Huntsville introduces plan to help boost revenue, commerce in downtown area

Published on May 11, 2023

The City of Huntsville will soon consider an ordinance to declare certain property as surplus and enter into a lease agreement with a new-to-market restaurant concept.

During the regularly scheduled City Council meeting Thursday, the City introduced an ordinance to declare a 7,000-square-foot parcel of land near the southwest corner of Cleveland Avenue Northwest and Meridian Street North as surplus. Officials have determined that no City department or division needs the property for public or municipal use.

The City also proposed an agreement to lease the property to Barracuda, which would build a walk-up-style restaurant and open-air garden at the site near AM Booth’s Lumberyard. Jim McGuffey, Huntsville’s Deputy Director of Urban and Economic Development, expects the agreement with Barracuda would increase sales and use tax revenue, promote commerce and serve as a catalyst for entertainment and development in the downtown area.

The Louisiana-based restaurant currently operates Taco Stand and Margarita Garden units in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Huntsville site would be Barracuda’s fourth location.

The Council will vote on the measure at its Thursday, May 25, meeting.