be one of our top sales tax producing entities in the City. Additionally, two industrial users have been placed in the north part of the property, including a Mercedes-Benz training/distribution facility and TST Impreso, which relocated from Coppell.

TRANSPORTATION

Grapevine has outstanding access within the region and state. A majority of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (including every terminal) is located within the Grapevine city limits, providing global access to residents and visitors. Total passengers exceed 60 million per year and is expected to increase to 70 million through 2022.

Seven major highways converge within Grapevine’s corporate limits, providing easy access to both state and national destinations. Trinity Metro’s commuter line TEX Rail, opened to passengers on January 5, 2019, provides an entirely new way to travel to and from the airport and Fort Worth. Grapevine invested over $125 M into a boutique hotel/train station at the intersection of Main St. and Dallas Rd. that will be a highlight of the city for decades to come. Harvest Hall opened in the fall of 2020 and has been a huge win for the city. It’s a food hall concept that provides several different local restaurant brands an opportunity to bring their delicious food to the wider public in a convenient sharing dining space. Particularly during festivals and events, you’ll find the place packed from wall to wall.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) opened light rail from the DFW Airport eastward into the Dallas area, and this service connects with the commuter rail line in Grapevine. A study done by economists Dr. Bernard Weinstein and Dr. Terry Clower indicated that a commuter rail station in Grapevine would generate $50-$100 million in new or renovated development, as well as enhance Grapevine as a tourist and business destination. To improve intracity mobility, Grapevine also offers a local shuttle system, consisting of a four bus fleet with routes between all major commercial and tourism entities within the community.

GRAPEVINE MILLS

Grapevine Mills opened in 1997 and continues to play a major role in Grapevine’s economy. The 1.6 million sq. ft. mall contains 200 stores and 30 kiosks. It attracts 13-15 million shoppers annually and employs 1,500 people. Simon Corporation purchased the mall and has continued to make the retail and entertainment mix fresh and exciting. In 2016, Simon completed a $40 million renovation to give the interior a classic and timeless look. In addition, a new and more upscale/fashion tenant mix has been initiated, with new tenants such as Coach, H&M, Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole. Merlin Entertainment, the second largest visitor attraction company in the world with 59 attractions in Europe, Asia, and North America, opened two attraction within the mall in 2011: LEGOLAND Discovery Center DFW and SEA LIFE Aquarium. LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium deliver a combined attendance of 1.1 million visitors per year. Fieldhouse USA, a sports complex that hosts tournaments for basketball, volleyball, and more, opened in January 2017. This addition brought more customers to the other retailers in the mall, local hotels, and Grapevine’s many restaurants.

HOSPITALITY

The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center finished the development of their resort pool with a lazy river, cabana, and other entertainment amenities, to resounding success. The hotel broke ground in 2016 for the addition of a 492 room tower, a 277,000 sq. ft. convention center expansion, and additional parking spaces. Grapevine’s Great Wolf Lodge continues to flourish as it is consistently the best-performing hotel in their brand.

Hotel Vin, the hotel/train station/ office/event space, has been a huge hit ever since it opened and has actually been led the way in recovery among local hotels. They see a variety of guests from all other, with a large segment coming directly from the airport during travel. The 121-room hotel is elegant, memorable, convenient, and iconic. If you haven’t been by, be sure to check it out!