Discovering the Local Touch in Downtown Frisco

The local in ‘locally-owned’ is the good stuff – the history, the stories, the human touch that makes communities special. Here’s a look back at some of the Faces of Frisco blog series highlighting the owners and chefs behind some of the businesses in the Frisco Rail District, plus a list of more downtown businesses with local ownership. 

Greg & Kristy McDonald | Frisco Rail Yard

When you step into the Frisco Rail Yard, you are immediately met with an energy unlike any other in the city. Nestled in Frisco’s Rail District, the outdoor food truck, bar, and live music venue has something for everyone. Owned by Greg McDonald and his wife, Kristy, the Frisco Rail Yard is not a stop you want to miss on your next visit to Frisco.

Read the blog here.

Randy Burks | Randy’s Steakhouse

Randy Burks, originally from Dallas, Texas, is the owner of Randy’s Steakhouse located in the historic T.J. Campbell house. In 1993, Frisco became home to Randy Burks’ first restaurant, Randy’s Country Kitchen. Following a dream to follow in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps, Randy purchased his restaurant where Didi’s Downtown stands today to serve the people of Frisco "home" style, American cuisine. 

Read the blog here.

Rich Vana | The Heritage Table

Just off Main Street and 6^th Street sits a quaint two-story house that’s home to one of the best restaurants in Frisco. Led by owner and chef Rich Vana and his team of culinary visionaries, The Heritage Table first opened its doors in 2017 and has since evolved to offer a true farm-to-table experience. Chef Rich and his origin story is what makes The Heritage Table so unique.

Read the blog here.

Scott Hoffner | Didi’s Downtown

If you ask around about the little restaurant on the corner of Main and 7th Street in the Frisco Rail District, you’ll hear that it’s Didi’s Downtown – a ‘home away from home’ type of place with a small town feel, fantastic food, and great service. There’s a lot more to love about Didi’s than just the stellar menu, like the story behind the restaurant’s name, and the owner and chef, Scott Hoffner.  Get to know one of the faces of Frisco, as we discover Scott’s background and vision for hospitality that makes Didi’s a Frisco gem. 

Read the blog here.

Mandy & David Wible | Three Empires

Frisco's first brewery, Three Empires Brewing, tapped in fall of 2023. You can find local owners and Frisco residents, Mandy and David Wible, hard at work in the nanobrewery tucked in the Ford Building off Main and 5th Street. Fascinated by the brewing process, the story of how this family came to open the city's first establishment, the uniqueness of a woman at the helm in the craft beer industry, and more, we asked a few questions to get know these familiar faces in Frisco.

Read the blog here.

Jamey Stiglets | Soccer City

Half a mile down Main Street from Toyota Stadium is Soccer City, a locally-owned store specializing in soccer gear for players from youth to pro. We browsed the store with owner Jamey Stiglets and his son, Austin, to see what’s kicking at Soccer City Frisco.

Read the blog here.

More Downtown Locally-owned Businesses

This list doesn’t tell the whole story. There’s a local unlocking the doors every day downtown at dozens more shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues visitors can experience, like:

• 5^th Street Patio
• Apple Blvd Boutique
• Artuforia Art Gallery
• Cibo Kitchens
• Dad Jokes Cheesyburger
• The Depot Café
• eight | 11 place
• Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen
• Frisco Music Center
• The Game Show Experience
• Haystack Burgers & Barley
• H2K Fitness
• La Finca Coffee & Bakery
• La Suprema Market
• Marianas Taco Shop
• Nack Theater
• OliveUs Boutique
• Patti Ann’s Flowers
• The Refind Closet
• Rudy’s Kitchen
• Simply Thai Bistro
• Style House
• Write On! Creative Writing Center

Dive into Downtown

Discover the local touch as you shop, dine, snap pictures, watch a show, have your teambuilding fun, work from a coffee shop, and more. The Frisco Rail District is full of stories and love that make it so special. Share your downtown pictures and tag us @visitfriscotx!