How a Nearby Data Center Transformed a Central Texas Pizza Joint

There is a lot of bad press about data center construction in Central Texas, but now I offer something positive. Small businesses are doing well.

How Data Center Construction is Feeding a Hubbard Small Business

I was checking out KXXV’s website and was surprised to see a story about one of my favorite restaurants near my home in Navarro County. I, like other rural Texans, have been ticked off about the recent explosion of data center construction, especially the one being built in my neck of the woods in Hubbard, Texas. The KXXV article confirmed something I already knew. Small businesses in Hubbard are benefiting from the construction of the data center.

Polo’s Pizza

I have mentioned Polo’s Pizza on the air a couple of times in the past. They are not advertisers (they are 65 miles north of the radio station) but I like to give credit where credit is due. Their meat lovers pizza (with extra cheese) reminds me of the old school Godfather’s Pizza. It is simply amazing.

Construction Traffic

Every day on my drive home down Hwy 31 in Hill County, I see the construction crews working to build the data center that is less than 2 miles southeast of Polo’s Pizza. It makes sense construction crews would visit Hubbard businesses, especially one that makes such great food.

Data Center Location Hubbard,Texas Google Maps

From Quiet Dinners to Overpacked Lunch Rush

For nearly a decade, the local pizzeria operated as a steady, quiet staple of the community, managing its dining room with a single server. However, the industrial development down the road has entirely transformed the restaurant's daily routine. This sudden spike in customers has forced Polo’s to hire additional staff.

High School Grads

Daniel Torres, the manager at Polo’s Pizza, says four new positions have been created due to the construction crowd. He says the new business has allowed him to hire recent high school graduates in need of summer jobs.

The Locals Are Not Going Anywhere

Despite the rapid changes and the crowded dining room, the local clientele will continue to visit the restaurant. I usually call in an order for my extra-large meat lovers WITH extra cheese as I am driving home from work because I’ve seen the crowded dining room firsthand.

NOW the Negative

Yes, local businesses do see a major uptick in business when data center construction is underway, but it doesn’t last forever. Typical data center construction lasts about 18 months. Most data centers operate with a staff of fewer than 30 people. Often times that number is closer to 15.