Living and working in Temple is one of the best ways to experience the Lone Star State.
The population has been steadily increasing throughout the past decade —with a 10.6% increase over the past five years. In fact, the southeastern area of the city has experienced so much growth that the Temple Independent School district (ISD) plans to build two new elementary schools and a middle school in the area within the next couple of years.
Temple is also one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S., according to a June 2021 report from The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2DR). The city recently invested $366 million to improve the quality of life for its residents, and for those working in the downtown area, life is only getting better with a $60 million investment from the city. Several redevelopment projects have given birth to a spirited community full of tasty eats, eclectic shopping and group gaming fun for friends and family.
Below is an introduction to the amazing new businesses adding to the lifestyle of downtown Temple.
City Eats Food Hall
Any chef worth their weight in gold feels a special relationship between the food they make and their customers. Rick Walker, one of the principal owners of City Eats Food Hall is interested in creating a dynamic eating experience where the typical American hamburger is served, but customers can also treat their palates to new, chef-inspired dishes.
The rehabilitated property at 108 N. Main St. will offer a casual, family-friendly dining experience, live entertainment and fun-filled communal activities like giant Jenga and bowling.
The eatery will be open in the second quarter of 2022.
FoxDog
If you’re looking for a relaxing evening out, the FoxDog at 209 N. 7th St. is your place. The beer and wine garden is only a minutes’ walk from the business-heavy Santa Fe Depot, thus being an excellent place for workers to socialize after work. Pastries will be for sale and the FoxDog has partnered with neighborhood food trucks to provide a variety of hot meals.
FoxDog plans to open for business in the third quarter of 2021.
Bird Creek Brewery
Bird Creek Brewery, formerly known as Bird Creek Burger Co., is moving into a bigger location at 8 S. 4th St. with the intent to add a brew pub. The new location will offer more outdoor space than the entire indoor space at their current location.
The move is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2022.
New Grocery Store
Bruce Bates, the owner of Bird Creek Brewery, also plans to open a new bakery and butcher shop at 13 S. Main St. — though he is still deciding on a name. Bates says that shoppers will also be able to purchase general groceries at the shop, and he is interested in installing an eatery.
Completion of the grocery store is expected in the third quarter of 2022.
Business & Living Space
With so much activity in downtown Temple, it is unsurprising many want to move closer to the area. Real Estate Investor Jack Folsom sees the interest in the vibrant community and plans to install six new apartments and business spaces near the building at 201 S. Main St. The property is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2023.
Additionally, construction of two new parking structures is scheduled to begin in downtown Temple in the Fall of 2021, one on South Fifth St. and another on East Central Ave. The new garages will make available a combined 600 parking spaces.
Downtown Temple is a fantastic place to live, do business and be entertained. Interested in learning more about living in Central Texas? Visit our Living Here page or browse Meet Temple for even more information about living and working in Temple.