H&M plans Baybrook store

Dressing room: Many a fine French manicure was ruined last week over the nail-biting news that international fashion retailer H&M had removed from its website an announcement it would open a store at Baybrook Mall, Interstate 45 South at Bay Area Boulevard. But on Wednesday, area fashionistas were rejoicing when the Stockholm, Sweden-based retailer officially confirmed a Baybrook Mall store as part of its big Texas market push.

H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, is a popular retailer of affordable high fashion for women, men and children. Look for a spring opening.

Snakes alive: Dust off your daubers. The bingo hall that for months has been under way in the building formerly occupied by Mission Reinade de la Paz Church, 706 51st St. on the island, is finally set to open its doors 5 p.m. Sunday, reports Manager Albert Boening. The first bingo session begins at 7:30 p.m.

Ever since this column in April buzzed that a venture going by The 4N Group bought the 11,000-square-foot building with plans for a bingo hall, readers have clamored for an opening date. Securing all the permits and licensing was behind the long wait, Boening said.

For information, call 409-497-4948.

Dirty talk: Some longtime patrons of Ritz Car Wash, 2712 61st St. on the island, want someone to come clean about the status of the business, which has been closed for weeks. But owners haven’t returned repeated calls.

Word on the street is that a mechanical glitch is the culprit and the closure is temporary. Stay tuned.

Fresh coat: Remember last week’s buzz about a new home design and paint store on the island’s East End? Ed Muncey and Brian Becker confirm they’re opening Glidden Home Store and Design Center, 2025 Broadway later this month.

Along with paint, shoppers can order custom blinds, various window treatments and wallpaper. And look for a section of the store to carry antiques.

Muncey and Becker credit Carolyn Clyburn of The House Co. with helping them find the perfect spot. Carol Yarbrough also assisted with the location and Cesar Hernandez from HomeTown Bank helped with the financing. Store designers are Jeannie Poirier and Paula Ozymy. Stay tuned.

Tapping in: The island’s DiBella’s Italian Restaurant, 1902 31st St., is soon to get some ultimate publicity. Mixed martial arts fighter Max Holloway will sport the popular neighborhood eatery’s logo on his shorts and his banner during UFC 143, airing Saturday on FX.

Undefeated newcomer Holloway will face Dustin Poirier in Las Vegas. (For viewing information, visit www.ufc.com).

Restaurateur Charlie DiBella is collaborating with island native Yancey Lawhorn’s online retail and custom print business, MMA Overload LLC, which supplies clothing to the fighters and their fans.

This is hot: Would you like your latte with Gulf of Mexico views? Rita’s Italian Ice, 6026 Seawall Blvd. on the island, is now serving up individually brewed, single-cup coffees, teas and Dove hot chocolate. Rita’s is stocking a variety of coffee and tea blends and also will serve lattes, cappuccinos or just a regular cup of Joe. Rita’s also is known for Italian ices and old-fashioned custards, among other cool confections.

On a roll: Meanwhile, Juan Big Burrito, 176 I-45 in League City, is extending hours and serving lunch burritos from noon to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays via its drive-through service.

Juan Big Burrito is known for breakfast burritos. But the new midday meal offerings will allow the eatery to serve burritos with such fillings as steak and cheese or carne guisada, grilled chicken and cheese and more. Lunch burritos also will be available for breakfast, owners report.

Mall open: Officials at Mall of the Mainland want to remind readers the shopping center, 10000 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City, is open for business. The mall was only briefly out of commission earlier last month after a tornado caused a section of roof to collapse and some water damage.