Gun Barrel City, a small lakeside town in East Texas about 60 miles southeast of Dallas, is about to welcome a new business. A new HTeaO location is planned for 317 West Main Street, filling a grassy lot that has sat empty for years. Construction is expected to begin in October 2025 and wrap up by March 2026. The new 2,158-square-foot tea shop will join a busy retail corridor near Whataburger, Taco Bell, and Discount Tire.
What’s Coming to the Site
The project is classified as new construction and includes full site development. State records confirm that the tea bar will be built from the ground up. The current lot is grassy and vacant, with only an old pole sign and a leasing notice.
This location sits next to Discount Tire and directly across the street from Whataburger and Ivan Smith Furniture. The area already includes well-known chains like Dairy Queen and Taco Bell. A drink-focused business will give shoppers and drivers another option on the go.
Prime Location for a New Drink Spot
West Main Street is the city’s primary commercial stretch. The new tea bar joins a mix of restaurants, retail, and auto services. Its drive-thru setup and central placement make it well-positioned to attract steady traffic.
For Gun Barrel City, this project fills a rare gap in an otherwise developed strip. The visibility and nearby anchors suggest the new tea spot could do well with both locals and visitors.
A Look at the Site’s Past
Back in 1936, aerial images show two long buildings on this same site. The structures likely served agricultural or rural residential uses. At the time, the land was part of a quiet, undeveloped area near Cedar Creek Lake.
Over the decades, the region has grown into a retail center for the lake area. The farmland gave way to stores, restaurants, and wide parking lots. Despite this growth, the lot at 317 W Main has stayed empty—until now. Nearly 90 years later, it’s being put to use again.
Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by F.E.M