LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A sign is often the first thing people notice when walking or driving past a business.
One year ago, the signage of Breckenridge Village was ruined by the destructive tornado that hit on March 31, 2023, but now it's back and better than ever.
"[We have] a brand-new sign that kind of reflects the newness of the center. We're redoing everything at Breckenridge and we're so excited about it," said Jim Keet, Chairman of JTJ Restaurants.
Breckenridge Village was one of the hardest hit areas by the tornado and Keet explained how the new sign is just one of the many new additions to the area.
"Just like here at Mount Fuji, it's emblematic of what we're trying to do, it's beautiful, it's unique it kind of says who we want the center to be going forward. And like Eat My Catfish, Travis Hester has done a great job of remodeling after the tornado, his sales are up like 15% versus last year and it's just a good indication of the momentum that we have going forward," Keet said.
Travis Hester, the president of Eat My Catfish said it's a good feeling to see people flocking to the area again. He also said that this positive momentum is just the beginning for them.
"We're going to make this place bigger and better than ever as a shopping center [and] as a whole. You know Waldo's Chicken and Beer is about to open up to Deluca's is around the corner, Mount Fuji is doing great, the center looks awesome, and that new sign just highlights it all," he described.
They said that the best feeling has been not just enjoying this moment with family, but having a community who never gave up on them in a time of need.
"We wanted to be that meeting spot for the community, and we feel it's like that, but the center needed some love, and the tornado gave us an opportunity to do that," Hester said.
Keet also said that Waldo's Chicken and Beer is set to open later this month.