Everyone across the Rio Grande Valley knows about Willie’s Bar-B-Q’s delicious beef brisket, chicken, ribs and fajitas. This local landmark has been serving mouth-watering food for residents throughout South Texas for over 20 years and has been generating constant praise from visitors. It’s through great recommendations that Willie’s received statewide recognition for its food by Texas Monthly. With their flavorful and authentic barbeque, booming amounts of visitors, constant praise and statewide recognition, Willie’s is now doubling in size to better serve its customers!
Expanding for Success
Willie Gonzalez, Jr. first opened the doors to his establishment in 1992 because he saw a need to give his city something more. Since then, the continuous success of Willie’s Bar-B-Q has thrived and Gonzalez knows that none of it would have been possible without the customers. The owner reveals that he loves seeing the smile on returning customers because he did his part to ensure that they always receive quality food. Through customer satisfaction, the popular restaurant has bigger plans for its future.
Willie’s Bar-B-Q looked to remodel and expand its dining area to give a spacious area comfortable for diners while allowing for more consumer flow. Willie’s also looked to expand its parking area as well. In order to proceed with these proposals, the restaurant sought assistance through the Alamo Economic Development Corporation’s Revolving Loan Program, which is providing assistance with 65% of the total expansions set to be completed in September.
The Alamo EDC Revolving Loan Program
The Alamo EDC is dedicated to helping local businesses like Willie’s succeed through business incentives. One such incentive is the Revolving Loan Program. This program is perfect for businesses looking to find low-cost alternative financing options in Alamo. It provides low interest loans for commercial activities such as renovations, repairs, construction, equipment purchases and real estate. The Revolving Loan Program involves the following:
- Filling out a loan application
- Submission of a business plan with the loan application (business plan must include budget for use of funds)
- Submission of all documents to the Alamo EDC via mail or hand delivery
Afterwards, the following will occur:
- The EDC begins the loan application review to determine eligibility
- The applicant will be notified of eligibility status
- If eligible, the loan application will be presented to the Loan Review Committee
- Committee recommendation will be presented to the EDC Board for final approval
- The applicant will be notified of the Board’s decision and loan specific terms, if applicable
The Best Location in Town
The Rio Grande Valley was recently ranked as the 5th Largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in Texas, surpassing El Paso. Alamo has contributed to this overall ranking with its thriving ecotourism industry, international ecommerce and its position as one of the most desirable places to live and work in Texas.
Alamo serves as an international gateway with nine different ports of entry into international cities like Nuevo Progreso and Tamaulipas. International trading and local commerce increases when Winter Texans arrive. With an average 119,480 daily traffic count in Alamo on Interstate 2/U.S. 83, our city is full of opportunities for businesses looking for the perfect location with growing potential. In fact, there is a retail demand potential of over $500 million within a 10-minute radius of Alamo.
Succeed with the Alamo EDC
The Alamo EDC provides many opportunities for small businesses, startups, corporations and manufactures looking to expand, renovate or find a home in our city. Through local initiatives, the Alamo EDC looks to encourage business growth and job creation throughout the city. From incentives like the Revolving Loan Program and TIRZ, to numerous workshops across the Valley, we can help your business succeed. If you’re looking for one the best barbeque restaurants in town, come by Willie’s Bar-B-Q at 320 South Alamo Road. For more information on programs for your business, reach out to us at 956.787.6622.