Main Street Texarkana announced their presentation of a $30,000 loan to a new business. Johnny B’s Grill will open its new downtown location at 224 E. 5th Street, Texarkana, Arkansas.
“We are looking forward to this popular restaurant moving into the area where it will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Ina McDowell, Main Street Texarkana, executive director.
Expected to open late summer, this will be a second location for owners, Sheila and Wendell Crossland. Texarkana locals visited their original restaurant out of town, and encouraged the couple to open a similar diner in Texarkana.
The Crosslands considered the new location for about a year and finally decided on the former Glass Pharmacy location. Just across from the downtown U.S. Federal Courthouse and Post Office.
The new restaurant will fill a need for breakfast and other meals in the high traffic area. “This is also our most popular tourist stop,” McDowell added, which will help keep visitors in the downtown area longer.
The new Johnny B’s is using the original design of the historic building to create a 50s-style experience. Interior design includes a Coke red and white theme, serving drinks and food reminiscent of the time.
“The Crosslands like to offer a place for locals to stay and visit over coffee, and a meal,” McDowell said.
Main Street Arkansas design consultants provided design assistance for signage, and building use. Working with a local contractor, and the City of Texarkana, AR, Main Street Texarkana was able to assist in making a historic building become a new establishment. “Our goal is economic development and vitality through historic preservation,” she added.
The Main Street Texarkana downtown business loan is among incentives built to drive new business and development of the historic downtown area. Grants are also available for downtown property and business owners in Arkansas. Main Street Texarkana recently received a new matching grant of $15,000 from the State of Arkansas that will be available soon. Applications for the business loan and Arkansas grant are available through the Main Street Texarkana website at www.mainstreettexarkana.org.
