Good gravy! For those who missed last week’s Buzz Blog, Houston-based Luby’s Inc., which runs a chain of cafeterias, has closed its restaurant inside Baybrook Mall, Interstate 45 and Bay Area Boulevard. Luby’s was an original tenant of the mall, which opened in 1978.
Luby’s lease was up and the chain in the past 10 years has trended toward free-standing restaurants, spokesman Rick Black said. Luby’s intends to return to the Clear Lake Area, but given the economy, the chain isn’t rushing to build new restaurants, Black said.
In late October, Luby’s posted a $3.7 million fourth-quarter loss as consumers kept a tighter grip on their wallets.
Baybrook already is in talks to fill the Luby’s space, said Brian Schroeder, general manager of the mall, one of the strongest shopping centers in the region.
Credit crunch: Meanwhile, Baybrook Mall’s owner, General Growth Properties Inc., last week warned it was having trouble meeting maturing obligations and might be forced to file for bankruptcy if it couldn’t refinance or extend almost $1 billion in debt, according to reports. Among a slew of properties, General Growth owns four Texas malls. Schroeder could not be reached for comment. But officials told other reporters it would be business as usual at its shopping centers. A tightening credit market and difficult retail environment are making it tough to obtain financing, General Growth officials have said.
All dressed up: After Hurricane Ike on Sept. 13 flooded a popular costume shop, some island residents may be wondering where the Dickens they’ll find appropriate garb for the island’s yearly Victorian festival, Dickens on The Strand. Morgan Costume Studios, 3515 Broadway in Galveston, is again open (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and renting costumes, reports owner Danny Morgan.
The store took in about 8 inches of storm surge, ruining 700 pairs of shoes. But the costumes were hanging high and weren’t damaged, Morgan reported.
“If people call ahead and let us know they’re coming, we can help them faster,” Morgan said. The store’s number is 409-763-7115. Dickens on The Strand is the first weekend of December.
Meanwhile, does anyone have any news of costume-maker Peggy Wardell, owner of Peggy’s Victorian Corner, 101 21st St. in the island’s downtown?
Sit! Stay!: After the hurricane scattered clients, Honey’s Pets and Pals is back in business and looking to build up its roster of four-legged clients, reports owner Penney Mosier. Honey’s Pets and Pals offers pet sitting and a doggy taxi to drive Fido to and from the vet and groomer in Galveston, Tiki Island and Bayou Vista. Mosier lost more than half her client base after the storm and wants to continue earning an income, she said. Call 409-392-0110. Mosier has been doing business on the island for seven years.
Detail, details: There’s more reason for tail-wagging, island business Doggie Detailers, 2001 61st St., has reopened and is again grooming pets.
Move over Rover: The styling scene also is looking up for Texas City pooches. Robin Voelkel, who earned her stripes working for years at Doggie Detailers, has opened her own shop, Pampered Paws, at 2532 35th Ave. N. Voelkel, who has 20 years experience, converted half the garage at her house to accommodate the business.
Revved up: Repair shop Galveston Automotive Professionals, 1918 Mechanic St. downtown, has reopened and offers all its pre-storm services, reported owner John Eanes. Mechanics at the shop work on both domestic and foreign cars.
“We’re glad to be back servicing the Galveston community,” Eanes said.
Call 409-762-9903 for an appointment.
Happy returns: In more downtown news, Jacque and Pamela Passino plan to reopen design center and antique purveyor The Emporium at Eibands, 2201 Postoffice St. No word on a return date. The Passinos also say that The Market Cafe, 1528 Ave. L, which took in several feet of water, is under repair and scheduled to reopen in December.
Atten-chun! A lot of people from all across the country are inquiring about the status of the island’s famous military surplus and gear business Col. Bubbie’s, 2202 Strand downtown. The store was hit hard by the storm, but is accepting business by phone and online. Call 409-762-7397. Read more about owner Meyer Reiswerg’s plan and ideas for downtown recovery in next week’s Buzz Blog: www.galvnews.com.
Sinking a plan: Downtown’s Mod Coffee & Tea House, 2126 Postoffice St., had intended to sell coffee on its sidewalk to accommodate all the workers and to earn some income as it repaired its storm-damaged shop. But owner Angela Brown said the plan ran into a glitch. Galveston County Health District requirements were too expensive for the effort. Although Mod had planned to sell coffee drinks out of disposable cups, the shop would be required to have a three-sink system, even if it wasn’t distributing drinks in washable mugs. Brown said she isn’t blaming the district and the decision would allow she and husband Craig to focus all their attention on reopening in January. Want to talk about it? Visit Buzz Blog.
Benno’s is back: Miss that shrimp, crawfish and Gulf of Mexico view? Popular island eatery Benno’s on the Beach, 1200 Seawall Blvd., has been open for weeks and has reopened Catering By Benno.
