Grapevine Small Businesses Shine During the Holidays

The holiday season, between Thanksgiving and the New Year, is a crucial time for small business owners. Studies show that 75% of SMBs rely on holiday sales to meet their revenue goals. And their success is important, because when people shop local, they also support themselves. For every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 stays in the community. Fortunately for the residents of Grapevine, Texas, there’s no shortage of amazing small businesses to check out this holiday season. 

“There’s never a bad time to shop local, but the holiday season is a great reminder of how valuable supporting local businesses can be,” says Steven Jones, Senior Business Engagement Manager with Grapevine Economic Development. “Fortunately, our beautiful downtown and welcoming community make buying local easy and fun.”

If you don’t know where to start this year, meet the owners of three local businesses featured below. Each one brings something special to the Grapevine community and reflects the small business ecosystem.  

Meat U Anywhere BBQ Gives Away Nearly 3,000 Meals

Meat U Anywhere BBQ recently consolidated operations to its Grapevine location at 919 W Northwest Hwy, where it serves outstanding barbecue and mouth-watering Mexican food. While there’s never a bad time for a plate of brisket, Meat U Anywhere is a notable business to showcase during the holidays because of its Feast of Sharing.

For the past 10 years, Meat U Anywhere has supported Metroport Meals on Wheels by handing out free meals on Thanksgiving Day. This year, it anticipates handing out between 2,500 and 3,000 meals to members of the military, first responders, and anyone experiencing food insecurities.    

“We never turn anyone away,” says Andy Sedino, founder of Meat U Anywhere. “We hand out food no questions asked.”

As the tradition grew, the community stepped in. This year, Grapevine residents helped raise funds and donate all the menu items to continue this tradition. The Feast of Sharing costs nearly $20,000 to put on, but allows anyone who needs it to enjoy a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s been a blessing for our family to give back to the community,” says Sedino. “We’ve also had so many people offer to contribute to the event. It’s an honor to do this every year.”

Sedino is particularly grateful this year for his customers, who followed him to the new location.

“Moving to Grapevine was a great decision,” he says. “There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community. Customers who have been coming for years are visiting more frequently. We’ve exceeded the levels of volume we ever had.”

Meat U Anywhere offers gift cards, an online store, and catering services. It’s a great way to serve your family West Texas barbecue this holiday season. 
Howdy Honey Celebrates Its First Month in Business

Howdy Honey opened its doors at 106 E Texas St on October 28, just in time for the holiday season. Throughout December, the coffee shop will feature special lattes and treats, community events, and opportunities to pick up gifts for loved ones.  

“The past few weeks have been so fun,” says Ashton Dierolf, owner of Howdy Honey. “I’m just soaking it all in and enjoying that this is my life.”

Dierolf opened her first coffee shop at the age of 18 and sold it last year. At 23, she opened Howdy Honey and has immersed herself in the Grapevine entrepreneur community.

“I’m a terrible employee, so I knew I had to work for myself,” she jokes. “My parents are entrepreneurs, so they give me advice, and Grapevine has a lot of resources for entrepreneurs and young people.”

When asked about coffee recommendations, she highlights the seasonal drinks at Howdy Honey. The gingerbread latte is made with real ginger and comes with a gingersnap cookie for extra spice. All of their syrups and pastries are made in-house.  

Howdy Honey will be open late for the Parade of Lights. It is also hosting an ornament-making ceramics class on December 13. This family-friendly event costs $30 to participate.  

Texas General Store Brings a Cowboy Hat Bar to Grapevine

If you are looking for gifts that celebrate Texas and its culture, look no further than the Texas General Store at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Suite 400. This is a great place to find locally-sourced and Texas-themed gifts, including food, apparel, and decor. Shop for your loved ones and pick up a few items for yourself.

“When you buy from a local business, you keep those dollars right in your backyard,” says Jessica Cruz, who has owned the Texas General store for 11 years. “The sales and the sales taxes support the community.”

Cruz recently opened the new location of the Texas General Store in the Grapevine Mills Mall. While her customer base is primarily tourists, she was pleasantly surprised by how many Grapevine locals bought their products. Many customers have actively sought out the store in their new location.

One of the coolest features of the Texas General Store is the Cowboy Hat Bar. Customers can make a custom hat with a variety of colors and accessories, perfectly reflecting their taste. The bar can also host small groups and or provide a pop-up experience at a corporate or special event.

“We believe that Texas is more than a culture, it’s a state of mind,” says Cruz. “Our store brings the pride, sense of humor, and grit that come with being uniquely Texan.” 

Find Your New Favorite Business in Grapevine

Shopping locally is easy with so many cool businesses opening in Grapevine. You can find the perfect bottle for the wine lover in your life or stroll down Main Street to browse unique boutiques. You might be surprised how much you check off your shopping list just by visiting local businesses. Just remember to leave enough room in the budget to treat yourself!

Learn more about the small business community in Grapevine and the EDC’s commitment to growing it.