Denton Small Business Profile
In economic development, we see small business owners in Denton striving to make their business into something they can be proud of and share with their families. It's not just a way to express themselves or provide an income, but a way to contribute to the community they call home. In this series, we hope to share some of the fantastic small businesses here and help you get to know the entrepreneurs, making Denton a great place to belong.
Today, we recognize a long-time staple on the face of the square, Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, whose building owner recently applied for a Downtown Reinvestment Grant to update the façade of their building.
This year, Beth Marie’s is celebrating their 25th anniversary. This major milestone is surely because of the care and time put into their products. Every scoop of ice cream is made right here in Denton, and the waffle cones are baked fresh daily! Beth Marie’s is truly a local shop with local owners and local products.
You may have noticed a fresh coat of paint and a new awning outside the Denton Square location of Beth Marie’s. This façade rehab project is currently going through the Downtown Reinvestment Grant process. The grant given by the City of Denton to businesses in the Downtown district will help with the cost of “façade rehabilitation and building renovation, awnings and signs, impact fee reimbursements, utility upgrades, or interior code improvements.” Grant applicants go before the Downtown Economic Development Committee (DEDC), Downtown Tax Reinvestment Zone No.1 Board (Downtown TIRZ), and the City Council to apply for and receive this grant. Members of the DEDC score applicants based on project scope and need, and the grant amount is given based on the cumulative score, with the maximum grant amount being $50,000.
What makes the Downtown Reinvestment Grant so special is that it contributes to the fabric of our community. Available only within Downtown TIRZ #1 boundaries, this grant helps business owners physically improve their businesses. Our Downtown businesses are the “front porch” to Denton. Welcoming visitors and residents come to Downtown Denton for a day out of arts and culture and events big and small. This grant is a small part of a big effort to make Denton a destination.
When staff at Beth Marie’s are not busy making ice cream, cones, and connections, they serve the Denton community. Owners and staff are members of various service organizations, Beth Marie’s donates time, money, and products to charity events and fundraisers. It is estimated that Beth Marie’s helped raise $45,000 for local organizations last year.
While the weather may be cooling down, we hope you’ll venture to Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream for a homemade ice cream sundae.
Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
117 W Hickory
Denton, Texas 76201
Store: (940) 384-1818
Hours: Sunday thru Wednesday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday thru Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethmaries.ic
Instagram: beth_maries_denton_square
https://www.bethmaries.com/