(Seguin) — While much of the attention in Seguin has focused on future retail growth along Interstate 10 and State Highway 46, city officials say downtown Seguin continues to experience its own wave of excitement.
That’s according to Blaire Friar, director of Destination Seguin. Friar says interest in Main Street and the historic downtown district remains strong as new businesses continue to look at opening their doors in the heart of the city.
Friar says all of this momentum has been encouraging as entrepreneurs recognize the value of locating in downtown Seguin.
“We have seen an exciting flurry of new businesses and new interest coming downtown, and we’re so excited,” said Friar.
Friar says city leaders want to maintain downtown as the heart of Seguin by protecting its historic character, supporting locally owned businesses and preserving the small-town atmosphere that residents and visitors have come to appreciate.
She says one of the most rewarding developments has been the continued disappearance of vacant storefronts.
“We’re really excited to see all the interest and see some of these vacant buildings fill up again and bring some new life downtown,” said Friar. “We have our favorites that have been here for years, but we’re really excited to welcome some new businesses to the mix as well.”
Among the latest business creating a buzz of excitement is the new Blackdoor Steakhouse at 104 S. Austin St.
She says the steakhouse is all part of this renewed energy that is also being fueled by increased tourism.
In fact, some of that increase is thanks to Chef Ernest Servantes of Seguin’s Burnt Bean. She says Servantes is no doubt bringing even more national attention to Seguin by serving as one of the prestigious judges on the Food Network’s newly released TV shows Pitmasters.
“When I watched that first episode and I heard them talking about Seguin, Texas, it just made me so happy because it is so cool to hear and have that presence on such a large stage,” said Friar.
She says while many visitors initially come to Seguin for Burnt Bean Co., downtown businesses are also benefiting as people take time to shop, dine and “experience the district.”
“We all know visitors are coming to Seguin. A lot of them are coming for Burnt Bean, and we’re excited to be able to encourage them to continue to shop and continue their experience throughout downtown because that’s really what we’re trying to build — that unique, authentic downtown experience with those beautiful local businesses and friendly faces that everyone loves to see,” said Friar.
Meanwhile, city officials says they continue preparing for what they know will be another busy and successful fall season. They say some of those events include the Seguin Fall Festival, Guadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo, Holiday Stroll, and Sip N’ Stroll.