Construction equipment is in place to work on new businesses sprouting up in The Plex area of north Bettendorf. That commercial area is bringing in at least $50 million a year in revenues, according to Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
“Future focused.” That’s the phrase business owner Marlisa Barrett recently used to describe the growing business community surrounding the TBK Bank Sports Complex in northern Bettendorf. That area, often called The Plex and located just south of Interstate 80 and around Middle and Forest Grove roads, is growing at a staggering rate. It has about […]
“Future focused.”That’s the phrase business owner Marlisa Barrett recently used to describe the growing business community surrounding the TBK Bank Sports Complex in northern Bettendorf. That area, often called The Plex and located just south of Interstate 80 and around Middle and Forest Grove roads, is growing at a staggering rate. It has about 50 businesses – with a lot more on the way – and is attracting out-of-town visitors by the thousands who are bringing in millions of dollars into the local economy every year.The Plex area businesses easily attract at least $50 million in revenues from visitors every year, Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher estimated. And just the TBK Bank Sports Complex has attracted about 600,000 visitors over the past few years, according to Visit Quad Cities, the region’s tourism and business advocacy group.“This area is really future focused. The plan for this area is well managed. … I’m really excited to see what’s going to happen here in the next five years,” said Ms. Barrett, owner/operator of the Swirl wine bar, which opened at 4832 Forest Grove Road, about a year ago.Businessman and developer Ryan Hintze, who is one of the owners of the TBK Bank Sports Complex, and the owner of Iron Tee Golf being built at The Plex, called the region a “city within a city” that is sparking excitement and great business opportunities in the region.“We believe these developments will not only enhance the sports and entertainment landscape in The Plex area, but also serve as a catalyst for further economic growth and community development,” he told the QCBJ.Many of those economic growth ventures are happening now. Here’s a look at just a few of the big business developments in the works:
ORA Orthopedics: The biggest of those projects was just announced in late March. ORA Orthopedics will build a new $50 million, state-of-the-art clinic and outpatient surgery center next to the TBK Bank Sports Complex. Work on the new 113,000-square-foot medical facility and administrative headquarters is expected to begin later this year and be complete in early 2026. “This next-level, best-in-class orthopedic campus will allow us to better serve our team, recreational, and professional athletes,” Dr. Edward Connolly, ORA orthopedic surgeon and practice president, said in a news release announcing the project.
Iron Tee Golf facility: This $35 million facility at 6909 Iron Tee Way is expected to open in late May. Much of the facility will center around a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled driving range that will have 58 bays. The facility will also feature a full-service restaurant, bars and other entertainment options.
Bettendorf City Administrator Decker Ploehn recently called the Iron Tee a “venue of entertainment connected to golf.” It’s expected to bring in thousands of visitors – even people who care nothing for golf. “Iron Tee Golf is swiftly moving towards completion, currently on schedule and under budget,” Mr. Hintze said. “Our team is now focused on the finishing touches, including interior design, procurement of furniture, golf equipment, startup of all kitchen and bar equipment. We are actively hiring for all roles and departments and looking to hire around 160 staff members.”
New sports building: When the Iron Tee Golf facility is complete, construction work is expected to begin on a new $13 million sports building. That new, yet-to-be-named facility, will be located next to Iron Tee. Construction is expected to begin work this spring and ground has already been broken on this 113,000-square-foot indoor sports facility.
“This building draws inspiration from the TBK Bank Sports Complex's current indoor facility, but is tailored to our vision of supporting a wide range of sports, including baseball, soccer, softball, lacrosse and flag football,” Mr. Hintze said. After the sports building is complete, developers are looking to add a "courtyard entertainment area" in 2025. “This courtyard area would be an additional entertainment hub for locals and sports tourists alike. We are looking at concepts that include a band shelter, string lighting, firepits, oversized games, and are actively looking at an outdoor mini golf concept to keep the entertainment continually leveling up for local and sports tourism entertainment,” he added. Building developers are now in the process of securing naming rights for the new facility. “This represents a unique opportunity for a corporate partner to associate with a state-of-the-art sports complex that promises to be a hub for athletic development and events in the region,” Mr. Hintze added.
QCR Holdings, Inc.: The parent company of Quad City Bank & Trust recently announced it is buying land at the southeast corner of Forest Grove and Middle roads for its new headquarters – relocating from Moline. This site also will become the sixth branch for Quad City Bank & Trust. Construction is expected to begin later this year.
SpringHill Suites: A new $17 million SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel will be built alongside the new Iron Tee Golf attraction, according to Frontier Hospitality Group, the hotel development company building the new facility. SpringHill is expected to open next year.
“There’s a lot to experience out in that area — retail, bars, restaurants, TBK Bank Sports Complex and now Iron Tee. It’s actually becoming a growth corridor in the Quad Cities,” Dan Huber, Frontier’s CEO, said in a recent interview with the QCBJ.
Ethan Biermann, a team leader at Zeke’s Island Cafe, is shown inside the company’s new restaurant at The Plex in Bettendorf. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
A new Jersey Mike’s subs sandwich shop opens Wednesday, April 24, at 5261 Competition Drive in Bettendorf. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
This is the interior of the Swirl wine bar, which opened at 4832 Forest Grove Road, Bettendorf, about a year ago.
Nora Loss, owner of Red’s Threads Athleisure Boutique at 5043 Competition Drive, Bettendorf, shows some of the clothing available at her specialty store. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Growth corridor
That growth corridor will continue to grow in the coming years as businesses continue to announce plans for new facilities at The Plex.“We are pleased that the business community sees the growth potential ignited by the TBK Bank Sports Complex. We are very excited to welcome ORA and their employees to The Plex area where they will find a multitude of shopping, dining and entertainment options,” Mr. Gallagher told the QCBJ shortly after ORA Orthopedics announced its plans for a $50 million facility. “The synergy created by businesses, like ORA, moving to The Plex area will help ensure the vitality of the corridor.” The mayor added: “People can’t believe the way the area has exploded.. … So many people are thankful for all the bars and restaurants and other businesses that are out there.”The new businesses in the works for the region will add to an already strong lineup of restaurants, bars, gift shops, clothing stores and other businesses in the region. In the past few years those businesses have brought in hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into the local economy. The TBK Bank Sports Complex, conservatively, generates more than $25 million in annual economic impact and diversifies the tax revenue base in the entire Quad Cities region, according to information from Visit Quad Cities.“Sports tourism is a force for good for the Quad Cities and it is imperative that we continually invest in additional event acquisition, marketing and promotion, and capital projects if we want to remain competitive in this space,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “The TBK Bank Sports Complex, the new Iron Tee development, and the entire Plex neighborhood are positioning the QC for strategic growth,” he added. According to statistics from Visit Quad Cities, from 2019 to the end of last year, the TBK Bank Sports Complex had 596,078 visitors who went to the complex a total of more than 7.68 million times over the five-year period.But those big numbers don’t account for the entire benefits of the region. Economic development leaders add that having facilities like the TBK Bank Sports Complex help improve the quality of life and attract other businesses and families to the region.“(This area) has exploded with businesses over the past few years,” said Peter Tokar III, the new president and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. “This area has become a great location for sports tournaments bringing in people from outside the area, to stay in hotels and enjoy family-friendly dining establishments. … In terms of attracting businesses to our region, lifestyle developments are assets our site selector friends take note of as they consider communities. It’s important for companies to know that they and their employees have amenities important for their families.” Many of those currently doing business in The Plex said they’re happy to be part of the community. That’s because they enjoy providing services – and doing good business.Avalon Carlin, a manager at Cookies & Dreams, located at 6920 Competition Court, said her business is one of those enjoying strong business at The Plex.“When TBK (sports complex) has big events, people come in for the cookies. … We love this place because it’s right off the interstate and we get a lot of travelers here,” Ms. Carlin said.She added that many people see the shop’s neon sign – a big sign in the front window – that states “Come in. We have cookies.” – and get in the mood for a treat.Others commented that business has really picked up since a major road project was completed. The Forest Grove Drive Reconstruction Project closed roads, created detours and caused some frustrations in the region before its completion last year.“Business is better. … People are getting here now that they don’t have to go through a hop, skip and jump to find the place,” said John Reninger, manager of Computer Revolutions, 4856 Forest Grove.Nora Loss, the owner of Red’s Threads Athleisure Boutique at 5043 Competition Drive, agrees that business is better since the road work ended. “We had some beautiful fall days last year when only one person walked through the doors,” she said.However, Ms. Loss would not use the word "great” to describe her business in recent times. There have still been some tough times for Red’s Threads this year. She has added to her inventory by bringing in more men’s clothing in hopes of pumping up her business. “That’s something people have been asking for,” she said.Even with more inventory, Ms. Loss said the future is uncertain for her business at The Plex, which has been in that neighborhood for about five years. Her store’s lease ends later this year and she may move to a different location. She said she is now adding up the pros and cons of staying at The Plex.Ms. Loss said that perhaps part of the problem at The Plex is that the growth in the region has been uneven. There have been a lot of restaurants and bars opening, but not much else. “I see a lot of food places opening up. I just wish there was more diversity,” she added.One of those restaurants at The Plex is Zeke’s Island Cafe. Ethan Biermann, a team leader at Zeke’s, recently said the restaurant is doing good business, but they are always looking for more customers.“We’re here. We just need to get people in the door. Some days are $300 days; some are $1,300 days…. But this really is an awesome place. We’re right next to the highway and next to a hotel,” Mr. Biermann said.Other business owners and managers at The Plex said these are healthy and exciting times for them.Vynce Querin, manager at Temple’s Sporting Goods, 5171 Competition Drive, said he’s excited to help people with their sports equipment needs. For instance, a woman from New York who is in charge of 30 youth baseball teams in that state, recently called Temple’s in search of a certain type of baseball helmet. Mr. Querin was able to find the helmets and had them shipped to her.He added that he loves being in The Plex because of all the shopping and sports opportunities that are available. He’s especially excited about improving his golf game when the new Iron Tee Golf facility opens in a few weeks.“This is the new Bettendorf. It’s growing. It's getting better. It’s coming together piece by piece,” added Mr. Querin.
