Preparation for Del Papa site begins

What’s that? For all those readers asking about the land clearing on the northbound side of Interstate 45 at Century Boulevard in Texas City, this buzz is for you. That’s where beer wholesaler Del Papa Distributing Co. earlier this year purchased about 26 acres for a new distribution center. As one of several incentives to attract Del Papa, Texas City officials agreed to spend more than $400,000 to run water and sewer services to the site, which explains all the activity. Construction of the building hasn’t begun, however.

This year, Del Papa marked a century on the island. Italian immigrant Omero Del Papa founded a company that would evolve into an exclusive Anheuser-Busch distributor serving a 17-county South Texas territory stretching from north of Beaumont to south of Victoria. But the distribution center in Texas City — altogether an $18 million project when the property purchase, development, building and fixtures are considered — will replace Del Papa’s island facilities, 6702 Broadway. Del Papa, however, likely will keep a small island presence.

The Texas City site will employ about 160 people. Del Papa has said the move was purely strategic and was necessary for efficient transportation of products and delivery of retail services. Most of its growth is along the FM 518 corridor from Pearland to Kemah. Del Papa hopes for the project to be complete before April next year.

More dirt: And what about all the clearing and dirt work across the freeway along I-45 southbound at FM 519 in La Marque? The site will soon be home to First Class Tours’ central county transportation hub. The company, which has been operating out of Mainland Crossing Mall in Texas City, provides casino trips, charters and tours.

The new hub will offer plenty of on-site parking and easy access to clients from around the county, said Nick Stepchinski, of Stepchinski Realtors LLC. Stepchinski represented the land’s sellers and Jeff Rogers, broker and president of First Class Tours, represented the buyers.

Where there’s smoke: Stepchinski also reports that Texas Pit Stop BBQ — at the former site Tubby’s Ice House, 2216 I-45 in La Marque — is shooting for a June 1 opening. Crews already have installed three very large barbecue pits and will install the kitchen grills when the floors are finished. There’ll also be private dining and room for meetings and civic groups. Stepchinski represented the seller, and Tammy Warren, also with Stepchinski Realtors, represented the buyer. Hitchcock resident Arnold Garza and family are behind the much-anticipated eatery. The Garzas lead the cooking team Los Vaqueros, which had collected a lot of trophies for brisket, ribs, chicken and fajitas at area cook-offs. Stay tuned.

Shack back: Meanwhile, Joe’s Crab Shack at Pier 19 also is rumored to be planning an opening on or about June 1. The eatery with harbor views has been closed since Hurricane Ike struck in September 2008, destroying the building.

Houston-based Ignite Restaurant Group owns the Joe’s Crab Shack concept and earlier this year replaced its seawall eatery with a new, larger format.

On tap: Ignite obviously is bullish on the island. On Monday, the company officially opened its Brick House Tavern + Tap next to Joe’s Crab Shack on the seawall. Brick House is a guy-friendly sports bar that competes directly with such concepts at Hooters and Twin Peaks.

“We could not be more excited to be opening our doors in Galveston,” General Manager Kevin Fielder said.

Brick House employs about 100 full- and part-time employees.

Snippet: Back on the mainland, international hair salon chain Toni & Guy has leased 2,070 square feet in Bay Colony Town Center, northwest corner of Interstate 45 and FM 646 in League City.

The two eldest sons of a hairdresser, Toni and Guy Mascolo launched the company in South London in 1963. Heather Nguyen and Rebecca Le represented Newquest Properties, developer of the shopping center. Patrick M. Dando represented the tenant.

Open house: The Crowder family is planning a 4 p.m. June 2 open house and ribbon-cutting for its newest funeral home, 1645 E. Main St. in League City. This is the fifth funeral home for the Crowder family, which has been in business since 1959. The new funeral home is next to the former Rowe Funeral Home, The Crowder family has funeral homes in Dickinson, La Marque, Pearland and Webster.

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. We welcome your tips and suggestions. Call 409-683-5248 or email laura.elder(at)galvnews.com.