Welcome to the Taking Care of Business, the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s show on the Faces of Grand Prairie Business channel. The series spotlights Chamber members and board members who are shaping business and community life in Grand Prairie.
Grand Prairie is stepping into a new season of growth, and it shows on every corner. From Main Street’s upcoming transformation into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly destination to plans for a new amphitheater at City Hall Plaza, the city is reshaping itself with both residents and visitors in mind. On the latest episode of Taking Care of Business, Chamber Membership Director Kevin Locks sat down with Michelle Hernandez of the Economic Development Department to talk about what’s next for the city.
Hernandez explained how her team is attracting not just big names like Portillo’s and BJ’s Wholesale, but also unique restaurants and retail concepts that give the community its own flavor. Downtown businesses such as Zavala’s and Firehouse Gastro Park will stay accessible throughout construction, reflecting the city’s commitment to growing with its small businesses rather than around them.
Further south, large-scale projects are on the horizon. Goodland, a 2,500-acre master-planned development with its own water tower and retail square, could bring as many as 50,000 new residents. Lake Song, another planned community north of 287, is poised to add its own distinctive character to the city’s landscape. Together, they represent Grand Prairie’s shift toward city-within-a-city living while maintaining the charm of established neighborhoods.
What stands out most is the city’s posture toward small business owners. Through programs like Elevate GP, entrepreneurs can access free resources, training, and guidance, making Grand Prairie one of the region’s most approachable cities to work with. Growth here isn’t about wiping the slate clean — it’s about deepening the character and opportunities that already make Grand Prairie unique.
