It’s been nearly 20 years since Roanoke was officially recognized as the Unique Dining Capital of Texas.

The moniker was officially approved by the Texas House of Representatives in 2009 after a proposal from Tan Parker, who represented Roanoke and parts of Fort Worth in District 63, when the city had 39 restaurants. Now the town has more than 60 dining options, most along US 377 or Oak Street, according to the city website.

What happened: Gierisch said the city followed Grapevine’s restaurant tourism model. Grapevine’s economic development office states seven of the city’s top 10 destinations in 2025 were local restaurants.

Roanoke generated $29.9 million in sales tax last fiscal year, up 43.7% from FY 2020-21, Finance Director Kyle Lester said. The 2% in sales tax revenue supports the general fund, the Crime Control and Prevention District, economic development and quality of life initiatives, Langi said.

The outlook: Gierisch said Roanoke’s downtown growth is from thoughtful planning and strong partnerships, and provides room for future opportunities.

Johann Redelinghuys is starting a restaurant in Keller called Umzi Vine & Vibe.

“Growing up in South Africa, the food has always been around the table,” he said. “And my dream wasn't simply just to open another restaurant. My dream is more to build a place where people feel at home … where they belong.”

He said the word Umzi, from the Xhosa language spoken in southern Africa, means "homestead". Redelinghuys said he’s lived in Keller the past 12 years and this location felt like the perfect place since it used to be a residential home.

On the menu: Redelinghuys said Umzi will be a mix of flavors from South African, American, Asian, and European cuisines, with chef Mensah Thompson helping with the menu. He has experience at a German bistro, barbecue restaurants, a steakhouse and a winery.
Some of the menu items will be:

• Cheesy escargot in garlic butter
• Charcuterie board
• Madiba dumplings
• Beer-battered fish with gluten-free chips
• Braised lamb shank

Westlake officials announced construction of a data center near Keller and Southlake, while Frisco officials gave initial approval for a mixed-use project anchored by Trader Joe’s. Check out six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Westlake officials announce construction of data center near Keller, Southlake

2. Dave & Buster’s debuts 40,000-square-foot McKinney arcade, eatery

3. Frisco planning commission approves Trader Joe’s-anchored mixed-use project

4. EoS Fitness revises opening timeline for Celina location

5. Five restaurants now open, coming soon to Frisco

6. Taiwanese company Foxlink Group to bring 900 jobs to north Fort Worth

Texas Woman’s University will construct a $30 million brand-new athletics facility, the university announced.

What’s happening: The university received a $10 million donation from an alumna that will go toward the on-campus athletics facility, according to a news release. The venue is expected to break ground in 2027.

Dawn Chaney, who played three sports at TWU in the 1960s, made the donation to the project. The new facility will bear her name. 

The athletics complex will be 30,000-35,000 square feet and will support the university’s growing athletics program as well as the needs of student-athletes, the release states.

“I am excited to support this new athletics complex because it will provide student-athletes with the resources, facilities and opportunities they deserve to excel in competition, in the classroom and in life,” Chaney said.