💵3 wealthiest D-FW areas are in Tarrant; Mini is big for FW Coca-Cola bottler

TechFW graduate Nanoscope Therapeutics reported positive top-line results from its two-year Phase IIb clinical trial of MCO-010, an ambient-light-activatable optogenetic monotherapy that could restore vision in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (blindness). Nanoscope said it expected to submit a license application to the FDA later this year. 

Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages plans a three-year, $168-million spend at its Fossil Creek facility, adding two production lines and growing its warehouse space from 150,000 square feet to 400,000. The new lines will center around the sparkling business and add capability for different sizes, such as mini cans. It is the third-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S. and estimates it contributed $5.4 billion in economic activity in Texas.

The success of the Fort Worth Stockyards is driving a herd of new projects and plans in the iconic Western heritage district. To help manage this growth, a nonprofit, Fort Worth Stockyards Inc., has been started and Paul Paine is taking the reins. Paine was the Joint Reserve Base leader before leading Near Southside Inc. from 2005 to 2018. Robert Francis at Fort Worth Worth Report has the story. 

Bell has opened a Weapons Systems Integration Lab in Arlington. The facility will support the “safe, rapid, and efficient” integration and test of next-generation, fly-by-wire tilt-rotor and mission systems, using a modular open systems approach for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

Grapevine-based BILT Incorporated has partnered with the University of North Texas Health Science Center to catalyze healthcare education by integrating BILT's 3D and extended reality tools with the school's medical instructional methodologies. The U.S. Air Force funded the project; phase one goal is to empower airmen with hands-on experience in an immersive environment and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Fort Worth City Council will vote in May whether to endorse a master plan approved by the Parks and Recreation Department for Gateway Park, between I-30 and SH 121, east of Beach Street. The plan is to open an area west of Beach Street with a new road, parking, a sports field, concessions and restrooms. The estimated price tag is $140 million; Parks and Recreation has less than $8 million, and voters would decide to fund the rest through bond elections.

It’s all about location. North Arlington’s 76005 ZIP code jumped into the rankings and eclipsed Highland Park in Dallas as the No. 3-ranked wealthiest neighborhood in D-FW, according to 2022 Census Bureau data reviewed by the Dallas Business Journal. The driver of much of the wealth is Viridian, a 2,000-acre master-planned active lifestyle community. Southlake’s 76092 ranks No. 1 for the sixth year in a row. Colleyville’s 76034 held its ground at No. 2.

Tea lovers know they get a mild caffeine boost every time they sip their favorite drink. But some would rather get a high-energy jolt. Fort Worth-based HTeaO hears those tea lovers loud and clear—and just dropped a new product line to prove it. Dallas Innovates has the story. 

The Arlington City Council has approved the re-do of Lincoln Square with new retail and the addition of apartments. 

Budget airline Breeze Airways will debut June 7 at DFW International Airport with a twice-weekly route to Provo, Utah. Promotional rates start at $69 one-way.

Picklr, a national pickleball franchise, is expected to open in late May at 1705 S. Cherry Lane in Fort Worth. The Utah-based chain has nearly 200 facilities across the U.S.

Fort Worth-based Escalante Golf has added Wilderness Club in Montana to its portfolio, the 23rd in the U.S. Escalante will manage golf operations, hospitality, food & beverage, and real estate development and sales. The company said it would invest over $15 million in expansion and improvements. 

Openings:

• Leather goods retailer FOUNT will open April 12 in Southlake Town Square. During the month-long grand opening, in-store customers will have the chance to make a complimentary leather wallet. FOUNT’s products are inspired by heritage brands known for classic designs.

• The next two CosMc locations, a McDonald's spinoff for drinks, are set to open tomorrow in Watauga at 7304 Denton Highway and April 8 in Arlington at Abram’s Alley, 300 E. Abram Street #150. They are the second and third stores in D-FW.

• Chef Felipe Armenta’s Far Out Hospitality plans to open a Pacific Table in Southlake in May in a former Redrock Canyon Grill. It will be the third location for the restaurant known for Pacific Northwest cuisine.  

Snippets:

• American Airlines gets pet friendlier. 

• What to do with your 2023 tax refund, according to wealth advisers.

• Five amazing facts about the Lockheed Martin F-35 helmet worn by pilots of The Lightning II.

Cook Children’s Health Care System ranked No. 3 on Forbes’ 2024 list of “America’s Best Large Employers.” The Fort Worth-based hospital was the top-ranked healthcare system and Texas company.

Governor Greg Abbott has re-appointed Mary Louise Nicholson of Fort Worth to the Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees, with her term expiring December 31, 2029.

Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley has received a Congressional Patriot Award, which recognizes those who give selflessly of their time and talent to make their communities a better place. Honorees are selected by a sitting member of Congress; Congressman Pat Fallon nominated Hurley.

Announcements:

• Lockheed Martin: Eric Fox retires today as Director of Government Relations.

• AZZ Inc.: Announces November retirement of CFO Philip Schlom. Jason Crawford, SVP-Finance, will transition into the role.

• Alcon:  Hires Terry Kim, MD, as Chief Medical Officer and head of Global Medical Safety. 

• Fort Worth, Texas magazine: Hires Mary DeNuccio as Business Account Executive.

• Chisholm Trail Accounting: Launched by Kim Middleton, CPA.

Last poll results: Will the Texas Rangers repeat as World Series Champions this year? Yes (61%), No (39%).