Thursday, March 28, 2024

Kick-Off for the 23rd Art in the Square

The community is invited to the 9th Strokes for Art in the Square on February 19, 2023. Guests will gather for a reception with refreshments in the foyer of Southlake Town Hall from 5-6:30 p.m.

The Southlake Women’s Club Foundation will present the Northeast Tarrant County charities selected as the 2023 beneficiaries during the reception. The showcased artwork of the nine featured artists offers samplings of the outstanding creatives that can be found April 28-30. The 23rd event t-shirt artwork designed by Niki Gulley will also be unveiled.

Voting begins for the 2023 The People’s Choice in late February. The community can cast a vote at Southlake Town Hall or on the city’s website for their favorite featured artist. Voting will end April 7, 2023.

Strokes is co-sponsored by the Southlake Arts Council, Apex Arts League and Art in the Square/Southlake Women’s Club.

Save the dates April 28-30 to attend Art in the Square… art, music and more!

For more information, visit www.apex-arts.org or www.artinthesquare.com.

Southlake Spring Festival 2023 Returns for 2nd Annual Celebration

Everyone is invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the 2nd annual Southlake Spring Festival in Southlake Town Square on January 21! 

The Southlake community is hosting its 2nd annual Southlake Spring Festival on Saturday, January 21, 2023! The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Southlake Town Square, located near 1400 E. Southlake Boulevard, Southlake, TX 76092. Join the festivities on Lunar New Year’s Eve for an afternoon of delicious food, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities showcasing the unique cultures of China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan.

The name Spring Festival, the celebration for the start of the new lunar year in many East Asian countries, is rooted in the lunisolar calendar. In traditional East Asian lunisolar calendars, used primarily for agricultural purposes, a year is divided into 24 solar terms (see the calendar to the right). The first solar term of a lunar year is called the ‘Start of Spring,’ signifying an increase in sunlight for the northern hemisphere of the Earth and the beginning of warmer temperatures. After celebrating the Spring Festival, a new cycle of agricultural activities begins.  Graphic displaying lunisolar calendar.

January 21 is Lunar New Year’s Eve, and Southlake Spring Festival has so much in store to celebrate. There will be several photo opportunities to help make every moment memorable, and lots to do! Activities include learning how to write one’s name in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese, learning about a traditional tea ceremony, watching cultural performances on the stage, participating in the dragon parade, taking a photo with the lion mascot, and engaging in a variety of artistic crafts!

At Southlake Spring Festival, you can learn much more about lunar/solar New Year activities in many East Asian cultures! For more information about the event, visit the “Southlake Spring Festival” on Facebook.

 

Coming Soon Quarterly – October 2022

This list of future Southlake businesses is provided by the Southlake Department of Economic Development and Tourism to keep you in the know about what businesses are coming into Southlake! We can’t wait for them to open their doors!

  • Aerie | Retail Apparel
  • Archpoint Implant Dentistry | Medical Specialty
  • Blown Away Salon Suites | Health & Beauty
  • Chicken Salad Chick | Restaurant
  • ENTACT | Construction Services
  • HeyDay | Health & Beauty
  • HTeaO | Specialty Drinks
  • Kung Fu Tea | Specialty Drinks
  • Nike | Retail Apparel
  • Notably Creative | Music Store
  • Original Chop Shop | Restaurant
  • Parlor Doughnuts | Bakery
  • Postino Wine Café | Restaurant
  • Pure Hockey | Sports Retail
  • Rowan | Health & Beauty
  • Sweetgreen | Restaurant
  • Texas Security Bank |Financial Services
  • The Learning Experience | Child Care
  • Tito’s Taco Shop | Restaurant
  • Titan Lending | Financial Services
  • Trinity Investors | Financial Services
  • Urgent Vet | Veterinary Services
  • Volstead | Restaurant
  • West Elm | Furniture and Home Decor
  • WheelHouse Garages | Storage
  • Yeti | Specialty Retail

Visit www.SelectSouthlake.com for the New Biz List showing recent openings and other business information. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest business news! Contact us by Email if you are a new business coming into town or if you have any questions.

Keep an eye out for the next Coming Soon Quarterly – January 2023!

 

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/SelectSouthlake

Email: Econdev@cityofsouthlake.com

Support a Southlake Business for a Chance to Win

It’s time to Shop, Eat, and Enjoy Local as you prepare to celebrate Independence Day with your community and neighborhood. Snap a photo of you supporting a local Southlake business and submit it for a chance to win.

The City of Southlake’s Economic Development & Tourism department is excited to host an Independence Day giveaway to encourage the local community to support Southlake businesses. Locals are encouraged to shop, eat, and enjoy experiences at Southlake businesses in preparation for the 2020 Fireworks event. Locals should snap a photo showing how they’re supporting a Southlake business and send it to VisitInfo@VisitSouthlakeTexas.com (with full name and phone number) for a chance to win. Please remember to follow safety guidelines, including wearing masks where required.

There will be ten winners selected. Prize packages include staycations, gift cards, a VIP Pool Party at Champions Club, and more. Participants must be 18 years or older. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, July 5, 2020. Winners will be announced on Friday, July 10, 2020. Click here for more information.

Daniel Cortez Appointed Director of Economic Development and Tourism

Daniel Cortez, Deputy Director of Economic Development and Tourism, has been promoted to Director, effective July 1. After the departure of Assistant City Manager Ben Thatcher, Cortez’s history of strong work performance, world-class professionalism and commitment to assist Southlake businesses and residents make him fit for the task to lead the Southlake economic development team.

“Daniel Cortez has many notable accomplishments under his belt,” said Assistant City Manager Alison Ortowski. “His energy, creativity, intelligence and strong people skills make him ideal for this role.”

Since 2017, Cortez has worked to implement key recommendations of the 2035 Economic Development Master Plan. He has also created and implemented a commercial site assessment project, resulting in valuable insights into Southlake’s commercial centers. He managed the City’s first Business Climate Survey to understand the local business community’s strengths and challenges, track trends and ensure the City has useful data for business support programs.

“I am humbled at the confidence the City’s leadership has in me. I look forward to continuing to serve our business community with the same tradition of excellence Southlake is known for, with new inspiration and determination to meet the challenges of the future,” Cortez said. “There is truly no place like Southlake. It is my privilege to be part of a great community and I’m excited to strengthen the City’s relationships with local businesses.”

Ortowski also highlights his business retention work, noting that “he has established strong relationships through one-on-one visits and programs he’s created to improve business engagement with the City.”

Southlake youth have also benefited from Cortez’s hard work. Through the Southlake Kids Interested in Leadership (SKIL) program, Cortez has worked with Mayor Hill and Carroll ISD to offer selected students access to local business leaders through educational seminars and internship experiences. Cortez guides the students through the program, which has been in place for three years.

Perhaps Cortez has demonstrated his strongest performance with his work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Untangling the complex and sometimes confusing information related to the various executive orders was a terrific service he was able to provide to our business customers,” noted Ortowski.  “He promoted businesses in unique and creative ways. He demonstrated a keen knowledge of the needs of our businesses and worked proactively to provide needed support.”

In his new role, Daniel will be responsible for economic development work, and will oversee the day-to-day activities of the City’s tourism and special events team.

Mission Possible: Cambria Jones is a Southlake Secret Weapon You May Not Know

Strategic. Focused. Achiever.

To the casual observer, Tourism Marketing Manager Cambria Jones can appear quiet and unassuming, but looking a little closer, it is easy to see that she is a woman on a mission, a force of nature, intent on performing at a very high level. She is willing to get into the game and compete. A great time manager, she works to accomplish as much as she can during her day. An enthusiastic person with great people skills, she can leverage partnerships to get even more done.

She is intent on winning the tourism game and uses her significant intellect and talent to get the job done.

Cambria is an outstanding employee, but she doesn’t seek the limelight for herself. Instead, she works to draw attention to Southlake and encourages visitors to spend time (and money) in the City.

Here are a few highlights of how Cambria has worked to market Southlake as a destination to visitors (think shopping and dining, bolstering sales tax collections, supporting local businesses):

As a result of Cambria’s efforts, followers of Visit Southlake social media accounts have increased significantly. In FY 2019, the Visit Southlake Facebook account had a 42% increase in followers, and the Visit Southlake Instagram account had a 34% increase in followers. Cambria is telling Southlake’s story to more people, in improved ways.

She successfully managed the Visit Southlake video and photography refresh project, resulting in updated assets that are timely, diverse, and representative of Southlake as a destination.

Cambria successfully managed a destination video project, highlighting Southlake. The video is featured as the cover photo on the Visit Southlake Facebook page. She has also audited video assets and prioritized needs for FY 2020.

Throughout 2019, Cambria made significant progress in building rapport with destination partners, including the Hilton Hotel and RPAI (the real estate investment trust that owns most of Town Square). Working together, Cambria and these partners highlight local businesses to strengthen the local economy.

To Alison Ortowski, who oversees economic development and tourism programs for the City, working with Cambria is “a dream.”

“Cambria is one of those employees who possesses the ‘X’ factor that makes her highly productive, but also pleasant and inspirational,” she said. “We have supreme confidence in Cambria’s ability to support local businesses and deliver strong results.”

For her strong commitment to marketing Southlake as a destination of choice and for behind-the-scenes, effective work, Tourism Marketing Manager Cambria Jones is one of Southlake’s best secret weapons and an unsung hero.

Fresh Flavors Have Arrived Just in Time for Summer in Southlake

The summer sizzle has started and Southlake is the spot to fuel up on fresh and exciting flavors. Already home to several uniquely delicious restaurants, Southlake recently added a few more tasty options to satisfy appetites for healthy or exotic dishes.

If the hot weather has you hungry for cool options, check out Coolgreens. The fast-casual restaurant chain offers a chef-inspired menu of signature salads, wraps, bowls, flatbreads and more. Southlake is currently the only location open in Texas. From California Cobb (romaine, egg, avocado, bacon, chicken, blue cheese, grape tomatoes and ranch dressing) and Caprese (spring mix, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, red onion, croutons and balsamic vinaigrette) to Asian Crisp (spring mix, Mandarin oranges, crunchy noodles, sliced almonds, edamame, shredded carrots and soy ginger vinaigrette) and more, each signature dish is available as a salad or wrap. With multiple sandwich varieties, quinoa bowls, flatbreads and options for kids, guests will find one element across the menu—healthy, natural and flavorful food that fuels your life. For added convenience, order online and pick up in store. Coolgreens is located at 2211 E. Southlake Boulevard, Suite 500.


Cool Greens Salmon Club

Craving exotic? Fusion Flavors brings a taste of India to Southlake with fresh ingredients, imported spices and an abundance of menu options, including an expansive offering of vegetarian appetizers and vegetarian main courses. Fusion Flavors serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers catering. Find traditional entrée favorites including Chicken Tikka Masala (grilled boneless chicken cooked in special herbs and spices), Palak Paneer (fresh spinach cooked with cheese cubes in special sauce) and Lamb Curry (lamb cooked in Indian special sauce), among others, as well as several biryani and rice dishes. Save room for Pineapple Pudding or a sweet drink like Mango Milkshake. Fushion Flavors is located at 2001 W. Southlake Boulevard, Suite 119.

 

F2 – Fusion Flavors Plate Samples

Satisfy your appetite for flavors from the far east at Dragon House. Specializing in Shanghai-style cuisine, Dragon House is open for lunch and dinner, and is available for private events and catering. The restaurant’s chef has 20 years of experience cooking in fine restaurants and has built a vast menu of appetizers, soups, various dim sum, hand-pulled noodle bowls, chef specials (Beijing Style Pork, Honey Walnut Beef, Shrimp and Chicken with Cashew Nuts and more), traditional Chinese dishes (Boiled Fish Fillet with Picked Cabbage, Braised Meat Balls with Boy Choy, Chicken Strips with Mango and more), and traditional Chinese desserts like Steamed Pumpkin with Red Bean Paste and Kung-fu Sesame Ball. A feast for the eyes first, each dish is beautifully presented and can be enjoyed with traditional hot teas, as well as imported beers and more from the bar. Dragon House is located at 2640 E. Southlake Boulevard.

 


Dragon House Plate Samples

New and Notable Business Openings in Southlake

Spring has sprung and new businesses are popping up in Southlake. Hop your heart out at the newest trampoline park in town, stock up on natural cosmetics, savor Latin American flavors with a Texas twist and join a cult classic burger following. All of these exciting options are now available, so put a spring in your step and head to Southlake.

Kids of all ages and fitness levels will find no shortage of activities at Urban Air Adventure Park. More than a trampoline park, the indoor amusement park also features indoor go-karts, bumper cars, virtual reality, climbing walls, ropes course, Sky Rider Coaster (similar to a zip line) and much more. Show off your jumping skills on the ProZone Performance Trampoline (jump from an elevated platform), DropZone (giant inflatable airbag), Slam Dunk Zone (basketball + trampoline), Runway Tumble Track (trampoline lane) or Apex Trampolines (segmented trampolines on the floor and walls). There is even a designated trampoline area for kids seven and under, and a café for refueling on pizza and drinks. With weekly activities, birthday and special event bookings, and various membership levels and endless adventures for defying gravity, Urban Air Adventure Park is the go-to place. It is located at 2201 W. Southlake Boulevard.

Spring cleaning your cosmetics cabinet? Pay a visit to Lush and stock up on beauty and bath products made from preservative-free and organic ingredients. All Lush products are made by hand, include natural, fair-trade ingredients and are never tested on animals. From bath and shower to hair, face and body products, find them all at Lush, located in Southlake Town Square at 1431 Main Street.

Herencia brings new meaning to spring fever with its south-of-the-border spices and flavors. Meaning “heritage” in Spanish, Herencia pays homage to Latin recipes passed down from generations. Savor popular South and Central America dishes with a Texas twist—appetizers, salads, Texican entrées, “back yard Texas” grilled meats, tacos and enchiladas, and desserts. Herencia is located at 1431 E. Southlake Boulevard, Suite 551.

Shack fans, rejoice. Shake Shack is now in Southlake. The New York-based burger joint started as a hot dog cart stand and has now grown into a burger brand with a cult-like following, offering burgers, chicken, flat-top dogs, fries, frozen custard, drinks (including beer and wine), breakfast and even items for dogs. Shake Shack is located in Southlake Town Square at 125 Central Avenue.

Now with even more options for playing, eating and shopping, spring is a great time to get out, explore and find new favorites in Southlake. For a complete list of new and coming businesses, take a look at the New Biz List, published monthly by the City of Southlake Economic Development & Tourism Department.

New Biz List: February 2019

Would you like to know about the new businesses in town? If so, you are going to want to subscribe to the Economic Development New Biz List. The list not only gives you an update about recently opened businesses, but it will also tell you what’s coming to Southlake in the next few months.

Now Open
  • Ice Shaker, Inc.: Ice Shaker is an online retailer located at 587 Commerce St., Suite 100. The company sells kitchen grade stainless steel shaker bottles, tumblers and cups that holds ice for over 30 hours and do not absorb odor! 817-329-6478 IceShaker.com
  • Coldwater Creek: Coldwater Creek is now open in Southlake Town Square at 279 Grand Avenue West.  The retailer offers women’s apparel, home decor products, jewelry and accessories. 817-857-6919 ColdwaterCreek.com
  • Herencia Texan Cuisine: Herencia Texan Cuisine opened in The Shoppes of Southlake at 1431 East Southlake Boulevard, Suite 551.  The restaurant features Latin-inspired dishes made from locally sourced meats, vegetables and fresh seafood. 817-873-8800  HerenciaRestaurant.com
  • Lush: Lush is now opened in Southlake Town Square at 1431 Main Street. Lush is known for its beauty and bath products made from preservative-free and organic ingredients. From the freshest ingredients to fighting against animal testing, they have six core philosophies that they live and breathe every day. LushUSA.com
  • Exponential Property Group: Exponential Property Group opened at 2545 East Southlake Boulevard.  Exponential specializes in re-positioning value add, multi-family assets throughout major Texas markets. Through professional asset management and a high level of integrity, Exponential increases the value of properties while dramatically improving quality of life for its residents.  817-305-0610 ExponentialPropertyGroup.com
  • Living Stones Foundation: Living Stones Foundation opened at 550 Reserve Street, Suite 460.  The Living Stones Foundation Charitable Trust (LSFCT) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation. LSFCT provides financial and strategic resources to projects that lead to self-sustaining kingdom-building ministries, where support will leverage the success of the whole body of Christ. 817-532-5001 LSFoundation.org
  • Texas TMJ and Pain Institute: Texas TMJ and Pain Institute opened at 630 N. Kimball Avenue, Suite 110.  They are committed to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treat facial pain, headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders and sleep apnea with a positive outcome. 817251-9985 DallasTMJDr.com

Find out more here.