The city first launched the program earlier this year, giving residents $50 vouchers to spend at local Rail District businesses.
FRISCO, Texas — For years, Didi’s Downtown has been known as a place where locals can unwind, enjoy good food, and feel right at home.
But for owner Scott Hoffner, that sense of comfort has been hard to hold onto lately.
“We want you to have hospitality that’s like you’re sitting on your couch watching a game,” Hoffner said. But outside his restaurant, it’s anything but comfortable.
The $70 million Frisco Main Street reconstruction project is transforming the Rail District into a more walkable destination, with wider sidewalks, improved drainage, and safer crossings.
The city said the project, which is about 70% complete, aims to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant once finished.
Still, for small business owners like Hoffner, the growing pains have been tough to manage. “People can’t get here. It’s definitely not handicap accessible,” he said. “You look at my shoes, I can’t even keep them clean.”
During a Frisco City Council work session this week, business owners pleaded for help, citing revenue losses as high as 60%.
“We want to hear that y’all feel for us that your sorry business is down 30, 40, 50 percent,” one owner told city leaders.
Mayor Jeff Cheney said that the city is stepping up again, expanding its Rail District Gift Card Program to provide an additional $500,000 in financial relief.
The city first launched the program earlier this year, giving residents $50 vouchers to spend at local Rail District businesses, an incentive designed to boost foot traffic.
The city plans to “top off” the remainder of the funds to reach half a million dollars total.
“It’s really unprecedented, we’ve never done this for another major road project,” Cheney said.
Despite the frustrations, Hoffners said the finished product will be worth it. The city expects construction to wrap up by May 2026.
“When this is done, it’ll be incredible,” Hoffner said. “You just have to get there first.”
