Businesses near Gretna Road development looking forward to extra tourism

BRANSON, Mo. - A $400 million project has been given the green light on Gretna Road in Branson.

The goal of the project is to bring more tourism to an area outside of the strip on 76 Highway.

Local businesses nearby tell Ozarks First they are looking forward to the extra traffic and tourism this development will offer.

"A bigger development will be good for Branson," said Andrew Anderson, who works at Vasken's Deli on the other side of Gretna Road.

"We're a little bit more of a hole in the wall," Anderson said.

He says this area, while still popular, gets less business than the strip.

"So that brings more business this way, whether it's tourism business or condo ownership, I think it's going to be a good idea," Anderson said.

The Gretna Road and Town & Country Drive Tax Increment Financing Development Plan is one of the city's largest economic projects ever.

Included in this expansion is several different things, including two restaurants and a 200-room hotel.

Mammoth Fieldhouse, an indoor sports complex, will also be opening in this stretch, with the hope of boosting year-round tourism.

A resort is also coming to the development.

The project is expected to roll out in phases starting in 2027.