Business district booming, officials say
Chamber notes city has more options for shopping, dining, entertainment and lodging.
Smithville is becoming a destination city as more options for shopping, dining, entertainment and lodging sprout in the city, officials said.
“The Chamber of Commerce has seen a steady, gradual increase of new businesses as well as continued growth of our existing businesses over the past two years,” chamber Executive Director April Daniels said. “We are excited to see more and more business owners discovering Smithville, investing in our town and starting their businesses here.”
Smithville City Manager Robert Tamble said the influx of businesses and tourists have brought an increase in sales tax revenues. From January through September, Smithville has collected $384,300 in revenues, an increase of 11.49 percent over the same period last year, state comptroller data shows.
Tamble said sales tax revenue increases can be attributed to a vibrant business district and the hunger and thirst sparked by the Front Room Wine Bar, Honey’s Diner, Back Door Café, Olde World Bakery, Mexico Lindo, Pocket’s Grille, Huebel’s, Charlie’s and Bone Spirits.
“Smithville continues to be a destination for tourists looking for a fun weekend getaway or for new residents who appreciate our small town feel coupled with our modern conveniences and easy access to larger metropolitan areas,” Daniels said.
Thirteen new businesses have opened in the past 18 months, according to Tamble, and more are planning to open in the near future. Coach Q’s Sports Bar and Midnight Monkey Mercantile are two currently their buildings before opening their doors to the public.
Hotel occupancy tax revenues are also trending up with quarterly payments increasing an average of 12 percent compared with the same time last year.
But Tamble said there is still work to be done.
“Our success will depend on our ability to proactively manage growth in a manner that preserves and protects our small town look, charm and feel.”