Forney downtown re-vitalization begins with a creative flair. Crumbzz and the Forney Arts Council join forces to bring a “uniqu

SEPTEMBER 15, 2011, Forney TX- The City of Forney has been exploring ways to revitalize the downtown Forney area for quite some time. The first brick in the planning process begins to take shape with the opening of what Kim Buttram calls “the beginning of a new Forney”.

Ms. Buttram, the Executive Director of The City of Forney Economic Development Corporation, explains, “Our focus is on creating a downtown that will provide our residents with a destination that is uniquely Forney. The opening of the Crumbzz Tasting Pavilion and the Forney Arts Gallery in early November is the first step in the realization of that plan.”

The revitalization plan is focused on bringing a “Main Street Approach” to downtown. This plan has been used successfully in over 1200 communities across the country by spotlighting four key areas: organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring.

The EDC has identified several keys to bring the plan to fruition: strengthening the mix of businesses, preserving the historical characteristics of downtown buildings, making the core area more pedestrian-friendly, business recruitment and retention, and coordinating promotional and entertainment events throughout the year.

“Bringing the Crumbzz Tasting Pavilion and the Forney Arts Gallery to the downtown area, is just the beginning of what local residents can expect to see”, adds Ms Buttram.

Beginning as a grass roots movement in 2010, a diverse group of residents and business leaders created the Forney Arts Council, intent on creating a true arts movement in Forney. The group formed a fledgling non-profit and immediately began hosting art shows and local house concerts.

The council believes that art knows no boundaries. In its new downtown gallery, the Art Council will be able to provide artist and local residents with visual arts, music, technical arts, theater, dance; and culinary arts.

“Art gives people an opportunity to express themselves, enjoy creating, celebrate life - and a wonderful reason to gather in downtown Forney”, stated Art Council President Robert Dobbs. In the art gallery the art will be presented in true gallery form with large viewing areas and museum type lighting to offer the best viewing experience to the visitor.

The Crumbzz Tasting Pavilion will be Crumbzz first retail location. A purveyor of world-class artisan crumb cakes, Crumbzz four hundred year old Austrian family recipe graces some of the finest dining rooms in the country. Crumbzz is known for its hand-made, all-natural cakes and it’s outstanding gifting presentations. Offered at 5-star hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and as exquisite corporate and family gifts from the company’s web site at www.crumbzz.com,

“We are working on some new and exciting offerings that will be available only at our Forney Tasting Pavilion”, stated J Stephen Sadler, Crumbzz Executive Chef. “We want to provide Forney residents and visitors with an experience not just a meal.  Oatmeal pancakes with Crumbzz topping and cinnamon streusel syrup, a Crumbzz infused Polynesian vanilla ice cream and Crumbzz Cinnamon bread are just a few of the delicacies in the works”.

In addition, Crumbzz will also offer its 10” round Cinnamon Streusel, Chocolat de la Terre Fruit of the Seasons cakes, and MiniZZ snack cakes, as well as exotic coffee’s and tea’s that are paired with each offering, by world renowned tea and coffee sommeliers.

In what many may consider an unorthodox arrangement, the Arts Council and Crumbzz will share the same space. “Our Tasting Pavilion and the Art Council’s Gallery might seem like an unusual co-tenancy but we share many areas of common interest”, stated Sadler. “The space is a social gathering place where local residents can enjoy each other’s company while dining on wonderful artisan offerings surrounded by the works of local artists. Lighting, sound and décor have all been designed to highlight the atmosphere we are providing for our guests.”

Promising more than a dining and artistic experience, Forney residents can expect musicians and artists commissioned by the Arts Council to please visitors and local guests alike.

“We want this to not only be a wonderful experience for our residents for breakfast, desserts or just to visit and enjoy the wonderful local art scene but also as THE place to be on Friday and Saturday nights” added Ms. Buttram.

With the Crumbzz Tasting Pavilion and the Forney Art Council’s Art Gallery as an exciting first step, the City of Forney’s vision of a vibrant downtown area just might get Forney residents to think Forney First when they plan their next night out.

Crumbzz/Forney Arts will be located at 212 Bois D’Arc. For more information please go to www.forneyarts.org and www.crumbzz.com.