2024 Year in Review: Economy Impacts Local Businesses
(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the December 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) 2024 was a tough year financially for most of us. It saw the closing of many small businesses. Even larger, more stable businesses struggled. Despite the strained economy, many new businesses opened in Harlingen this year. Most were restaurants, but a few retailers opened as well. Throughout the year, I kept track of these businesses and shared their openings on Facebook. Photos courtesy of Greater Chamber of Harlingen and Cookies 4 College. Here is a list of businesses that opened in 2024 in date order: The Deep End, a simulated indoor golf course and bar, opened at 8311 Business 83 on December 29, 2023. Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, 2.5 years after their restaurant burned down in December 2021, reopened on May 11, 2024. Their new location at 4201 W. Business 83 features a dining room that seats 190 people; a small party room for 70 people; a large banquet room that can accommodate 200 guests, and a large patio. Provecho y Salud, an upscale Mexican food restaurant, opened on May 12. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. They also have live entertainment, karaoke, and happy hour specials. They are located at 119 W. Van Buren, Suite 4, Harlingen TX (corner of Van Buren and Commerce). Ashley Furniture Clearance Outlet opened at the end of May at 4405 Glasscock Ave. They offer large discounts on furniture, mattresses, and outdoor furniture. This clearance outlet is the only one in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV); the closest one is in New Braunfels. Mi Raiz Café, a coffee shop, located at 8014-B W. Expressway 83, opened on May 25. Cute Pediatrics, a new pediatric clinic under the direction of Dr. Syed K. Shah, had its ribbon cutting on May 31. They are located at 1502 Midlane Drive, Suite 111. Gong Cha, the first franchise in south Texas from international coffee shop Gong Cha USA, held its grand opening on June 14. They are located at 601 S. Expressway 83, Suite H-12, in the HEB on Lincoln’s parking lot. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, located at 97 Bass Pro Drive, had its grand opening on August 12. Ramses Tacos & Tequilas Primera, located at 23969 Stuart Place Road, Suite 500, had its soft opening on August 13. This is the second location for the Harlingen-based restaurant. Edith’s Mexican Buffet, located at 1600 W. Harrison, opened on August 14. Tin Roof Grill, located at 422 N. "L" Street, opened on August 14, but unfortunately temporarily closed on October 5, stating that they are looking for a different location. The Yard By Just Fresh, located at 130 E. Oleander Ave. in La Feria, opened in September. This is the second restaurant by the owners of Just Fresh of Harlingen. It features indoor and outdoor dining, as well as an event space. Munchie Galore, located at 409 S. 9th Street, had its soft opening on September 28. They serve snacks and snowcones. Matt’s Cash and Carry Building Materials, Inc. opened its first Harlingen location at 2650 N. Expressway 77 in early November. Black Bear Diner, located at 6706 W. Expressway 83, opened on November 12. They are a national restaurant chain known for its large portions of homestyle comfort foods. Photos courtesy of Lisa Campos. Looking into 2025 and beyond, Harlingenites can look forward to the following business openings: Kay Jewelers is slated to open at the beginning of 2025. Their standalone storefront will be located at the Shops at Valle Vista shopping center at 902 Dixieland, Suite 104, near Target. Cookies4College is looking to open its first storefront at 119 W. Van Buren, Unit 207. The Dilworth Shopping Center is being constructed with a combination Jamba Juice/Auntie Anne’s and Starbucks as the first tenants to be announced. Hawaiian Bros. announced it was coming to Harlingen, but no address or tentative opening date have been published yet. Mr. Gatti’s indicated it was opening several restaurants in the RGV, including one in Harlingen, but no address or tentative opening date have been announced. Harlingen had a Mr. Gatti’s for many years, but it closed during the pandemic. Additionally, I am waiting for confirmation on a national cake shop that is in contract negotiations with a shopping plaza in Harlingen. I will continue to track these new businesses and others as they are announced, on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ExploreHarlingen .