[Fort Smith, AR]

Thanks for the info. I first heard about it on one of the local news stations and I think they did use the word move. But it's nice to hear that La Huerta is doing well enough to open another location. I also thought it was an interesting location becing so close to the historical area. By the way welcome to the forum. Can I assume you're from Ft Smith? It would be interesting to have someone from there to keep us up to date on what's going on there.

Yes, I'm in FSM. Your post on the photos thread was right on the money. Fort Smith was a blue collar town that relied heavily on factory workers at Whirlpool, Rheem, Baldor and Hiram Walker to make things click. Now that those jobs are being relocated, we're at a crossroads.

Unfortunately, the city leaders don't seem to know how to attract new business of the white-collar variety. The population is older which is a big reason a bond issue to build a sports complex (10 baseball fields, 10 softball fields, 8-10 indoor basketball/volleyball courts) was overwhelming defeated.

Sprawl is a problem, though a few developers have begun to return to downtown.

I fear Fort Smith is a dying town. But, on the plus side, if you can find a good job housing is very affordable.

[Fort Smith, AR]

Mith, La Huerta is not moving. The owners are opening a second location in downtown Fort Smith. It'll be located in the old Goodson's on Garrison location in the old Herb's Feed & Tack building just east of the Varsity.