Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | February 2026

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 10 FEB. 7MARCH 6, 2026

INSIDE

Dining events to feed Houston Food Bank

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Houston Food Bank

In scal year 202425, nearly 94,000 people volunteered at the Houston Food Bank. (Jamaal Ellis/ Community Impact)

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

RICEBLVD.

Coming soon

MONTROSE BLVD.

TIMES BLVD.

527

T HEIMERRD.

7 Tim Hortons The Canada-based coffee shop is renovating a former bank into a new storefront. Tim Hortons offers cold and hot coffees, tea beverages, hot breakfast items, baked goods and seasonal options that run throughout the year. • Opening early 2026 • 2348 W. Holcombe Blvd., Ste. 100, Houston • www.timhortons.com 8 Blushington The luxury beauty brand confirmed the address of its first Houston lounge ahead of its spring 2026 opening date. They offer professional blowouts, makeup application and skincare services. • Opening spring 2026 • 3601 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.blushington.com 9 Cabinet IQ A new showroom near Upper Kirby will display eight cabinet lines and a variety of countertop options, along with kitchen and bath designs. Installation of cabinets and countertops will also be available. • Opening spring 2026 • 3897 Southwest Freeway, Houston • www.cabinetiq.com

A S T .

AMHERST ST.

WESLAYAN ST.

SUL ROSS ST.

M O N

FARNHAM ST.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

W Y

17 6

West University Place

HERMANN PARK

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

Bellaire

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

BRAYS BAYOU

BELLAIRE BLVD.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

610

STELLA LINK RD.

BEECHNUT ST.

288

Meyerland

MEYERLAND PLAZA

S. POST OAK RD.

5 Planet Fitness Houston Fitness Partners experienced one of its biggest growth years in 2025, which led to a wave of new openings. The gym features a variety of strength, cardio and functional workout equipment. • Opened Oct.1 6 Golden Gray Boutique Featuring fashionable women’s clothing items and accessories, the boutique opened a second location in Rice Village. The shop offers statement necklaces, cowboy boots and skirts. • Opened Dec. 26 • 9567 S. Main St., Houston • www.planetfitness.com PetSet This custom-built mobile spay-and-neuter clinic hit the streets in Houston in January to expand the nonprofit’s ability to bring preventative veterinary care to local neighborhoods. It will rotate through communities across the Greater Houston region. • 2511 University Blvd., Houston • Facebook: Golden Gray Boutique

Now open

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

1 iWok This Asian fast-casual restaurant is opening four new locations across Houston that will use a robotic chef system to serve fresh entrees, rice dishes and wok- seared bowls in minutes. • Opened Jan. 30 • 2328 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston • www.iwok.com 2 Pinkerton’s Barbecue The restaurant officially opened its third location with an Upper Kirby establishment. The menu will feature Texas-style pit barbecue, including slow-smoked brisket, pork ribs, sausage and chicken. • Opened Jan. 20 • 3801 Farnham St., Houston • www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com 3 Dutch Bros Coffee The popular coffee chain opened its first location inside the loop. The drive-thru serves classic coffees and teas, along with energy drinks, shakes and seasonal drinks. • Opened Oct. 26 • 2301 University Blvd., Houston • www.dutchbros.com 4 Bodyrok Newly opened in West University Place, this new national Pilates franchise offers seven different types of classes, targeting clients’ abs, glutes and obliques. • Opened Dec. 12 • 3331 Westpark Drive, Houston • www.bodyrok.com/studio/west-university

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

10 Hobby Lobby The craft and decor store will replace the former Palais Royal in the Meyerland Plaza. According to TDLR, the $3.5 million remodel will begin in August and wrap up in March 2027. • 726 Meyerland Plaza, Houston • www.hobbylobby.com 11 Bubble Bath Car Wash A new 4,000 square foot tunnel car wash is planned for South Main Street near Loop 610. The $600,000 new construction project is slated to be under construction from May to December.

• 9696 Main St., Building A, Houston • www.thebubblebathcarwash.com

In the news

12 Picos Restaurant After an outpouring of community support, the owners of the Mexican cuisine restaurant announced plans to relocate rather than shut down. The new location is still under consideration, with more details expected to be shared by early spring. However, the current restaurant will continue to operate during the transition. • Opening late 2026 • Address TBD • www.picos.net 13 Menil Collection Bookstore Officials with The Menil Collection announced that the

• Opened in January • www.pet-set.org

Max’s Ice Cream Long-time chef Rishi Singh opened this pickup ice cream business in Bellaire in October. He sells $10 pints of ice cream in flavors such as English Sticky Toffee Pudding and Pistachio Cardamom. Pickups are in Bellaire near Evelyn’s Park. • Opened in October • Bellaire, Texas • Instagram: @maxsicecreamhtx

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

16 GameStop The large retail gaming hub closed several more stores in early January, after more than 590 stores closed in fiscal year 2024. Officials said the closures are spurred by the significant rise in downloadable games. • Closed in January • 8880 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.gamestop.com 17 Francesca’s After 25 years in business, the Houston-based women’s specialty retailer will be closing all of its stores. The company opened its first boutique in 1999. • Closed in January • 2515 University Blvd., Houston • www.francescas.com

on-campus bookstore is closed until further notice to undergo renovations that will start in the spring. The updated shop will feature an expanded interior, a landscaped backyard and a freestanding public restroom.

Now open

• Renovations start in spring • 1520 Sul Ross St., Houston • https://bookstore.menil.org

14 Jason’s Deli The fast-casual sandwich shop celebrated its 50th anniversary with giveaways and new menu items, including a new chicken and wild rice soup, cheesy truffle pasta with chicken and a beef brisket sandwich. • Anniversary Dec. 30 • 4001 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. C, Houston • www.jasonsdeli.com

Closings

18 Candente The neighborhood favorite Tex-Mex restaurant opened its second location in Bellaire in late December. The Sambrooks Hospitality concept offers combo dinners, burritos, enchiladas and a cocktail menu with classic margaritas. • Opened Dec. 22 • 5101 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.candentehtx.com

Worth the trip

15 Sprinkles Cupcakes Founder Candace Nelson announced the immediate and permanent closure of all Sprinkles locations on Jan. 2. The business functioned as a cupcake ATM. • Closed Dec. 31 • 2563 Amherst St., Unit A134, Houston • www.sprinkles.com

Blue Willow Bookshop The bookstore, founded in 1996, will celebrate 30 years of business in 2026. The bookshop sells a variety of genres, including travel, true crime and thriller. • Anniversary in 2026

• 14532 Memorial Drive, Houston • www.bluewillowbookshop.com

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Election

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day and the last day to receive a ballot by mail (or March 4 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Harris County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE LISTED IN BALLOT ORDER

County Judge R George Harry Zoes R Orlando Sanchez R Aliza Dutt R Warren A. Howell

R Robert McKenzie D Gene Wu*

Sample ballot

Federal elections US House, District 7 R Tina Cohen R Alexander Hale R Erin M. Montgomery R Alexander Z. Kalai D Lizzie Pannill Fletcher* US House, District 18 R Ronald Dwayne Whitefield R Elizabeth Vences D Al Green D Christian Dashaun Menefee

Local elections County Clerk R Mike Wolfe R Lynda Sanchez D Teneshia Hudspeth* District Clerk R Chris Daniel D Darrell Jordan, Jr.

R Oscar Gonzales R Marty Lancton D Matt Salazar D Letitia Plummer D Annise Parker Department of Education, Place 7 R Beverly Barrett R Denise Dick

D Angie Dozier D Carlis Lollie D Pernell Davis

R Madison Guillory D Silky Joshi Malik County Attorney

D Desiree Broadnax D Donna G. Glover

D Amanda Edwards D Gretchen Brown

D Roslyn “Rozzy” Shorter D Jose “Alex” Maldonado

R Jacqueline Lucci Smith D Audrie Lawton Evans D Abbie Kamin

State elections Texas House, District 137 R Helen Zou

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY ANGELA BONILLA & TOMER RONEN

KEY: D Democrat R Republican

US House, District 7

What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next 5 years?

What are your qualications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?

Republicans need to focus on parents’ rights, illegal immigration, law enforcement and scal responsibility.

I bring real-world experience as a wife, mother, business owner, community leader and advocate for families in TX-07. I have managed budgets and engaged with local leaders, giving me practical insight into issues like education, public safety and aordability. I am committed to accountable, results-driven representation.

Tina Cohen Occupation & experience: TX-07 mother, resident and business owner, manufacturing, worldwide shipping, home builder, remodeling, manage rental properties 713-783-1500 Alexander Hale Occupation & experience: Energy and chemicals consultant (Alvarez & Marsal), AEI, U.S. Senate, Patriot Capital 713-487-6231

Managing explosive growth while maintaining reliable infrastructure—especially our power grid and water systems. Texas added more people than any state, but our infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. We need massive investment in grid reliability and water security before the next crisis hits.

I have signicant public and private sector experience. For years in Houston, I’ve served as a consultant resolving challenging/distressed situations for major companies. We assess problems quickly and eciently. This pragmatic skillset translates directly to Congress. Our country needs people who can address divisions and solve problems.

Erin Montgomery Occupation & experience: Funeral director, operations director and community leader/volunteer www.erinmontgomeryforcongress. com

I’m a natural-born leader with a genuine heart for serving others. I motivate others, I adapt to any situation and am skilled in amicably resolving conict. My experiences as a funeral director and a community leader/volunteer have aorded me the opportunity to know my community: the cultures, customs and concerns.

We must address the harm done to our industries under the previous administration and refocus on productivity and growth. It is time to get back to work—revitalizing our oil elds, advancing medical research and fostering the creation and support of small businesses across the state.

Alexander Z. Kalai Occupation & experience: CFO and EVP of Amarapex, chaired U.S. Department of Commerce trade mission to the UAE https://kalaifortexas.com

Candidate’s answer did not meet the required guidelines, and the candidate requested their answers not be edited.

What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?

Texas House, District 137

If elected, what will be your top priorities?

Helen Zou Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

Robert McKenzie Occupation & experience: City of Houston manager, NASA programs, energy consultant, nancial advisor,

Public safety, energy independence, lower taxes, improved infrastructure, scal responsibility and economic opportunity for all.

Key legislature projects for Texas’ future include property tax elimination, infrastructure improvement of trac and water systems, education reform via school choice, spending restraint and ending corporate welfare.

writer, UCLA & UH degrees www.mckenzie4texas.com

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican

US House, District 18

Ronald Dwayne Whitefield Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

Elizabeth Vences Occupation & experience: Accountant; served as election judge and alternate judge, and have been Precinct Chair 977 www.elizabethvencesforcongress. com

Al Green Occupation & experience: US Representative; Justice court judge, 25 years; Congress, 20 years; serve on two congressional committees www.algreen.org

With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

As district boundaries and representation change, I will maintain open lines of communication with constituents. If changes affect them, I will provide timely notice. Regardless of any changes, my office will remain accessible and continue to offer assistance to anyone who needs our support throughout the transition period and beyond.

Through newsletters, resource fairs, social media, community meetings, and office outreach. I will help constituents acquire, mail ballots, voter registration information, election information [and] district boundary information.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HANNAH BROL

Christian D. Menefee Occupation & experience: Attorney; former Harris County Attorney www.christianmenefee.com

Amanda Edwards Occupation & experience: Attorney; former At-Large Houston City Council Member; nonprofit leader & attorney who delivers for the community www.edwardsforhouston.com

Gretchen Brown Occupation & experience: Defense analyst; federal-Congress liaison; defense policy coordination; interagency governance; public sector leadership www.gretchenbrownforcongress.com

With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?

No matter the lines, I will fight for the people. I will bring federal resources home, work closely with local leaders, and make sure constituents can easily access help with housing, disaster relief, healthcare, and other services they rely on.

I’ll proactively connect every community to federal resources—CDBG, disaster recovery funds, healthcare access, workforce dollars, and small-business support—through transparent outreach and local partnerships. I’ve done this citywide before, and I’ll ensure no neighborhood is overlooked because our communities deserve better.

I’ll map needs by neighborhood, strengthen partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, and secure federal funding for infrastructure and community programs.

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

Education

BY MELISSA ENAJE & CASSANDRA JENKINS

BY WESLEY GARDNER

HISD survey shows confidence in the district is steadily rising

Bellaire to reimplement streetlight banner program

Local government news 3 stories we’re following online

Bellaire city council members voted unani- mously Jan. 5 to reinstate the streetlight banner program that was discontinued in 2019. About the program The streetlight banners were first hung in 2008 to commemorate Bellaire’s Centennial Celebration and were displayed along Bellaire Boulevard until they were cut from the budget in 2019 due to constraints, according to the agenda item. The proposal includes reestablishing the program in 2026, with the option to expand in the future. This year, the first design will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Next steps The Bellaire Culture and Arts Board will prepare 2-3 designs for the banners and will present the final options to the city manager for approval until a design is selected. Per the agenda item, the banners are anticipated to be installed by March.

Houston ISD board managers reviewed the results of a new family survey that shows growing family confidence in their children’s education and the overall direction of the district. The details Matt Sawyer, HISD’s deputy chief of data and impact, presented the results of the survey to board managers at a Jan. 15 meeting. Sawyer said the results indicated improved feelings. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles touted the results of the survey in a Jan. 15 news release. “These results reflect the hard work of our educators, staff and school leaders who are com- mitted to student success every single day,” Miles said in the news release. “Families are seeing real improvement in their schools and across HISD.” A closer look Sawyer said the survey was sent out to around 104,700 families and included responses from

more than 11,000 families from across the district, representing a roughly 25.7% response rate. Sawyer said the demographic breakdown of respondents closely resembled that of the district. Sawyer pointed to several key findings: • Roughly 84% of families would recommend their child’s school to other families • Around 79% of families believe their child’s school is improving • Roughly 67% of families believe HISD is improv- ing and headed in the right direction What’s next HISD officials said in the news release that they will use the survey findings to maintain quality instruction and identify opportunities for contin- ued acceleration and advancement. “We’re grateful for [the families’] confidence and will continue working to earn their trust,” Miles said in the news release.

Houston ISD parent satisfaction survey Superintendent Mike Miles said responses were taken from more than 11,000 families from across the district.

What residents need to know The city will install 61 banners along Bellaire Boulevard from Bissonnet Street to Avenue B.

1 West U explores neighborhood preservation efforts Efforts to formalize a local, resident-led preservation society advanced after a Jan. 12 City Council meeting. The main items were focused on how to maintain the city’s neighborhood beauty, property values and peaceful setting. 2 Bellaire to hold special election Council member Cindy Cohen-Taylor vacated her seat early in December. The decision has prompted a special election on May 2 to fill the vacancy. 3 Westside drainage project advances West University city officials Jan. 12 approved an amendment to the city’s existing design agreement for the west side drainage project to allow for additional stormwater modeling aimed at expanding a regional benefit to the flood relief project. The council also identified more cost- saving options for the project’s completion.

Favorable

Neutral

Unfavorable

Size: 2 feet wide by 4 feet tall

I feel well informed about school events and activities.

I would recommend my child’s school to other families.

Cost: $12,500 , includes cleaning & storage

8.1% 84.1% 7.8%

4.8% 88.7% 6.4%

Vendor: Kronbergs Flags

Number of banners: 61

Based on my child’s experience, I believe HISD is improving.

My child is learning as much as I expect.

17.9% 67.2% 14.9%

5.6% 87.1% 7.3%

610

BELLAIRE BLVD.

NOTE: NOT ALL TOTALS EQUAL 100 PERCENT

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CITY OF BELLAIRE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

GREENBRIAR DR.

610

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

288

S. POST OAK RD.

1 Healthy Connections Action Plan Project: Using the latest mobility data, fieldwork and employee input, Texas Medical Center officials launched into a new yearlong planning effort in January to improve safety, comfort and access within the medical center. Update: After closing out a community survey on Jan. 31, officials will move to the next steps, which include analyzing the community’s needs before developing recommendations and a plan of action. • Timeline: November 2025- January 2027 • Cost: $400,000 • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation

2 South Rice Avenue Project: The project consists of street rehabilitation and significant drainage upgrades to improve flood resilience. Update: Construction on A South Rice Avenue from Beechnut Street to North Braeswood Boulevard started Jan. 12. Once completed, construction will start on B Chimney Rock Road from Beechnut Street to North Braeswood Boulevard. • Timeline: January 2026-TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding source: Abbie Kamin, District C Office

3 METRO West Holcombe Project Project: METRO mobility improvements focus on enhancing the customer experience, which includes a new fare system, bus and rail fleet upgrades, route restructuring, road repair and infrastructure improvements such as new shelters and bus stops. Update: Repairs on West Holcombe Boulevard have progressed near the periphery of West University. Crews are working near Belmont Street and will continue westbound towards Mercer Street over the next several months. • Timeline: October 2025-May 2026 • Cost: $12.1 million • Funding source: Metropolitan Authority of Harris County

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Dining events to feed Houston Food Bank From the cover

What’s being done

Current situation

Stone said allowing the Houston Food Bank to be the sole beneficiary of this year’s funds from Eat Drink HTX will hopefully help them to continue to “reach more areas and more people.” “We’re really lucky that we have the world’s largest food bank by distribution in Houston, which can reach more people on a daily basis,” she said. “Because of that impact, and because of how efficient they are, we decided to make them the sole beneficiary.” Over the past 20 years, Houston Restaurant Weeks has raised approximately $22 million for the Houston Food Bank, which equates to about 66 million meals, according to the foundation’s website. Meanwhile, Eat Drink HTX, which is cel- ebrating its fifth year in 2026, has raised $76,000. Voss said HRW is by far the food bank’s largest event and provides a “substantial” amount of money to the nonprofit, as does Eat Drink HTX. “The funds we get from The Cleverley Stone Foundation support our general operating bud- get,” she said, “and these events are so successful that it’s something that we’ve come to depend on as a revenue stream for the Houston Food Bank.” The food bank’s operating budget goes toward several services, Voss said. In fiscal year 2024-25, its $436 million budget was able to provide 140 million meals across 18 counties, supply 14 million meals through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- gram and feed 7 million children through different food bank programs. For comparison, the North Texas Food Bank, which is often seen as the next-largest distributor in Texas behind the Houston Food Bank, dis- tributed 116 million meals in FY 2024-25 with a roughly $200 million operating budget, according to the food bank’s annual report.

The proceeds for Eat Drink HTX, a two-week-long charity dining event in February, will go to the Houston Food Bank this year—a change from previous years when funds were split among two or more dierent nonprots. Ocials with Eat Drink HTX, the sister event to Houston’s largest annual foodie fundraiser, Houston Restaurant Weeks, made the announcement in early January. This year, 130 restaurants will participate in the program, with nearly 50% of participants located inside Loop 610. Katie Stone, president of The Cleverley Stone Foundation, which produces both Eat Drink HTX and HRW, said they chose the Houston Food Bank due to the recent nancial strain and challenges it experienced last year. The food bank saw major cuts in federal funding and basic agricultural products in 2025, as well as a 43-day government shutdown that aected funding. Julie Voss, chief development ocer for the Houston Food Bank, said the nonprot lost more than $11 million in federal funding last year, which equated to about 40 tractor- trailer loads of food, as well as the loss of some community support programs. However, Voss said in the wake of the federal funding cuts, she has seen the amount of philanthropic support increase, making up a “far larger” portion than it previously did. Fiscal year 23-25 audited numbers The Houston Food Bank lost around $11 million in federal funding in 2025, but saw an increase in philanthropic funding.

Making an impact Houston Restaurant Weeks and Eat Drink HTX have raised over $22 million for the Houston Food Bank since 2003.

Cleverley Stone created HRW, and the one-week event yielded a $5,913 donation to Houston’s End Hunger Network

2003

HRW became a month-long event and donated $1.2 million to the Houston Food Bank

2012

Officials extended HRW into September to help restaurants impacted by Hurricane Harvey, with a $2.5 million donation to the food bank

2017

The Cleverley Stone Foundation establishes Eat Drink HTX

2021

To date, HRW has raised $22 million , which equates to 66 million meals

2025

Government

Philanthropy

Other

SOURCE: HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

$18.67M

2022-23

$44.3M

$5.23M

$28.03M

2023-24

$48.22M

$17.57M

$24.56M

How it works

2024-25

$49.44M

Restaurant donation per meal sold

Meal prices

$5.75M

$10.58M

2025-26

Dinner ($25)

$1 donation

$44M

Eat Drink HTX will take place Feb. 15-28 across the Greater Houston area, with returning restau- rants in the Inner Loop, including local favorites such as Dandelion Cafe, Escalante’s Tex-Mex, Dak & Bop and Adair Kitchen, as well as newcomers such as Slip n’ Sliders, El Tiempo and Peppaz HTX. Dinner will be priced at $25 , with lunch and brunch both priced at $15 . Similar to Houston Restaurant Weeks, Stone said participating restau- rants will make donations based on their sales.

$4.21M

Lunch ($15)

$0.50 donation

Meals distributed

140M

Brunch ($15)

$0.50 donation

132M*

120M

SOURCE: THE CLEVERLEY STONE FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A $0.50 donation will generate 1.5 meals for the Houston Food Bank and a $1 donation will generate three meals, Stone said.

2022-23

2023-24 2024-25 2025-26

SOURCE: HOUSTON FOOD BANKCOMMUNITY IMPACT *THIS NUMBER REPRESENTS THE GOAL FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Looking ahead

What they’re saying

290

Houston Restaurant Weeks will take place this year from Aug. 1 to Sept. 7. The 38-day foodie event will include an extensive list of participating restaurants and serve specially priced, multicourse prix-fixe menus for brunch ($25) , lunch ($25) and dinner ($39 or $55) .

Starting Feb. 15, residents can find a restaurant listed on the Eat Drink HTX website, choose brunch, lunch or dinner, and reserve a date between Feb. 15 and Feb. 28 to dine out. Stone said restaurant owners can also sign up to participate in the event until Feb. 15.

Jeff Buhrer, general manager of the Dandelion Cafe, which has been participating in Eat Drink HTX for three years and has locations in Bellaire and the Heights, said that the charitable aspect plays a significant role in the restaurant’s decision to participate every year. “Supporting initiatives that directly benefit the Houston community is incredibly important to us,” he said, “and supporting organizations like the Houston Food Bank allows us to make a tangible

Participating restaurants in Eat Drink HTX 1 Kriti Kitchen 2 Molina Cantina 3 Norigami 4 Craft Pita 5 The Crumby Bakeshop 6 Adair Kitchen 7 Lankford’s 8 Dak & Bop 9 Duck N Bao 10 Escalante’s Tex-Mex-Meyerland 11 El Pollo Loco 12 Rim Tanon

610

RICHMOND AVE.

impact and shed light on their impact.” Both Eat Drink HTX and HRW were also

6 3 9 4

designed to help out restaurants during histori- cally slower periods of dining out, Stone said, such as in late February after Valentine’s Day and in August after school starts. “Eat Drink HTX encourages both new and returning guests to explore more of our menu,” Buhrer said. “It’s brought in first-time visitors who may have Dandelion Cafe on their list, but hadn’t made the trip yet.”

BELLAIRE BLVD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

288

S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

610

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

SOURCES: HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS, THE CLEVERLEY STONE FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$5 OFF $25 OR MORE Must present offer. Not valid with other offers. Excludes Alcohol. One per table. Exp. 2-28-2026

Trusted since 1968

Phil' Comfort Club Service Membership $169 for the First System and $99 for each additional system. (Expires 2/28/2026)

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$12.95 lunch specials 11am-3pm Mon-Fri

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2349 BISSONNET ST, 77005 (713) 526-5282 OPEN : Sun - Thur 11am-1am Fri & Sat 11am-2am (713) 526-5282 Fri & Sat 11am-2am

www.bellaireair.com · 713-772-1217

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Events

BY ROO MOODY

Arts in the Park The event at Colonial Park features food trucks, live music and a chance to shop from local vendors selling handmade jewelry, pottery and paintings. • Feb. 28, noon-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4130 Byron St., West University Place • www.westutx.gov Houston Holi The festival of colors is returning to Houston with all-day color play, live Bollywood performances and traditional rituals at Midtown Park. • Feb. 28, noon-5 p.m. Indian Film Festival Asia Society Texas is showcasing the voices of India through a lineup of feature films, documentaries and short films. After the screenings, viewers can enjoy a reception with live music and entertainment. • Feb. 28, 4-9:30 p.m. • $20 (single screening), $65 (all-day pass) • 1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston • www.asiasociety.org/texas • $20 (general admission) • 2811 Travis St., Houston • www.houstonholi.com

February

Galentine’s Afternoon Tea McHugh Tea Room is hosting a Galentine’s afternoon with delicious bites, mimosas, teas and card making. • Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $60+ (per person) • 5305 Bissonnet St., Ste. D, Bellaire • www.mchughtea.com Bubbles and More Play Day Families can enjoy bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk and other fun activities at the free play day hosted by the Nature Discovery Center.

• Feb. 8, 1-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire • www.naturediscoverycenter.org

World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest While more than 250 teams compete in the contest, visitors can enjoy live music, complimentary brisket and several public venues, including The Garden Stage, the Chuckwagon and the carnival. • Feb. 26-28, times vary • $30 (adults), $10 (children) • NRG Center, 3 NRG Park, Houston • www.rodeohouston.com/ worlds-championship-bar-b-que

Lunar New Year Celebration The celebration at the Children’s Museum Houston will have a traditional lion dance, a Chinese yo-yo performance and an interactive storybook opera. • Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • $19.95 (general admission)

• 1500 Binz St., Houston • www.cmhouston.org

Camp Guide Coming Soon! Community Impact’s

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Dining

BY ROO MOODY

At Frullino, Dosmuratova makes custom cakes for birthdays, baby showers and other special occasions.

COURTESY FRULLINO

ELMST.

610

W. LOOP S.

6300 W. Loop S., Ste. 130, Bellaire www.frullinotx.com

Born in Kazakhstan, Dosmuratova has lived all over the world, including Romania and Russia.

ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bellaire baker turns a life of travel into cakes inspired by the world From Central Asia to Southeastern Europe, baker Goha Dosmuratova nds inspiration for her homemade recipes from around the world. After closing her bakery in Romania and mov- ing to Texas in 2024, Dosmuratova opened a new shop in Bellaire, serving custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies. “I love desserts, I love cakes, and when you travel around the world ... and you don’t like the taste, but

you really want the cake, you’re just trying to bake it yourself to make it perfect,” Dosmuratova said. “So that’s how I came up with my recipes.” The backstory Dosmuratova’s husband is a chemical engineer whose work allows Dosmuratova and their two daughters to live all over the world. She opened her rst bakery in Romania in 2020, and said people questioned whether it was wise to open during a global pandemic. However, after discovering her newfound passion, Dosmuratova could not be deterred. So, she opened the bakery and said she was met with great success. The details Because she does custom cakes, Dosmuratova has

customers who put in creative ideas that require a lot of planning, sketching and sculpting. While they may seem daunting, Dosmuratova said she loves it and that it’s a kind of meditation for her. “I always say that customers challenge me because when we moved to Houston ... the desserts here are dierent from those in Romania or Europe,” she said. “I’ve learned how to bake

pies, a lot of pies.” In their own words

Dosmuratova’s advice for other women wanting to start their own bakery is not to be afraid of waste. “Always experiment,” she said. “If you don’t like the recipe, add something else ... don’t be afraid of wasting the products, because without the waste, you won’t get the best recipe ever.”

EXPERIENCE PERSONALIZED CARE

20% OFF COMPOUNDING MEDICATION FOR NEW PATIENTS

Compounding Shop Pharmacy Serving Texas Since 1982 11845 Wilcrest Dr Houston, TX 77031

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Real estate

The median price of homes sold was lower in four out of five local ZIP codes in December year-over- year. The neighborhood where sales plummeted the most was in the Texas Medical Center area, with sales dropping by 53%. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

December 2024

December 2025

-44.8%

+8.70%

-20%

-22.22%

+5%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

December

2024

2025

610

$1,650,000 $481,000 $635,000 $457,000 $1,200,000

$1,687,500 $467,000 $300,000 $425,000 $1,020,000

77005

77096

288

77025

77030

Homes sold by price point

77096

December 2025

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,001-$1,000,000

Average days on market -37.8%

$500,001-$750,000

+4.76%

-24.31%

+27.87%

-40.79%

$250,001-$500,000

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 832-678-4770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

83% of Texans take action after reading Community Impact—and 76% say our ads help them discover new products and services. Contact us! ads@communityimpact.com Want results like that for your business? 77005 77025 77030 77096 77401 20

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

DON’T LET SPRING WEEDS WIN THE TURF WAR. February is the time to strike. Is your lawn ready for the Houston heat?

In Houston, February isn’t just another winter month—it’s the most critical window for your lawn’s health. While your grass is still dormant, “stealth” weeds are already planning their invasion. LAWN CARE OF BELLAIRE IS YOUR LAWN’S BEST ALLY. OUR FEBRUARY “MISSION OBJECTIVES” :

15% OFF FERTILIZATION & WEED CONTROL PLUS: GET A FREE MOSQUITO APPLICATION WITH ANY BEAUTIFUL LAWN PACKAGE! EXPIRES 3.15.26 Owned by Houston native and chemist Keith Anding, we use eco-friendly technology that is safe for families and pets, but relentless against weeds and pests.

THE IRRIGATION ARMY: Houston summers are brutal. We’ll inspect and tune up your sprinkler system today so you aren’t stuck with a “brown-out” in July.

THE MOSQUITO LEGION: Don’t wait for the swarm. We strike dormant larvae and nesting sites now with eco-friendly, 25B organic-based barriers, ensuring your backyard is a “No- Fly Zone” before the humidity hits.

THE FERTILIZER FORCE: We apply professional-grade pre-emergent treatments now to stop crabgrass and broadleaf weeds before they ever break the surface.

CALL: (346) 436-6286 WWW.HEROESLAWNCARE.COM/BELLAIRE-TX TDA ##0945673 TCEQ# #LI0030072

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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Get Rodeo Ready with us.

Rice Village is your one-stop destination for getting ‘Rodeo Ready’ this year. Start with a voluminous, Southern-inspired blowout at Drybar, then head to Golden Gray for the latest in western fashion trends. Add a personal touch to your look at Tecovas by customizing your Cowboy hat at their hat bar. And be sure to keep an eye out for the cult-favorite Kemo Sabe pop-up, featuring one-of-a-kind Western accessories to put the finishing touches on your Rodeo look.

Kirby & University, Houston, TX

@RICEVILLAGEDISTRICT

RICE-VILLAGE.COM

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

PU Co IN 11/ M 10 JO M Ad CL M JO He LI N/ SI 9. BL N/ CO 4c SW FO Pr

Whatever your heart requires, we’ll help keep it beating strong. We personalize treatment plans that utilize cutting-edge techniques, like a heart arrhythmia treatment that minimizes the risk of heart failure and stroke without the need for blood thinners. This is innovative heart care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/heart You are at the heart of our advanced cardiac care.

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

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