HEB Economic Development Foundation

Volume 24, Edition 1

February 2024

BEDFORD IS RIAC'S NEW HOME IN FIREARMS AUCTIONS

Pictured:

Rock Island Auction Company in Bedford

Pictured:

The first Texas auction in Bedford brought in

$26.7 million in sales.

Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC), the global leader in fine and historic firearms and militaria auctions, has expanded its operations to Texas and established its new headquarters in Bedford.

RIAC has a 30-year history of excellence and innovation in the auction industry and has consistently achieved over $100 million in sales for the past three years. In 2021, RIAC decided to grow its business and chose Bedford as its ideal location, based on its strategic position, population, vibrant economy, and proximity to DFW International Airport.

RIAC acquired a former Walmart store at 3600 Harwood Road, which covers 85,899 sq. ft., and invested over $5 million to convert it into a modern and elegant auction hall. RIAC also bought a neighboring strip mall at 3508 Harwood Road, which has 14 retail suites with a total area of 47,500 sq. ft., some of which are available for lease. The City of Bedford is supporting RIAC with various incentives over a ten-year period through a Chapter 380 economic development agreement.

RIAC celebrated its 30th anniversary by launching its first December Premier Auction at its Bedford facility in December 2023, which featured over 2,250 lots of rare, historic, and high-quality firearms. The auction drew RIAC’s loyal clientele from all over the world and generated $26.7 million in sales. RIAC plans to continue hosting both live and online auctions at its Bedford facility, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors and boosting the local economy.

Bedford is delighted to welcome RIAC and its customers to the city. Bedford has room to grow and is ready to help other businesses find their perfect site. For more information, please contact the City of Bedford Economic Development Department.

For general information about the City of Bedford please visit our website or contact Andrea Roy at 817-952-2175 or by email at andrea.roy@bedfordtx.gov.

NEW BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO SELECT EULESS

In Glade Parks interior finish-outs are currently underway for two new restaurants, Dancin’ Beans Café coffee shop located on Red River Drive and Home of Juicy Dumplings located adjacent to the recently opened Kura Revolving Sushi Bar on Rio Grande Boulevard. CAVA mediterranean restaurant recently opened in a stand-alone building adjacent to Kura.

Pictured: At Home Superstore - Glade Parks

Construction is nearing completion on the 75,000 square foot At Home Superstore at the intersection of Rio Grande and Brazos Boulevards. At Home is anticipating a late March 2024 opening. Salad and Go’s second Euless location, across Rio Grande Boulevard from At Home, is under construction. Rounding out activity in Glade Parks are interior finish-outs for Popshelf, The Peach Cobbler Factory, and a major interior renovation of the existing Dave and Busters.

Other new businesses locating in Euless include Joe Hudson’s Collision Center and Classic South. Joe Hudson’s moved into the space previously occupied by B & B Auto Body on W. Euless Boulevard. Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine has opened a pre-owned dealership (Classic South) at the space vacated by Allen Samuels Direct on W. Airport Freeway. The Brass Tap Bar and Grill has submitted plans to occupy the space in Vineyard Village previously occupied by Gnarr Taco. In addition to these, several projects are in the permitting process including Atwell Hotel (Watercolor), Raising Cane’s (S. Industrial), and HTeaO (N. Main Street).

Other projects under construction include the 6 Stones Mission Network’s campus on W. Euless Boulevard, Cambria Hotel (site work) near Fuller-Wiser and E. Airport Freeway, Captain D’s on W. Airport Freeway, Watercolor mixed-use development (site work) at State Highways 360 and 183, and the city’s new Fire Station No. 2 on W. Euless Boulevard.

For general information about the City of Euless please visit our website or contact Michael Warrix at (817) 685-1684 or email mwarrix@eulesstx.gov.

CITY OF HURST

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON CONNECTION

During the last quarter of 2023, 3.4 million visitors made 7.6 million visits to Hurst retailers, restaurants, and other services. This visit frequency was 2. 4, with an average dwell time of 59 minutes. 97% of visitors came from within a 50-mile radius. Shopping peaked on November 24 (Black Friday), with 150,000 consumers showing up in force. The number of visits is down 10.8% from last year. However, the number of visits has increased by 12.9% in the previous three years, showing a strong but gradual return post-pandemic.

Various new businesses opened in Hurst that benefit our inner and outer well-being. Multiple barbers and beauty salons, massage therapists, and counseling services will serve our community members' physical and mental health. Other new services include several accounting professionals in time for tax season, insurance agents, and mortgage lenders.

On the culinary side, the City welcomed three new restaurants: Dave’s Hot Chicken, El Andariego Restaurant and Bar, and Miranda’s Café. Be on the lookout for James Provisions and Buffalo Wild Wings coming soon.

In the realm of retail, North East Mall added Framed Entertainment, Reset Innovative Bedding, O’Neill Fashion and Pandora Ventures, and several food vendors during the last quarter. Foot Locker has expanded to a larger space and should be open soon.

Pictured: Adkins Park

The City of Hurst has been contacted by many developers inquiring about redevelopment opportunities along the Highway 10 corridor. These developers have already begun acquiring developed and undeveloped parcels for increased density or commercial use. Ground work has begun at Adkins Park, a 30-acre new luxury home development. The development will have 75 homes with price points of $800K to $1M.

Lastly, in an effort to promote smaller, independently owned businesses, the City of Hurst began featuring these establishments in a video series called, “Hurst Business Spotlight.” The videos, available through our social media accounts, are 60 second profiles highlighting the services provided by the business. So far, they have received over 31,000 views. A strong focal point of each installment is how that establishment is connected to its individual community and how that compliments one of the City of Hurst’s main objectives, being “A Community Built on Connection.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THEM ON FACEBOOK.

For more information on development and redevelopment opportunities in the City of Hurst, please visit https://www.hursttx.gov or contact Chris Connolly at (817) 788-7025 or at cconnolly@hursttx.gov.

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4th Quarter Comparison

The Hurst Euless Bedford Economic Development Foundation is a partnership of the cities of Hurst, Euless, Bedford, the HEB Chamber of Commerce, and the HEB Independent School District. The Foundation markets the three cities primarily though trade shows, professional associations and meetings with commercial real estate developers. A primary focus of this foundation is retaining area businesses which, outside of supportive partners, is a primary source of funding. For more information, please contact Managing Director Mary Frazior at 817/540-1053.

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

HEB Independent School District

Frost Bank

First Bank Texas

Benenati Law Firm, P.C.

DOCUmation, Inc.