Slap-Out 1860 Brings New Businesses to Hubbard
The US Chamber of Commerce has reported an entrepreneurial surge across the nation, with an all-time high of 5.5 million new business applications filed in 2023. In Texas, 501,398 new business applications were filed in 2023, ranking no. 14 in business applications per capita. Recent data reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveals that Texas is consistently outpacing the overall nation’s growth in job and economic expansion. With an estimated 5.7% annual increase for 2023 in real gross domestic product, which is the value of all goods and services produced, Texas soars ahead of the nation’s overall increase of 2.5%. One-tenth of all small businesses in America reside in Texas, followed by California (9%), Florida (9%) and Georgia (6%). As entrepreneurship is flourishing in Texas, Slap-Out Trading Post 1860 is celebrating the addition of several new businesses with an early Texas historical theme, opening now in Hubbard, Texas.
The development of Slap-Out Trading Post 1860 is Jerry and Vicky Pierce’s vision to create a family-friendly tourist destination centered around Hubbard’s early trading post history and Texas’ Wild West beginnings. Pierce stated, “These new businesses have the potential to invigorate the local economy and increase the quality of small-town life experiences, which include the availability of delicious food options and fun entertainment for the whole family. Day-trippers from larger metro areas will enjoy the historical ambiance along with unique shopping finds and specialty artisan services.”
Originally, the 1860 Slap-Out community and Trading Post was located within the city limits of current day Hubbard. The new businesses are located at NE Fourth St. and reflect the early frontier theme. All will be welcomed and celebrated with an event on Saturday, August 31, starting at 10:00 AM, and continuing as 13:7 Custom hosts their Grand Opening with a live music concert and barbeque from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, within the Old Town Saloon.
Slap-Out Trading Post 1860, located within The Shoppes at Old Town, will be hosting their Grand Opening with extended hours, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Pierce remarked, “Visitors can experience the history of early Texas, and shop both antique and new trading post décor items and gifts.” The new trading post highlights historically themed displays, and special items such as antique hay trolleys, special knife collections, rare 5½ ft. tall dime store Indians, and National Rifle Association (NRA) commemorative collectibles, as well as vintage and new metal pitchers and boilers. The Shoppes at Old Town host favorite vendors such as Lunar Glow Acres, ACL Designs, Tina’s Treasures, The Best Little Knife Shop in Texas, Donna’s Creative Touch, Sarah Mae Fabrics, and Junkin’ with Jordan, as well as vendors offering home décor, gift baskets, boutique children’s clothing, lone star items, and more. Welcome to new vendor, Karen’s Kreations, with custom bottle creations.
The new Hill’s General Store will be open at 3:00 PM, celebrating with a soft opening and showcasing their Hill’s Farm to Table Ranch, LLC goods, such as soaps, lotions, home canned goods, breads, local honey, caramels, chocolates, baking extracts, and more. Shop for your favorite farmer’s market products and meet owner, Amber Hill, at 209 NE Fourth St.
Visit Dawson Discount Culvert, located at 205 NE Fourth St., offering HPDE double wall plastic, metal, and concrete culverts and accessories. Meet owner, Phillip Barnett, and ask about their Grand Opening promotion, and see how you can get a chance to win a free culvert.
Opening in October, Just Cuts, a new barber shop, will be located at 207 NE Fourth St. Stop by and meet owner, Mark Jones.
Kimberly’s Chuckwagon 3.1/Wings will have their food trailer on display to promote their new location, which will be housed at the Cotton Belt Station in Dawson at 200 N Main St.
Avant Garde Theatre of Dance has opened their new permanent home, with in-studio show seating, at 201 NE Fourth St. Come by and tour the new studio. Weekly classes are ongoing and great for both boys and girls. Register online at avantgardetheatreofdance.com for one free dance trial class and join the excitement!
Opening this Fall, Erler’s Texas Tavern Grill, owned by Bryan and Summer Erler, will include a new family-oriented sports bar and restaurant, to be managed by Summer. Food specialties will include favorites such as hamburgers and wings. Erler said, “One of our favorite menu items is our Twisted Tators, which are fries loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream and chili.” Meet the owner and tour the new Tavern coming soon!
13:7 Custom, offering custom leatherworks, is presenting their Grand Opening event as they celebrate moving into their new location at 211 NE Fourth St. Tour their big new shop and join them at the saloon next door for a Hubbard Christian Country Concert, with live music from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Cost for admission is $25 and includes performances by three artist groups and barbeque prepared by owner, Russell Barlow. Live music lineup includes artists: Bill Baker, Courtney Spears, and Matt and Courtney Marrs.
Small business ownership is a mainstay of the American Dream, and an essential element for revitalizing small Texas downtown areas. Pierce is poised to support small business growth and to help new businesses succeed within the Slap-Out Trading Post 1860 theme. Pierce stated, “We have developed inclusive policies with a plan for helping small businesses get a start. Pop-up opportunities are available for potential new vendors and new trial shops.”
In March 2024, The Navco Chronicle reported that Pierce was concerned over Hubbard’s business loss as two downtown shops had closed, and stated, “Pierce was affected by how the loss of these businesses impacted the whole of the downtown economic community, and he determined to take action to revitalize and help our small businesses in both Hubbard and Dawson to thrive.” These new business openings and other business growth over the past few months reveal the outcome of Pierce’s actions. He said that he would take action, and the results are self-evident, as The Shoppes at Old Town and Slap-Out 1860 have reached near total capacity. Pierce reported that plans are currently being developed for further expansion, with ideas involving the sister cities of Hubbard and Dawson, which includes their daughter and son-in-law, Jera and Ben Malone of Dawson, partners in the building at 207 NE Fourth St. The Pierce’s focus remains on continued growth in downtown Hubbard, as well as further development for downtown Dawson, and how the two cities can support tourism, with shared shopping and experience themes. For more information about Slap-Out 1860, or how you can get involved, contact Pierce directly at 817-999-4436.
By Cheri Lane
Special to The Navco Chronicle
Published August 28, 2024