Woody Ford has been a staple in Marshall County for over a century. Most residents have shopped at the business, or at least heard of it. The owner, Brian Butler, said he is looking to move the car lot and expand.
The proposed spot is the property next to Walmart on US 70. Butler said even though they are only in the preliminary stages, he has high hopes for the location. “We are currently working with the city engineer and putting together a plan for the water and sewage for the location,” Butler said.
He said they are waiting on the topography and how the land plats will line out.
Butler said nothing is set in stone, yet, but he has a few ideas for the location. Of course, there will be the new Woody Ford dealership, but the land might also be the location for a hotel, or possibly a restaurant.
“I haven’t spoken to anybody about the hotel,” Butler said. “However, I have talked to a few restaurants.”
Butler said his idea is for a high-end shopping and dining experience for customers. He wants to build a restaurant that will coincide with the Ford motif. He gave examples of having Model T Fords on display. The concept would have artificial grass and lights for kids to play while their parents enjoy a drink. It would offer games like football, cornhole and have ping pong tables. It would also have an upscale bar.
He also would like a restaurant outside of the dealership like a high-end steak house or restaurant of that nature. Butler said with all of the new growth in Marshall County, he wants to offer the residents and visitors higher-end food. Residents must leave Marshall County to experience upscale dining. This would keep it in Marshall County.
Not only does Butler want to offer residents an upscale dining experience, he said he wants to help generate tax revenue. The infrastructure of Madill is struggling, there will soon be a need for a new water treatment plant. The new tax revenue would help ease the strain of raising the funds.
He said he is already working on the architect for the dealership and the restaurant. He said his ultimate goal is to raise money to buy land for a community center, a place for kids to be able to shoot hoops, swim and have a weight room.
As for the current location, Butler said there are two possibilities. He will either keep the location and turn it into a tractor dealership. This would entail tearing down the old auto parts store, laying a new parking lot, adding new lights and remodeling the current building.
The other option would be to sell it. He said that a few people have reached out to him to possibly buy it. So far, he has been contacted by a possible restaurant, brewery and farmer’s market.