During Monday’s meeting of the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board of Directors, Executive Director Ray Tipton stated that Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, located at 305 W. Commerce St., is targeting an opening date before the end of July.

Freddy’s is a fast-casual restaurant chain based in Wichita, Kansas with a menu that includes steakburgers, Vienna Beef hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. The company also provides frozen custard with a variety of specialty sundaes and concretes.

Following an executive session Monday, the BMDD Board unanimously approved awarding a Building Improvement Incentive Program grant – a 50 percent matching grant not to exceed $25,000 – to Tabat Properties, Ltd. “a development company that is building out the property for an (undisclosed) tenant,” according to Tipton. The property is located at 302 N. Main, site of the former Kroger.

The Board also unanimously approved a Building Improvement Incentive Program grant – a 50 percent matching grant not to exceed $10,000 – to Scott Morelock for a property located at 207 N. Fisk.

Both grants are on the Brownwood City Council agenda to be ratified during Tuesday’s 4 p.m. meeting.

Tipton also provided a sales tax report, stating year-to-date numbers are $400,000 better than budgeted and a $300,000 improvement over this time last year. He stated the reasons for the improvement was inflation, consumers still spending, and the addition of retail businesses such as Boot Barn and TJ Maxx.