New Restaurants and Retailers Coming To Shreveport

The face of Shreveport`s Youree Drive has changed significantly over the past few years, and it`s about to to change even more thanks to a new retail development. Monday morning Mayor Keith Hightower announced plans for Regal Court. It`s phase two of the already successful King`s Crossing Shopping Center. "We`re pleased to announce plenty of good additions to the City of Shreveport. Again, stores that people around here have been wanting for a long time," said Mayor Keith Hightower. The 40 acre property located across from the Lowe`s. Kohl`s and JC Penney have already signed on as anchor stores. "We expect Kohls and Penney`s to be open by Sept. `07... with that we`ll have hopefully about 50-percent of the additional space ready to go at that point," said developer Charlie Shears, of Houston based SDI Realty. Shreveport will see the return of T.G.I. Friday`s. Other restaurants include Logan`s Roadhouse, Dallas-based La Madeline French Bakery, Capital Grille-Longhorn Steakhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings. Developers say they are also in the final stages of bringing on high-end Chinese Bistro P.F. Chang`s. "The restaurants are going to be of a higher price point. But I believe the city is ready for that." said Shears. Mayor Hightower says Regal Court is just a part of larger plan to continue Shreveport`s economic growth. "We want to be a regional shopping area. As long as we continue to grow and provide things that have only been provided in the mega-markets before... we`ll get more competitive. And have more influx of dollars from the surrounding area," said Hightower. Regal Court will be an upscale development with lush landscaping, including a park and a large water feature. While it isn`t completely confirmed yet, developers say they`re also planning a DSW Shoes, either a Border`s or a Books-A-Million and a major sporting goods store.