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Target, Portillo’s, and H-E-B? Forney’s Villages at Gateway Is Bringing the Heat

Target, Portillo’s, and H-E-B? Forney’s Villages at Gateway Is Bringing the Heat

After years of asking “Why can’t we get something good in Forney?” — the answer has finally arrived. The massive Villages at Gateway development is picking up serious steam, and with it comes a wave of major retailers, restaurants, and amenities that are set to transform the way Forney shops, dines, and lives.

And we’re not talking about another dollar store or fast-food joint. We’re talking Target, H-E-B, Home Depot, and Portillo’s — names that would’ve been unthinkable for our small town just a few years ago.

A New Era for Forney

The Villages at Gateway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious developments in all of Kaufman County. Strategically located at the junction of U.S. 80 and Gateway Blvd., the multi-phase project is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail, restaurant, and service space — creating jobs, boosting property values, and giving residents access to brands they’ve been begging for.

According to leasing materials and developer announcements, several national and regional businesses have already signed on or are deep in negotiations. Some are already confirmed with leases in place, while others are being finalized — but even this early list is impressive:

  • Target: No more driving to Mesquite or Rockwall. It’s coming here.
  • H-E-B: The Texas grocery king finally arrives in Forney. Game-changer.
  • The Home Depot: For DIYers, contractors, and anyone tired of long hauls for tools.
  • Portillo’s: A Chicago staple famous for Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake shakes.
  • Costa Vida: A fresh, modern twist on Mexican food.
  • BJ’s Wholesale & BJ’s Restaurant: One side saves you money, the other fills your belly.
  • Hideaway Pizza, Hawaiian Bros, 151 Coffee: New flavors, new vibes, and a serious upgrade to Forney’s dining scene.
  • James Avery, Bath & Body Works, Ross, Five Below, Burlington, Rack Room Shoes: A solid mix of fashion, lifestyle, and family shopping — all just down the road.

And the best part? This is just the beginning.

Still Room to Grow

Dozens of parcels and storefronts remain open, and developers are actively recruiting additional restaurants, boutique shops, services, and entertainment concepts. Locals are already buzzing with rumors of movie theaters, arcades, and even a potential hotel in future phases — though nothing official has been confirmed yet.

What is confirmed, though, is this: Forney is no longer just a pit stop between Terrell and Dallas. We’re becoming a destination in our own right.

A Boost for the Local Economy

With these new businesses come hundreds of local jobs and a surge in tax revenue that will benefit public infrastructure, parks, and schools. And for longtime residents, there’s a sense that Forney’s time has finally come.

“We’ve waited a long time for this,” said one resident. “For years we’ve had to leave town just to go out on a nice date or run basic errands. Now it’s all coming to us.”

City officials are also working to ensure roads, traffic patterns, and utilities can keep up with the growth. Infrastructure upgrades are already underway around Gateway Blvd., with more planned as new businesses open their doors.

Something for Everyone

Whether you’re a parent tired of driving to Rockwall for back-to-school shopping, a foodie excited for real restaurant variety, or a contractor happy to get lumber closer to home, Villages at Gateway is bringing something for you.

And with each new announcement, Forney’s future gets a little more exciting.