WICHITA COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL )— At a time when businesses are having a harder time staying open than ever, some new construction projects in Burkburnett are showing some local businesses are in for the long haul.

They’re a sign of good things to come, according to City Manager Fred Tillman.

“From my position, it really is a motivational factor. What can we do to help drive that? What can we do with staff?” Tillman said. “How can we help in any way? Can we do anything that helps and benefits our overall citizens?”

One of the businesses benefitting from the new construction is local favorite Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant. They are cleared to build a new location for their American-style eatery, Pump City Diner.

For manager Carlos Moreno, Carlito’s past and recent success is a testament to how the restaurant and the city have handled tough times.

“Even through COVID, the plan was to stay open no matter what, even if one or two customers came in. We were more than grateful,” Moreno said. “I think thanks to the community that we’ve given back to them; they’ve given back to us. And so, I’m really grateful to the city of Burkburnett for that.”

Other projects in the city include Hill Bros. Welding and Construction, which is nearly doubling its original footprint, and a new 9,900-square-foot convenience store on the side of the Red River Expressway.

Kristina Pindell of the Burkburnett Chamber of Commerce says the retention and growth of these local businesses make the city so special.

“When we as a community talk about going somewhere to get something done, we don’t just use the name of the business, we use the name of the owner,” Pindell said. “And that just brings in that relationship, that you’re going to be taken care of well because we know the name of the owner, and the owner knows us.”

The city doesn’t plan to rest on its laurels either. In October, Burkburnett’s Friendship Festival will be held, which brings Burk residents and vendors together for a time meant for the whole family.

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