Historic Downtown

Forney's walkable downtown features a spread of small businesses, restaurants, and attractions that transport you back to a simpler time and provide a small-town feel in a growing area. Grab a bite to eat at Latham Bakery or Mama’s Daughters’ Diner, then walk on over to the Spellman Museum of Forney History to learn the roots of the region. You can pop into Groovy’s, Whimsy Boutique, or Pittypat’s Boutique and Gifts to do a little shopping while you’re at it. Wrap up a visit by popping by Bell Park, either to sit underneath the trees, snapping a few photos in the gazebo, in front of the fountain, or by the bell from which the park gets its name. Bring your family, take your dog for a walk, or fly solo, to explore what Forney has in store.

Opportunity Central

In February of 2024, the Keith Bell Opportunity Central opened its doors to the public. The community takes pride in this multipurpose campus, which serves career development, access to higher education, and community engagement opportunities for those who call Forney home. Within Opportunity Central is an array of small businesses, such as retail, dining, and service-based enterprises. Just a few of the many shops include:

• Blooms: A student-operated business featuring floral arrangements, whether for special occasions or just because.

• Cheeky Chique Boutique: Go-to clothing shop for fun and classy fashion finds.

• Pine + Ivy: Features home decor, furniture, and custom light fixtures.

• RoyalT: Specializes in direct-to-garment printing and design services.

Grab a coffee at White Rhino, stop in for a haircut at Ot Haute Salon, or even get your car worked on at the OC Pit Stop. The offerings mentioned barely scratch the surface of all Keith Bell’s Opportunity Central has to offe. Visit the website or pop in to see for yourself.

Other Notable Small Businesses

Sure, the Big Dogs are moving in, too, and, of course, are appreciated. However, growing with the population are new enterprises, developed by members of the community. For example, Sheer Alternatives Natural Living & Apothecary, which now offers its products in big retailers such as Central Market, offers clean-living essentials to the Texas community. What’s Poppin began as an online candy store/popcorn shop has transformed into a out-the-front-door business. Forney officials are doing a wonderful job of encouraging and cheering on small businesses growth, even as large companies move in alongside them.

Big Businesses

The increasing population has created more career opportunities for long-time and newer Forney residents. Praise to those big businesses for calling Forney home. In June of 2021, Forney officially opened an Amazon Fulfillment Center which grows more each year. Recently, Forney developed the Village at Gateway, which features large retailers such as an H-E-B grocery store, Target, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Bath & Body Works, and more. Earlier this year, Costco opened its Forney doors, where residents and those from surrounding towns can shop for essential needs and fun finds, too. More things are in the works so keep checking Forney’s development.

Restaurants

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between can be found in Forney. Start your day off with Nina’s Brunch or something light at the Acai Bar. Pick up lunch later at Doe Belly’s, Victoria’s Meat Market & Grill, or Stash’s Table and Fable. Finish the evening with a date night with friends, your significant other, or even a solo mission. Hungry for steak? Check out Alfredo’s Steakhouse or Minia’s Mexican Steakhouse. Want sushi? Try Tokyo Harbor or Thai Square Sushi. Prefer Mexican/TexMex? There are Los Hermanos and Rio Lerma. Save room for dessert at Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop or the Peach Cobbler Factory! There are so many food options in Forney that it will make your head spin and your stomach growl. With something for everyone, come hungry and ready to try new things!

Events

Forney is constantly hosting new and old events to solidify existing traditions or bring unity to an ever-changing populace. Just recently, on Sept. 26th, ‘Brews on Bois D’Arc’ took place downtown, featuring craft beer, live music, and vendors. There was even an accordion duel and pickle-eating competition that took place amidst festivities! Forney’s next planned event is the Forney Falloween Festival, which will take place downtown on Oct. 24th from 12- 5 p.m. Applications are still open for Candy Stations, Food Vendors, and Artisan Vendors. Get involved by showcasing your small business, or simply just come join in on the fun!

Photo Opportunities

With great power comes great responsibility, and with great things happening comes the need for great publicity! As restaurants, retail, and everything in between continue to open and develop in Forney, Texas, photographers/videographers have the chance to work alongside them to document and provide marketing and branding material to spread the word.

"We at Photography by Misty certainly hope to help celebrate the big and small, the resilient and the new in Forney, Texas, with visual collateral, said PBM owner/foundewr Misty Hoyt. "In the meantime, we at PBMisty plan to head into town, do some shopping, spend quiet time in the park and indulge in some delicious culinary delights. And, of course, invite Olivia to the party."