CATS Alley Decatur is planning to open in June. Above is a stock photo, but below is a gallery of pictures from the soon-to-be-opened bowling alley. Sean Locke Photography/Stocksy
It’s almost time to lace up the bowling shoes — Wise County is getting its lanes back.
CATS Alley, a brand-new bowling alley and entertainment hub, is nearly ready to make its debut and is filling out its staff to open just north of Decatur. Located at 1984 N. U.S. 287, the venue expects to open in June, bringing bowling back to the area for the first time in decades.
“This is a vision I had from years ago — maybe not necessarily here at the time,” the alley’s owner, Alfred, said. “And then I saw the need.”
CATS Alley will feature 16 slick new lanes, plus an arcade, billiards, a full bar and kitchen, and private party rooms — everything you need for a night out with family or friends.
They’re also hiring now for a range of full-time and part-time positions in operations, kitchen, arcade and more. Applicants must be 17 or older. The alley expects to begin training for most positions in late May.
Those interested can send a resume or questions to catsalleynskate@outlook.com.
It’s been a long time since Decatur Bowl closed its doors — and even longer since bowling lit up the Decatur Square. But the countdown is on — and soon, so is the scoreboard.
Be sure to check out their page for updates, like these photos included below.
Two new grocery options in the works
The lack of grocery shopping options is a common refrain among Wise County folks.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard whispers about two new grocery concepts with a fiercely local approach — and they may soon expand the current grocery scene.
No, it’s not one of the big chains. These are smaller by design.
Sabra Chrisawn, who previously opened the Decatur Pelican’s SnoBalls location, is working to open a farm-to-table-style grocery store with a community ethos off N. Business 81.
Chrisawn recently purchased the Decatur Fresh Produce Market, the iconic building off Walnut Street. She and co-owner Michelle Smith plan to expand that business under the name Wise Roots Farm to Market.
She expects to relocate to a 2,700-square-foot building at 304 N. Business 81, near Maverick Fuels and Decatur ISD’s Eagle Stadium. Her goal is to bring the fresh produce and community feel of the market to a larger scale — now with locally sourced meats from area ranchers.
“I met my own need, and I get to offer it to everybody,” she said. “I was looking for [more grocery options], so I decided to share it.”
“We need better food. What better way to get your produce and proteins — to know who the grower is, where the hay came from?” Chrisawn continued. “We want to keep our food and roots right here, and we hope we can connect the old farming community to new residents.”
She envisions Wise Roots Farm to Market as more than just a store — she sees it as a community hub, the kind of place where relationships with customers feel personal and warm, like a neighborhood diner.
She said the plan is to source fresh meat from Veterans Liberty Ranch, bringing unique options, from tallow to tomahawk steaks. Beyond farm-fresh food, she also hopes to dedicate space for books, a classroom area, and even other retail, like home décor or Decatur Eagles merch that’s just a quick walk away from the Friday night lights at Eagle Stadium.
Chrisawn hopes she can open up this venture in the next few months.
And as we were working to gather information for Wise Roots, another fresh food market stirred up buzz in local Facebook groups this week.
The Storehouse, described as a health store/farmers market/grocery store, shared plans to open a cost-effective grocery alternative at 901 Medical Center Dr., near Medical City Decatur’s campus off Farm Road 51.
I don’t know much more than that just yet.
But will update this column once I do.
It seems like these two ventures are similar. But hey — Hollywood once gave us The Illusionist (2006) and The Prestige (2006), Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and White House Down (2013), A Bug’s Life (1998) and Antz (1998), and movie-goers were the beneficiaries. So why can’t Decatur pull off two indie grocery store launches at once?
Golfers rejoice
In other entertainment venue news, my editorial mission to nurture the Wise County golf scene notched a big win recently with the opening of a new local golf spot.
To be clear, I deserve zero credit.
Tee Time Decatur — part practice facility, part golf-focused hangout spot — had its soft opening last week, debuting outdoor driving bays for weekend warriors and scratch golfers alike.
The venue, located just north of Decatur Golf Club at 163 Country Club Road, has big plans in the works: 24/7 indoor virtual bays, a bar and food service, and a putting green. The goal is to soon offer six indoor simulator bays, along with membership options and event space rentals.
It’s all a work in progress, but I think they’ll find the sweet spot.
These simulator setups are one of the biggest trends in the golf world right now, expanding access to the game and helping fuel the rise of pro-backed ventures like TGL, supported by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Now, Wise County is joining the fold.
According to their website, the Tee Time Decatur mission is simple: to bring a laid-back, affordable golf experience to the area.
For more information, visit teetimedecatur.com.
Welcome to Wise
Golden Chick in Decatur is now open. The restaurant is inside the new TA Travel Center off U.S. 81/287. SUBMITTED
Golden Chick (TA Travel Center)
Golden Chick recently added Wise County to its list of 106 North Texas locations.
The new Golden Chick is in Decatur, inside the new TA Travel Center near Farm Road 2264 off U.S. 81/287.
While in a shared space, the Golden Chick location offers a full menu with dine-in, drive-thru, takeout and delivery, according to a press release announcing the franchise’s arrival.
At the helm of the new location is Nabil Elhorr, a first-time Golden Chick franchisee.
“New franchisees like Nabil bring passion and a fresh perspective, which is extremely valuable for our brand as we continue to grow and evolve,” said Brian Loescher, president of Golden Chick Franchising, in the press release. “This opening has been highly anticipated in Decatur, and we look forward to delivering on our promise of superior quality and being an active member of the community. We’re committed to making this restaurant a place people are proud of and are excited to welcome our new neighbors in.”
This is the 13th Golden Chick opening so far in 2025.
J Block & Co, a home decor and furniture shop, will host a grand opening at its Decatur Square location at 100 W. Walnut St. Saturday.
This is no IKEA. The store will showcase furniture custom designed and crafted by J. Block Designs (Jason Block), who has been in the custom furniture game for the last 10 years.
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Parker County Beef Company, a direct to consumer beef company based in Springtown, has added Decatur to its expansion plans.
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce spotlighted the new member of the business community online, listing their corner pocket spot on the Decatur Square, 121 N. State Street.
Bryson and Ashley Burtnett, who are part of the family-owned and operated beef company, recently became the Messenger’s peers in the journalism industry, reviving the Azle News and Springtown Epigraph.
Welcome to the news business, and welcome to Decatur!
Start ’em young
Mel Latu, a local entrepreneur and author, has released Roo and the Cash Crew, a new children’s book trilogy designed to inspire young minds to dream big, think boldly, and learn the foundations of financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
The trilogy series follows Roo, the kangaroo, and his animal friends as they learn how to start a business, build partnerships and give back to their community. Latu announced in a press release that the book encourages families to have meaningful conversations about money, ownership and legacy.
“I wrote this book to spark little minds to believe they can be their own boss,” said Latu. “Financial literacy and business ownership are tools for empowerment—and kids shouldn’t have to wait until adulthood to learn them.”
Latu said proceeds from book sales support the newly launched Cash Crew Kid Entrepreneur Grant Program, which provides microgrants to young aspiring business owners. The book is available on Amazon and through their website: www.cashcrewbooks.com.
Have a new business or a recent personal career accomplishment? Send business news tips to news@wcmessenger.com.
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