Businesses at Lincoln Square in North Arlington aren't just open, they're booming.
"This year is off to a great start and we're already beating last year's Super Bowl numbers," said Brian Olenjack, Owner and Chef of Olenjack’s Grille in the shopping center at Collins Street and Interstate 30 in North Arlington.
The great start translates to more business, more spending. Plus, with ground broken on a new Michael's Arts and Crafts store and an Ulta beauty products retail store, there is even more building going on.
The boom is a welcome change of pace from the struggles of recent years.
"It's been a tough couple of years," admits Pam Dawson, Lincoln Square Manager. "We've been holding our own which we find to be successful given the situation."
'The situation' revolved around an economy that was bottoming-out, which led to virtually no new retail development in North Arlington.
Meanwhile, Lincoln Square was surrounded by construction that, at the time, disturbed business. That construction included the new Cowboys Stadium as well as nearby roads, including the Center Street overpass of I-30, which has limited access to the area.
"It's better than it's been in the past two years," said Olenjack. "We've definitely seen an increase in business and we're looking forward to 2012."
Olenjack also credits Lincoln Square's proximity to other Arlington attractions.
"With the stadiums being here, both Cowboys Stadium and the Rangers Ballpark, we've seen an impact with that and with [Cowboys Owner] Jerry Jones booking more concerts," said Olenjack. "We just had the [Monster Energy] Supercross dirt bikers and monster trucks and stuff like that coming through here. You're seeing more and more people come back to Arlington."
Dawson added that Lincoln Square’s growth and sustainability speaks to condition of the area at large. She said, "this is a good sign to show there's health here and there's a lot to be done in North Arlington."
