Has anyone told you recently that Little Elm has a lot going on? The Little Elm Economic Development Corporation has been busy for the last year, and staff aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
In December, the Little Elm Economic Development Corporation announced that a Target and Kroger will be built, providing a significant boost in the town’s economic landscape. Target will be at the southwest intersection of Ryan Spiritas Parkway and US 380, and Kroger on the northeast corner of FM 2931. Target is expected to open in the spring of 2026.
While the Kroger doesn’t have an opening date yet, Little Elm Economic Development Manager Jennifer Eusse said these two new additions to Little Elm will be an incredible investment for the area.
“The new retail stores will create a variety of job opportunities which help provide residents with stable incomes,” she said. “Both developments also contribute to our local sales tax revenues which are then used to help fund essential services throughout our community.”
Already, potential tenants are inquiring about renting space within the shopping center where the Target will be located. Eusse said there is 53,725 square feet of retail space available next to the Target development. Staff expect these developments to attract shoppers from surrounding areas, ultimately benefiting local businesses such as restaurants and retailers.
Jennette Espinosa, Executive Director of Little Elm Economic Development, said grocery stores like Kroger are always a hot commodity since they provide essentials to all residents while anchoring shopping centers. She said that grocery stores and major retailers attract quality tenants, which creates longevity and a stable economic environment.
Espinosa added that the town's current lease rate is 92.74% occupied, proving that the town of more than 60,000 residents has become a popular place to live and continues to grow.
Recent business openings include a mix of entrepreneurs along with popular brands such as Stella’s Ice Cream, Kebabs To Go, Simply French, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa, Casa Mia and Domingos.
Other upcoming businesses include Thai In Town, Uptown Cheapskate, Ace Hardware, Jamba Juice, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Chipotle.
“In 2024, we welcomed 127 new businesses to Little Elm,” Espinosa said. “New commercial construction was valued at $61 million. In addition, there are 408,120 square feet committed to future development projects. We have also seen an upward trend in national brands inquiring about doing business in Little Elm.”
Espinosa and Eusse hinted that more development opportunities are coming down the pipeline in Little Elm that embrace the modern, yet cozy lakefront feel of the North Texas town.
“People are looking for unique experiences and in order to be competitive, business owners have to stand out,” Espinosa said. “Great food, great customer service and a cool atmosphere are all vital to encouraging patrons to choose one option over another. We feel confident we will be bringing all of those components to town.”
Town staff also hope that bringing in these big retailers will allow visitors to see the beauty that the community has to offer. The town is characterized as a lakefront community with a variety of single-family neighborhoods and master-planned communities, making it an ideal place for families to grow.
People move to Little Elm to enjoy lakeside living, walking the town’s trails and other outdoor recreational activities. Drew Bailey, Director of Tourism and Communications for Little Elm, said Cottonwood Park is another development that will be ready for families to enjoy along the shores of Lake Lewisville.
“The park features 19 day-use pavilions, making it a premier destination for gatherings and outdoor activities,” Bailey said. “Its unique combination of natural beauty and thoughtfully designed amenities sets it apart from other parks in the area.”
Bailey said the town took a strategic approach in developing the park, making sure the timing was right. She said it will be built out in three phases, with Phase 1 finishing up in early spring.
“Cottonwood Park will offer an experience unlike any other in the region,” Bailey explained. “It will feature a unique playground, breathtaking waterfront views, a lighthouse, four state-of-the-art turf baseball fields, an award-winning marina, a kayak launch and a network of trails that seamlessly connect to the town’s existing trail system.
Bailey added that the future phases will bring even more features, including a restaurant, zip line courses and additional recreational amenities. She also said there is a possibility that the park can host community events and that the park will be a “game changer” for residents.
“Its development reflects our commitment to enhancing the town’s recreational offerings while preserving the natural beauty of our lakeside setting,” Bailey said. “We’re excited to welcome the community to enjoy this incredible space for years to come.”
“In 2024, we welcomed 127 new businesses to Little Elm.”