Gravette Day

14 • 129th AnnuAl grAvette DAy • Saturday, auguSt 13, 2022 W hen the parade heads down Main Street during this year's Gravette Day festivities, the happy faces, squealing children, and air of celebration will be similar to those dating back more than a century. What's changed is Main Street itself. A few years ago, downtown Main Street was given an extensive facelift by the city—refurbishing its sidewalks, streetlights and more. And that has set the stage for a downtown renaissance. As the population of Northwest Arkansas continues to grow and become more diverse, many families are looking for a place to set down roots. Gravette's great schools, safe neighborhoods and easy access to everything this corner of the state has to offer has caused an evolution to take place here. "We continue to see slow but steadily increased occupancy," said Steve Harari, Gravette Chamber of Commerce president. "Our charming downtown is experiencing a rebirth that shows no sign of slowing down. In the past year, a new City Hall opened on Main Street along with new offices for the Chamber of Commerce across the street. And that's just the beginning." What's new There are a couple of boutique stores moving in on Main Street, and just two doors down from the Chamber there's a Louisiana-Style restaurant, Lagniappe Bistro & Market, that opened in May of this year. In the fall of 2021, Gravette's first sports bar opened, The Recreation Parlor, where you can grab a beer or catch a game. They have painted a large mural on the outside of their building, commissioned from noted Bentonville artist Samuel Hale. Lili's Bubble Waffle also recently opened on the 100 block of Main Street. Currently, they're only open on Fridays and Saturdays but you will usually find a line out the door. The city has also approved a food truck court, Lindsay's Food Court, where up to six permanent and four temporary food trucks may be stationed. Other Main Street buildings have been purchased by former restaurant owners, who seem poised to move forward in the near future. More progress on the way Steve explained that there is a difference between "occupied" and "open for business" on Main Street, specifically in the 100 and 200 blocks. "We have approximately a 64 to 68% 'open for business' rate right now," he said. "But we actually have an occupation rate of about 90%. So there are not necessarily vacant buildings available for sale. Somebody already owns them and for one reason or another they are waiting to put a business in." Several mitigating factors are having an effect on businesses making the leap to opening up. "A couple of folks planning restaurants are waiting to open until they see a little more distance from COVID," Steve said. "Another factor is the record inflation rate that we're experiencing. That is not a real positive for opening a restaurant right in the middle of an unstable economy." advocating for the future of Main Street In July of this year the Chamber appointed it's first Main Street Ambassador to serve as a liaison and advocate for the Main Street business and property owners. "We are in contact with all of the folks who own buildings downtown," Steve continued. "We try to say 'hey let's we have a cup of coffee and maybe talk about how you're coming on your plans', I think we're facilitating moving things forward more rapidly than they would otherwise." It's all good news for Gravette and indications are it is going to get better. "I would speculate that 12 months from now that 64 to 68% number could be in the upper 70s, and might even tip into the low 80s," Steve said. And that's reason to celebrate. Downtown Gravette's Main Street worthy of a celebration | by Randy Rice

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