Frisco’s Main Street woes spark #SaveMain campaign amid business struggles

FRISCO, Texas — Chef Scott Hoffner, owner of Didi’s Downtown in Frisco, Texas, has built his business with personality and passion. But he says a year-long construction project on Main Street is crippling local businesses — including his own.

“I spent my whole life looking for this spot to give the community something special,” Hoffner said.

Since the construction began, Hoffner said revenue at Didi’s Downtown is down 30%. He considers himself lucky compared to some of the other businesses on the block, who are down close to 60% The project, which could continue for another four to five months, has made Main Street difficult to access and deterred customers.

While the city has rolled out signage, gift cards, and other incentives to support local businesses, Hoffner believes it’s not enough.

“It’s not the community’s fault. The community didn’t tear up the road. So why does the community have to save us?” Hoffner asked.

At a recent city board meeting, multiple business owners voiced their concerns.

“What we need is much bigger than what’s been given,” one business owner said.

Another added, “My family has been through a lot. We’ve been struggling to keep the thing going.”

In response, Hoffner and about 20 other business owners launched the #SaveMain movement, calling for the city to reimburse businesses for their losses. The hashtag has since echoed through public comment sessions at City Hall.

The City of Frisco told WFAA it plans to meet with Rail District business owners.

City officials released the following statement on progress:

“The idea to Master Plan historic downtown Frisco was first discussed in 2016.  Two years later, the Frisco City Council approved a final Master Plan for downtown.  To date, the City of Frisco’s committed investment to redevelop downtown exceeds $80 million which includes reconstruction of Elm and Main Streets; building a 4th Street Plaza and erecting a new, five-story parking garage.  The City of Frisco’s investment also covers directional signage, marketing and communication, two new parking lots;  a grant program to improve area properties;  and a city employee dedicated to supporting downtown businesses.  In the coming weeks, city staff will meet with business owners in the Rail District to talk about their ideas to use and leverage $500 thousand to bring visitors downtown. Staff intends to present a plan to City Council in early October. Substantial completion of Main Street construction is expected by the end of 2025.  Landscaping and sidewalks will be finished in January of next year.”

When asked about critics who label the effort a bailout, Hoffner didn’t mince words.

“I would say come and work 18 goddamn hours in my restaurant for 7 years, see what it’s like to run a business like this. That’s what I’ll tell them.”

Hoffner started in restaurants as a 10-year-old dishwasher. He says he’ll do this until the day he dies — but he’d love to do it in Frisco.