Jan. 28, 2026
This piece is sponsored by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.
It’s before 11 a.m., and there’s literally a line of future diners waiting at CH Patisserie.
The big draw: An American in Paris Street Burger, the pastry shop’s first entry into the annual Downtown Burger Battle, which has drawn a daily crowd before the downtown restaurant has opened.
“It’s crazy,” co-owner Chris Hanmer said. “It’s going to be our best month in our business history out of any month — out of 157 months or something crazy like that. It’s been truly overwhelming and humbling that people are coming out for it. It’s pretty awesome.”
Burgers typically sell out for the day by 1 p.m. The whole experience has left Hanmer inspired to see how else he might evolve his business.
“I think this has sparked my creativity,” he said.
“I think people might enjoy seeing the quality level we do when we do savory, and it could be fun. But I really would like our guests and the city to know you’re participating in something that truly helps keep businesses going. This was our slowest month, and now it’s going to be our best month. That’s what this can do for a business.”
Take that experience, multiply it daily many times over, and you start to a glimpse of what Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. is striving for in the year ahead.
“Burger Battle is a great example of how strategic programming can directly support businesses. We expanded to 50 burgers this year and closely tracked sales and foot traffic,” said Brandon Hanson, president and CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.
“Both saw healthy lifts, and several restaurant owners described the event as ‘life-giving’ for their business. That’s exactly the point. These investments are about creating moments that matter and deliver real economic impact.”
Thanks to support from the city of Sioux Falls and DTSF Business Improvement District property owners, the organization has been able to invest heavily in data, insights and business resources.
“That allows us to walk alongside our members and provide meaningful support around traffic patterns, consumer behavior and performance trends, tools that simply weren’t available at this level before,” Hanson said.
“We’re intentionally focusing on quality over quantity in our programming. Many of our long-standing events are working well and have strong followings, so the priority is to make them even better. At the same time, we want to empower others to bring ideas downtown. Hosting an event can feel daunting, and we’re excited to serve as a resource for individuals, businesses and organizations looking to activate the district in new ways.”
The popular DTSF Open Streets event will grow this year, again hosting four events but limiting two streets to pedestrians-only each time. Dates and themes are:
- May 1 — Art & Wine Walk.
- June 5 — Designing Downtown, sponsored by Architecture Incorporated in honor of its 50th anniversary and to celebrate pedestrian-friendly design.
- July 3 — Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
- Aug. 7 — Art & Wine Walk.
Last year’s series attracted more than 55,000 nonlocal visitors, with August peaking near 20,000 during the Art & Wine Walk.
“That level of regional draw is significant. It demonstrates that downtown Sioux Falls is increasingly viewed as a destination, not just a local gathering place,” Hanson said.
There also was a clear boost to downtown businesses, he said. Some of the most engaged venues included Levitt at the Falls, Blarney Stone Pub, MacKenzie River Pizza, Crawford’s Bar & Grill, Shenanigans on Phillips and the Hilton Garden Inn. Year-over-year growth in attendance and awareness ranged from 20 percent to 56 percent, reinforcing that momentum is building.
“The takeaway is simple. Open Streets works. It activates downtown, generates millions in economic impact and strengthens the district’s economic core. Continued investment allows us to do even more,” Hanson said.
“Looking ahead, people can expect stronger themes, expanded programming and deeper connections with downtown businesses. The goal is not just to close streets but to open doors for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs alike.”
Commercial, residential growth ahead
While recent years have brought generational investments such as The Steel District and Cherapa Place, downtown development isn’t slowing down.
“We’re seeing good traction from multiple developments on both the east and south ends of downtown,” said Jeff Eckhoff, director of planning and development services for the city of Sioux Falls.
“It can be more challenging to put projects together in a downtown area, but both local and regional developers are noting the success of this market and are motivated to build on it.”
Look for renewed activity on city-owned former rail yard land on East Eighth Street, as well as a city parking lot at 113 E. 13th St.
“We’re encouraged by the conversations we’re having about that opportunity and are hoping to bring forward a concept that meets the community’s long-range goals for downtown development,” Eckhoff said.
Commercial interest is supported by residential growth, which remains one of downtown’s strongest stabilizers, Hanson said.
“We’re approaching 5,000 residents, and both the Cherapa Place development and The Steel District are seeing strong residential demand. That kind of density supports a more self-sustaining downtown ecosystem and provides consistency for retailers and service-based businesses.”
Supporting residents, businesses and visitors takes a variety of forms for Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.
The successful DTSF ambassador program brings an important presence on the streets seven days a week.
“They often function as the central connector, the first point of contact and the triage layer for downtown needs,” Hanson said.
Details on an expanded ambassador program will be announced soon, but in the meantime, DTSF is actively hiring for more people eager to provide critical street-level service starting in April.
From an advocacy standpoint, the work of DTSF “is guided by one North Star: driving foot traffic,” Hanson said. “The return on investment is clear. A strong downtown fuels a strong city, which strengthens the entire region.”
Downtowns generate roughly 30 percent of a city’s sales tax, much of it driven by visitor spending.
“That revenue supports public safety, transportation, health care and essential services. Downtowns also produce up to 100 times more property tax per acre than other neighborhoods, helping fund schools, roads and emergency services,” Hanson said.
“The question we often ask is simple. What happens when downtown Sioux Falls pushes those numbers even higher? The answer is better quality of life for every neighborhood in the city.”
From there, advocacy takes many forms, he added.
“Walkability, livability and connectivity matter. Sometimes that means working on parking system improvements. Other times it means advocating for street designs that encourage slower speeds and safer movement,” Hanson said.
“It can also mean supporting infill development and increased density, which bring more energy, housing and activity into the heart of the city. What we’re building isn’t just a stronger downtown. It’s a more connected, resilient and vibrant Sioux Falls for everyone.”
Listen in
One new and exciting initiative is DTSF’s new podcast, “Hello, Downtown!”
“This weekly podcast is a platform to tell stories, share insights and introduce the real people who live, work and play downtown,” Hanson said. “It’s approachable, transparent and very much about building community.”
