Summary: Once again, the City is negotiating a Chapter 380 Agreement with Far Out Hospitality, the parent company of about a dozen restaurant venues. In February 2024, the City made the same announcement about FOH's Cork and Pig Tavern, which announced it was opening in 2025, without mentioning a financial arrangement with the City. It remains to be seen if the recent financial negotiation is about the Cork and Pig Tavern or about another of the FOH's restaurants.
• Latest Update: posted 14 February, 2025
• Tags:#DevelopmentNorth
• Note: Willow Park Civics is about Willow Park but is NOT associated with or managed by the City of Willow Park.
Far Out Hospitality courted with City Chapter 380 financing -- again.
Once again, the City of Willow Park is negotiating a Chapter 380 Agreement with Far Out Hospitality [1], the parent company of Cork and Pig Tavern; Far Out Hospitality (FOH) is also the parent company of about a dozen other restaurant venues. [2]
During the 27 February 2024 Council Meeting, the City of Willow Park passed a motion to "Authorize City Staff to negotiate a 380 agreement with Far Out Hospitality to open and develop a Cork and Pig Restaurant with sales tax potential rebates." [3]
"The new Cork and Pig Tavern will 'likely be located in The District,' in the Shops at Willow Park where the City is planning a trailhead for the EPCoT Trail System to the trails that runs along the Trinity Clear Fork River, that separate the residential north side and the retail south side of the Wilks Development." [4]
In July 2024, The District announced the "Cork & Pig Tavern is expanding to The District in 2025." [5] However, in September 2024, according to the City, the District's Cork and Pig restaurant is opening in 2025, without the benefit of a Chapter 380 financial agreement with the City, discussed during the Spring. [5]
It remains to be seen if the recent financial negotiation between the City and Far Out Hospitality is about the Cork and Pig Tavern or about another of the FOH's restaurants.
Willow Park Civics Sources and Resources
[1] 11 February 2025 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 10 February 2025 / Executive Session Agenda Item 14. Chapter 380 Agreement between the City and Far Out Hospitality.
[3] 27 February 2024 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 23 February 2024
• Executive Session, Agenda Item 14. Section 551.071 - Consultation with Attorney, B. Chapter 380 Agreement between the City and Far Out Hospitality for the development of a Cork and Pig Restaurant offering sales tax rebates.
• Willow Park Civics Notes: Motion passed to "Authorize City Staff to negotiate a 380 agreement with Far Out Hospitality to open and develop a Cork and Pig Restaurant with sales tax potential rebates."
[4] New, Cork and Pig Tavern courted with City Chapter 380 financing, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 05 March 2024
The City is negotiating with Far Out Hospitality to bring a new Cork and Pig Tavern to Willow Park. And the City is bringing Chapter 380 sales tax rebates to the table
[5] Fort Worth favorite Cork & Pig Tavern to open summer 2025 in Willow Park. Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 30 July 2024
• Update September 2024: According to the City, The District's Cork and Pig restaurant is opening in 2025, without the benefit of a Chapter 380 financial agreement with the City, discussed during the Spring.
• Summary: "The District at Willow Park will be home to the latest location of Cork & Pig Tavern; it will open in summer 2025, joining a lineup of dining concepts that includes Melt Ice Creams, The District Butcher, Lone Star Dry Goods, and The Lumen Room."
• Council approves zoning change for church property, New restaurant being courted, The Community News, 01 March 2024
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The City is negotiating with Far Out Hospitality, FOH, to bring a new restaurant to Willow Park. And the City is bringing Chapter 380 [source 1] sales tax rebates to the table. [2]
With six (6) other locations,"Cork & Pig Tavern is a unique, chef driven blend of signature entrees, gourmet salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and mouth watering apps and sides. Complimented by our expansive wine selections, craft beers, and specialty cocktails, you’re sure to find the Cork & Pig Tavern to be an exciting environment for friends and family to relax, laugh, and dine." Southlake, Texas Cork and Pig Restaurant [3]
The new Cork and Pig Tavern will "likely be located in The District," [1] in the Shops at Willow Park [4] where the City is planning a trailhead for the EPCoT Trail System [1] to the trails that runs along the Trinity Clear Fork River, that separate the residential north side and the retail south side of the Wilks Development.
Interestingly, FOH, with nine (9) brands of restaurants, has another restaurant at a trailhead, "Press Cafe is a modern, yet casual mix of fresh salads, classic sandwiches, wine, spirits, and great coffee! Located next to Bike Mart at The Trailhead in Clearfork.
Willow Park Civics Research and Sources
[1] • Willow Park Civics Blog > "The District" Index
Willow Park Civics Resources > Glossary Plus
"Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code authorizes municipalities to offer incentives designed to promote economic development such as commercial and retail projects. Specifically, it provides for offering loans and grants of city funds or services at little or no cost to promote state and local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity."
• Executive Session, Agenda Item 14. Section 551.071 - Consultation with Attorney
• B. Chapter 380 Agreement between the City and Far Out Hospitality for the development of a Cork and Pig Restaurant offering sales tax rebates.
• Willow Park Civics Notes: Motion passed to "Authorize City Staff to negotiate a 380 agreement with Far Out Hospitality to open and develop a Cork and Pig Restaurant with sales tax potential rebates.
[3] Willow Park Civics Research:
• Southlake, Texas "Cork & Pig Tavern is a unique, chef driven blend of signature entrees, gourmet salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and mouth watering apps and sides. Complimented by our expansive wine selections, craft beers, and specialty cocktails, you’re sure to find the Cork & Pig Tavern to be an exciting environment for friends and family to relax, laugh, and dine."
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