The Terrell Informer

06/18/2026

The building we call home has sold so Hickory Roots will be closing its doors!

Our last day will be this Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Please come by to see us between now and then!

We will miss the Terrell community and appreciate the many years of patronage as both Hickory Roots and Ranch Hand BBQ.

You can still enjoy our products at our other locations!!!

Come see us at Ham Orchards (for the summer), Smoke Monkey or one of our chicken concepts, Mary Sue’s, in Forney and Mary Sue’s Hot Chicken and Dough in Arlington.

We are thankful for our loyal customers and will miss each of you.

We wish the new proprietors a great success.

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Chipotle’s coming soon to Forney

FORNEY, TEXAS 🌯
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL BRINGING NEW RESTAURANT TO THE VILLAGES AT GATEWAY

Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding its footprint in Kaufman County, preparing to open a brand-new location in Forney. The popular fast-casual restaurant, known for its customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos, will be setting up shop at the highly anticipated Villages at Gateway development. Located at 1970 Gateway Blvd within Suite 100, the project involves a $300,000 investment for the first-generation tenant finish-out of a newly constructed 3,000-square-foot shell building. Construction on the new dining spot is scheduled to kick off this fall on November 16, 2026, with a target completion date set for the following spring on March 30, 2027.

📍 1970 Gateway Blvd Suite 100, Forney, TX 75126

06/17/2026

A Rockwall County judge has ruled that The Shores at Lake Ray Hubbard HOA cannot enforce parking restrictions on public streets, declaring portions of the association’s governing documents invalid and unenforceable. The decision affirms that regulation of public roadways falls under municipal authority, not private homeowners associations.

Link to article in comments!

What are your thoughts on HOA authority when it comes to public streets? Share your perspective in the comments below.

06/17/2026

WHAT IF…Historic Downtown Terrell had a front door like this?

This rendering is just a concept, but the idea behind it comes from Terrell’s adopted Downtown Plan.

The plan didn’t only focus on buildings. It also talked about improving the “approach corridors” into downtown — the roads people travel as they enter the historic district — with landscaping, streetscape improvements, and gateway features that help create a stronger sense of arrival.

And to be fair, the City of Terrell has made progress downtown over the years. We’ve seen improvements, events, private investment, and renewed attention toward making downtown a stronger part of the community again.

This specific type of entryway feature is one idea from the plan that is still interesting to imagine.

Would something like this help give downtown Terrell a stronger identity?

Or would you rather see future downtown improvements focus first on:

1. Sidewalks
2. Lighting
3. Parking
4. Building restoration
5. Landscaping
6. Road improvements
7. More downtown events

Source: City of Terrell Downtown Plan, adopted December 5, 2017. The plan discusses approach corridor improvements, gateway features, monumentation, landscaping, and streetscape enhancements for downtown.

This is not an official city project or approved construction plan. It is a visual conversation starter inspired by the Downtown Plan and the idea of making downtown feel more welcoming, historic, and easy to recognize.

06/17/2026

Lance Gooden: How Are Data Centers Affecting You?

06/16/2026

🏘️ Proposed Multi-Family Development Under Review

A request has been submitted to rezone approximately 15 acres of a larger 54.49-acre tract from Commercial to Planned Development – Multi-Family Residential (PD-MF).

If approved, the zoning change would allow for the development of a multi-family residential community with customized development standards addressing density, building design, landscaping, open space, access, and overall site layout.

During today's City Council meeting, a public hearing will be opened, providing residents and stakeholders an opportunity to offer comments, ask questions, or express support or concerns regarding the proposal. Following the public hearing and Council discussion, the City Council is expected to consider and vote on the zoning request.

📍 Interested in learning more? Attend today's City Council meeting and hear the presentation, public comments, discussion, and final action firsthand.

📌 The Planned Development (PD-MF) zoning process allows the City to establish site-specific development standards intended to promote quality design and compatibility with surrounding properties.

06/16/2026

A house fire in Terrell, Texas, on Sunday safely displaced two residents thanks to quick-thinking neighbors, but left one responding firefighter hospitalized from a heat-related medical emergency. MORE BELOW ⬇️