Del Papa on track for April completion

What’s that?: For everyone who missed all the coverage last year about that large construction project on 26 acres bordering Interstate 45 North at Century Boulevard in Texas City, this buzz is for you.

All the work is for an office building, warehouse and vehicle maintenance area for Del Papa Distributing Co.

Del Papa, which has operated on the island for a century, reports construction is on track for an early April completion. The new facility will replace the one on the island. Del Papa said the move would better position it to serve customers and meet growth objectives.

“We are very pleased with the progress of the project and look forward to the increased efficiency and additional benefits that the new facility will bring,” company President Larry Del Papa said.

Del Papa is an official distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, as well as numerous import, specialty and craft beers in the Galveston, Victoria and Beaumont areas. The new facility will house more than 150 employees.

Shaken, not stirred: Sobering rumors about 21, a popular upscale martini and wine bar in the island’s downtown, were rampant Wednesday. But most were false, including ones asserting the 2102 Postoffice St. establishment would be replaced by an Italian eatery, or worse, would close. Co-owner Randall Pettit said while some changes are in store for 21, it isn’t closing.

“We’ve been here 14 years, we’re alive and well and will be here another 14 years,” Pettit said.

What uncorked all those rumors? Pettit on Monday forged a partnership with Paco Vargas and his daughter Denise Vargas. Paco Vargas owns the highly esteemed eatery Rudy & Paco, 2020 Postoffice St., across from 21.

Pettit declined Wednesday to divulge all the changes in store for 21 but said patrons would be pleased.

Look for more details in March, he said. In the meantime, 21 will stay open and continue offering live music on the weekends, he said.

“We’re going to be rocking out for Mardi Gras for both weekends,” Pettit said.

Want to talk about it? Visit Buzz Blog, galvnews.com.

Coming up roses: In time for Valentine’s Day, Downtown Blooms has opened its new, larger shop at 2309 Mechanic St. on the island.

The shop is on the first floor of the historic Berlocher Building owned by Mitchell Historic Properties. With the move to 2,840-square-foot space, Downtown Bloom owners Lee Sontag and Bradley Cardenas have increased the shop’s selection of gift items, fresh flowers and home décor.

For information, call 409-974-4294.

Steak out: An astute reader emailed to ask about the conspicuous absence of activity on the southeast corner of I-45 and Texas Avenue, where Steak ’n Shake in March is supposed to open a 3,319-square-foot eatery with a drive-through next to Tex-Mex purveyor Chuy’s.

Steak ’n Shake has pushed the opening to May, said Karen Coglianese, economic development specialist for Webster.

The 75-year-old chain is known for a variety of steakburgers, shakes, sandwiches, salads, desserts and breakfast.

On what grounds: The shop is empty and the sign’s gone at Lasso a Latte Coffee House, 500 Seawall Blvd., on the island.

Owners Benjamin and Kristie Tjepkema could not be reached for comment. The couple in 2004 built a small, white building with a circular driveway at 5727 Broadway, west of Taco Bell. The drive-through coffee shop was a quick success, roping in commuters headed to University of Texas Medical Branch or American National Insurance Co. In 2008, just before Hurricane Ike struck, the Tjepkemas moved Lasso a Latte to the seawall site. Stay tuned.

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays.