McALLEN — Halos might as well have hovered over their heads as a divine spirit looked down.
City Manager Roy Rodriguez, developer Will Collins, Chamber of Commerce President Steve Ahlenius and many more spoke dramatically about Dave & Buster’s, which broke ground here on Wednesday.
“You know, I often hear that God loves McAllen,” Rodriguez said. “It’s obvious that he does. Look at this.”
Even the skies parted after an overnight storm to make for a clear ceremony.
Those in the crowd and eating the spread applauded often.
Rio Grande Valley Toros cheerleaders bounced to Rodriguez’s right while shovels and dirt sat to his left.
At one point, a plane flew overhead.
“Blue Angels, y’all. Blue Angels,” Collins laughed.
Rodriguez, normally sporting a suit and tie, wore an orange Dave & Buster’s T-shirt, along with many others.
The Shops at 29, on the corner of Expressway 83 and 29th Street, will house Dave & Buster’s, Burlington Coat Factory, Ross clothing store, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Bubba’s 33 and more.
Terracor, Collins’ real estate company, is also looking at potentially bringing two other quality projects to the area — the southeast corner of Ware Road and Expressway 83 as well as the northwest corner of Expressway 83 and Bentsen Road.
But Wednesday was about Dave & Buster’s. The restaurant and entertainment giant is slated to open in April 2017.
“This is will be the kinds of deals we are going to make because that means the future of the Rio Grande Valley is bright,” Rodriguez said.
Wednesday, and the roughly four years it took for this project to get to this point, was also about risk. Ahlenius said those who come to the Valley have to take risks.
“And those who dare, win,” he said.
http://www.themonitor.com/news/business/dave-buster-s-construction-start-marked/article_187f0a40-2840-11e6-8092-1f7ab9e3906e.html