In the face of closing businesses in Wichita Falls, concerns have been raised about the city’s economy. Despite well-known local businesses like Karat, Salt and Pepper, and B Cocoa shutting down, Ron Kitchens, CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, reassures residents that there is no need to worry. According to Kitchens, when businesses close it is simply part of the natural life cycle of companies.
Despite recent closures of national chains like J.C. Penney’s and Maurice’s, Kitchens does not see them as part of the same pattern of inflation-related closures. He explains that these closures were due to issues between the companies and mall operators, not reflective of the overall economic health of the city.
Looking towards the future, Kitchens remains optimistic for the Wichita Falls economy. With $750 million in construction projects set to start this year, he expects to see a further boost to the local economy. To encourage innovation in business owners, the Chamber of Commerce is launching a six-part series on how to open a restaurant in September, supporting both aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses.
