Sugar Land - Missouri City Edition | December 2023

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Sugar Land Missouri City Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 4 DEC. 9, 2023JAN. 12, 2024

Funding commerce in Fort Bend County

Jarrod Rowe and Zoey Bresina walk around Town Square in Sugar Land, a hub of commerce in Fort Bend County. Hundreds of businesses countywide beneted from American Rescue Plan Act funding during the pandemic.

EMILY LINCKECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Houston-area counties look to allocate remaining federal ARPA money as deadlines approach

BY MELISSA ENAJE & JESSICA SHORTEN

$56 million—or 35% of the ARPA allocations— toward local businesses in an eort to prevent busi- ness shutdowns over the course of the pandemic. However, with federal funding ending, such grants and programs will no longer be funded.

Over the course of 2022, county ocials made available roughly $6 million in grant funds for over 567 businesses to apply for. The grant fund- ing has allowed businesses to fund salaries and x supply issues. A breakdown comparison of surrounding coun- ties shows Fort Bend County also already spent

As Fort Bend County approaches the December deadline to obligate any remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, a look back shows eorts have stayed focused on maintaining the business economy in the Sugar Land and Missouri City areas.

CONTINUED ON 21

Also in this issue

Impacts: Rumble Boxing Sugar Land oers group classes (Page 6)

Election: Voters approve propositions on ballot (Page 11)

Community: Guide to holiday events in the area (Page 22)

Business: Grocery store centers community, diversity (Page 23)

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MORE THAN 80,000 STUDENTS

CAMPUSES located southwest of Houston 12 High Schools (Two Title I) 15 Middle Schools (Three Title I) 51 Elementary Schools (22 Title I) 5 Specialized Schools

One of the most diverse school districts in the nation. Our families speak more than 90 languages and dialects

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Impacts

2 Rumble Boxing Sugar Land A new location of the national chain opened in the Market at Town Center. The 45-minute group classes combine upbeat custom playlists and low lights to energize the class, General Manager and trainer Chris Joshua said. In addition to boxing, the classes include strength training in a high-intensity interval training session. • Opened Nov. 27 • 2635 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land • www.rumbleboxinggym.com/location/sugar-land 3 HCA Houston ER 24/7 Fort Bend Parkway A new standalone emergency room from HCA Houston Healthcare is a full-service ER offering 11 exam rooms, an on-site laboratory and diagnostic imaging services, including cat scan, X-ray and ultrasound, according to a news release from HCA. The facility’s physicians and nurses can treat various medical conditions. • Opened Nov. 7 • 14476 Hillcroft Ave., Houston • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com

W . B E L L F O R T B

Richmond

1464

A I R P O

W. AIRPORT BLVD.

TOWN CENTER BLVD. N.

LONE STAR DR.

Missouri City

LEXINGTON BLVD.

1092

Coming soon

4 Wayback Burgers The Connecticut-based fast-casual restaurant chain plans to open its first Houston-area location in Richmond, officials with the restaurant said. In addition to its classic, double bacon and cheesy melt burgers, the restaurant’s menu also features Buffalo chicken tenders, cheesesteaks and all-beef hot dogs loaded with a customer’s toppings of choice. • Opening in January 2024 • 18321 W. Airport Blvd., Ste. 110, Richmond • www.waybackburgers.com 5 Williams Smokehouse BBQ & Blues The Sugar Land restaurant and live music venue was originally slated to open in April but now plans to open this winter. The eatery will offer barbecue with a Creole- modern twist as well as pasta, wings, salads and other dishes. Specialty items will include brisket and cheese empanadas, stuffed turkey legs, armadillo eggs, and smoked oxtails on weekends. • Opening in the winter • 2105 Lone Star Drive, Sugar Land • www.facebook.com/williamssmokehouse

Sugar Land

K W Y .

S I

T Y

KITTY HOLLOW PARK

762

Rosenberg

BRAZOS RIVER

SIENNA PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

wings, salads, calzones and other Italian dishes, General Manager Craig Wallace said. Customers can dine in or have their orders delivered from the third Houston-area location of Rosati’s Pizza. • Opened early October • 18802 University Blvd., Ste. 140, Sugar Land • www.myrosatis.com

Now open

1 Rosati’s Pizza The Chicago-based eatery offers various pizzas, including deep dish, thin crust and double dough as well as pastas,

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Now open

Relocations

11 B’s Wine Bar The business relocated from its lounge at 8770 Hwy. 6, Ste. 300, Missouri City, to a more spacious location in the city. Charcuterie boards, appetizers, entrees and desserts are all on the menu at B’s Wine Bar. Guests can enjoy a cocktail while hearing R&B and soul musicians play. • Relocated Aug. 19 • 8027 Hwy. 6, Ste. 100, Missouri City • www.facebook.com/bswinebar

6 Clean Eatz In a fast-casual setting, the national chain offers various menu items in its cafe, such as salads, bowls, wraps, flatbreads, burgers and smoothies. Manager Nicole Maley said patrons can also pick from rotating

grab-and-go items that were made fresh then frozen as well as a weekly meal plan. • Opened Aug. 10 • 2705 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land • www.cleaneatz.com

7 The Joint Chiropractic The Joint’s licensed chiropractors promote ongoing wellness by improving spinal and joint function, and aim to provide relief for ailments that include arthritis, scoliosis and migraines. • Opening mid- to late December • 20236 Fort Bend Parkway, Ste. 220, Missouri City • www.thejoint.com 8 Elite Endodontic Specialists The business will offer more intensive dental surgeries, including root canals, cracked tooth repair and treatment for traumatic injuries. • Opening fourth quarter 2024 • Hwy. 6 and Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road, Missouri City • www.eliteendospec.com

9 Sweet Shoppe A candy shop will open in a new visitor center at the Smart Financial Centre. The shop will sell branded Sugar Land merchandise and feature candy-themed interiors and decorations as a nod to the city’s history. The shop will be funded by the city’s hotel occupancy tax. • Opening TBD 10 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic The Houston-based health care provider’s new Rosenberg clinic will accommodate up to 27 providers and offer various services, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and OB-GYN. • Opening summer 2024 • 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land • www.smartfinancialcentre.net

• 23337 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg • www.kelsey-seybold.com

In the news

12 WellMed Construction on the new clinic, which specializes in treating older patients, is expected to end by Dec. 31, according to information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. WellMed provides a network of doctors, specialists and medical professionals trained to care for older adults. It offers extra support for those with multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, per the company’s website. • 2521 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land • www.wellmedhealthcare.com

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Government

BY RACHEL LELAND, KELLY SCHAFLER & DANIEL WEEKS

Sugar Land approves contract for drainage improvements On Nov. 7, Sugar Land City Council approved a $13.9 million contract for drainage improvements in the Austin Park and Chimneystone subdivisions. The gist In 2018, the city completed a drainage study of those areas post-Hurricane Harvey as those areas regularly experience excessive street ponding and ooding during major storm events, according to agenda documents. The project scope of work includes: • A large-capacity stormwater pipe added near the Acacia Drive storm sewer outfall • Larger storm sewers along Acacia Drive • A second stormwater sewer pipe constructed between the Acacia Drive storm sewer outfall

Services for substance abuse cases to expand Fort Bend County Commissioners Court accepted a $888,388 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice on Nov. 7 for the purpose of improving treatment services for nonvio- lent defendants in substance abuse cases. The details The Fort Bend County Community Court Enhancement Project will expand access to treatment services for defendants in the county’s three substance abuse and treatment dockets, including Misdemeanor Treatment Court, Felony Drug Court and Expedited Narcotics Docket. The program targets adults who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs and are at “substantial risk to reoend or fail to complete less intensive dispositions” such as probation.

THISTLEWOOD DR.

SETTLERS WAY BLVD.

CHIMNEYSTONE SUBDIVISION

ACACIA DR.

COMMONWEALTH BLVD.

AUSTIN PARK SUBDIVISION

SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

and Austin Parkway • A drainage channel installed between Austin Parkway and Thistlewood Drive By the numbers Drainage improvements for Austin Park and Chimneystone were included in the 2019 voter-approved $90.76 million general obliga- tion bond program. The drainage improvement projects are expected to begin in December and be completed by fall 2026.

Filing for March 2024 primary election opens

Those interested in ling for the March primaries must meet dierent qualications depending on the position, such as: Filing qualications

The candidate ling period for the March 5 primaries opened Nov. 11 and runs until Dec. 11. Local voters will have a chance to weigh in on which local candidate will represent their political party in the November 2024 election. The gist Local positions up for election include: • Fort Bend County commissioner, Precinct 3

• Fort Bend County constable, Precinct 2 • Fort Bend County constable, Precinct 3

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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Election

BY EMILY LINCKE & DAVE MANNING

Voters OK local election propositions

Results breakdown

Winner

Sugar Land and Missouri City residents voted in favor of several items on the Nov. 7 ballot, which included a bond election and a voter-approval tax rate election. What you need to know Voters approved two Fort Bend County bond referendums totaling $865.6 million. The proposi- tions will fund the following items: • Proposition A ($712.6 million): construction, maintenance and operation of county roads • Proposition B ($153 million): improvements, renovations, land acquisition, and building construction for park and recreational purposes Roughly 34% of the 2023 mobility bond is earmarked to construct existing projects, accord- ing to county documents. The larger portion of the bond will be allocated to design, right-of-way acquisition and utilities for new projects, County Judge KP George said.

Voters also approved Fort Bend ISD’s voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, which was listed as Proposition A. The approval will increase the tax rate to pay for teacher raises and meet the unfunded House Bill 3 state mandate of hiring a uniformed officer at every campus, Deputy Superintendent Steven Bassett said. Cost to residents Fort Bend County’s bond won’t impact the coun- ty’s tax rate, George said. However, the VATRE raised FBISD’s tax rate $0.04 above the state-re- quired compressed tax rate for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The rate is the lowest the district has had. FBISD officials canvassed the votes Nov. 16, making the results official. The VATRE will provide funding for the district to comply with the state mandate to have armed security personnel on all FBISD campuses and qualifies it for additional state funding, which will allow for more competitive staff salaries.

Fort Bend County bond

Proposition A

64% For 36% Against

Proposition B

52% For 48% Against

Fort Bend ISD VATRE

Proposition A

57% For 43% Against

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Education

BY DAVE MANNING

FBISD gets ‘A’ rating for scal management The Texas Education Agency has again awarded Fort Bend ISD an “A” rating for its nancial management of the district’s instructional resources in the Texas Schools Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the 2022-23 budget year. The TEA rating system, also known as Texas Schools FIRST, revealed the positive nancial responsibility report to the board at the Nov. 13 meeting. The gist The TEA’s highest ratings are reserved for districts that “exemplify high quality nancial management,” the agency stated in a news release. The TEA rewards practices such as maintaining a 90-day fund balance in reserves to continue paying personnel and vendors for 90 days in the event of a scal crisis.

No human remains found at future school site A second survey has found no evidence of human remains or past burial sites on the property for Fort Bend ISD’s new elementary school, according to a Nov. 10 news release from the district. This comes ve years after the remains of 95 individuals were found on the site of FBISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center. Activ- ists have expressed concern about the possibility of graves being discovered at the school site, as it once housed a prison farm in the late 1800s. The new school will be near Harlem Road and Harvest Garden Boulevard in the Harvest Green community. Before closing on the purchase of land, district ocials hired a rm, Terracon, to conduct an extensive survey of the site. Some context The initial archaeological survey conducted in August came back negative for human remains.

“The artifacts we found are things that you would usually nd, like a fork and a bottle

... and other things like that, ... but nothing in comparison to what we saw last time.” STEVEN BASSETT, FORT BEND ISD DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT

Ahead of the second survey in late October, Deputy Superintendent Steven Bassett said the district was being extremely cautious. Next steps The Texas Historical Commission now has to review Terracon’s nal report, which may take up to 30 days. Construction can’t begin until the district receives authorization from the commission. Funded by the district’s $1.26 billion May bond referendum, the $46 million elementary school is set to open in August 2026, according to the release.

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S (281) 313-4446

SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628

MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 (281) 403-0400

SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959

NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS, RACHEL LELAND & DANIEL WEEKS

Improved water quality coming with new water line in Sugar Land Sugar Land residents will soon have improved water quality and pressure after the city decided to install a new water line along Ransom Road. The gist On Nov. 7 Sugar Land City Council voted to approve installing a 2,400-foot, 12-inch water line along Ransom Road that will connect the existing water line from Indigo River Lane to just east of the Grand Parkway, behind the existing Bank of America, according to agenda documents. This construction will be tacked onto Fort Bend County’s 2017 mobility bond. In 2019, Sugar Land officials approached county officials to ask that the water line project be included in the Fort Bend County Mobility Bond Program construction plans, according to agenda documents.

Upgrades planned for Hwy. 6 intersections Missouri City City Council approved two items Nov. 6 regarding intersection improve- ments at Hwy. 6 at Vicksburg Boulevard and Hwy. 6 at Sienna Parkway. Two-minute impact Per the meeting agenda, the $650,000 traffic signal upgrade at Hwy. 6 and Vicks- burg Boulevard will include changing the traffic pattern from a three-way wire signal to a four-way permanent pole signal. The estimated timeline for completion of the project is spring 2024. City Council also accepted the dedication of a right-of-way easement for intersection improvements at Sienna Parkway and Hwy. 6, including adding turn lanes for northbound and southbound traffic. Offi- cials said the project will wrap up in 2024.

INDIGO RIVER LN.

RANSOM RD.

One more thing Fort Bend County officials agreed to incorporate the water line construction into the project but required Sugar Land to fund the design separately and reimburse the county for construction. The engineer’s estimate for the installation is $407,285, according to agenda documents. Sugar Land Communications Director Doug Adolph confirmed that Sugar Land had been in recent conversations with Fort Bend County about the project and that the county was “actively working on bidding on the project soon.”

County selects bid for Sienna Ranch Road project Fort Bend County on Nov. 7 selected company Jerdon Enterprise for a safety improvements project along Sienna Ranch Road in Missouri City. The bid price was $260,936, and the estimated completion time is 60 days, according to meeting the county’s 2020 mobility bond, which provided $500,000 for the project. According to the 2020 mobility projects list, the scope of work for the project includes:

DISCOVERY LN.

• Safety improvements • Curb radius reductions • Reduce pedestrian crossing length • Speed reduction

documents. The details The project was previously approved as part of

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Real estate

Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

32 30

96 88

-6.25%

-8.33%

77498

77459

Three of the five ZIP codes saw decreased homes sales in October compared to October 2022.

69 70

23 20

+1.45%

-13.04%

77479

77489

99 TOLL

13 21

+61.54%

77478

Median home sales price

2022

2023

77498

-0.3%

$302,250

$303,168

77498 77479 77489 77459

77478

77479

+13.57%

$552,500

$486,500

77478

+14.86%

$425,000

$370,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM

77459

-0.5%

$409,955

$411,995

77489

+9.53%

$246,450

$225,000

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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From the cover

Funding commerce in Fort Bend County

BY MELISSA ENAJE & JESSICA SHORTEN

Two-minute impact

ARPA funding allocations

Allocated*

Unallocated

*AS OF NOVEMBER

Harris County

Montgomery County

Fort Bend County

Local governments are now looking to obligate and use any remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds before an upcoming December 2024 federal deadline. Counties received lump distributions of federal funding in 2021 to ll public revenue losses, invest in broadband and other infrastructure projects, and provide additional pay for essential workers, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury in a news release. Three of the counties which received funding in the Houston area include: • Harris: $915.5 million • Fort Bend: $157.6 million • Montgomery: $117.9 million Any funding not obligated by December 2024 and spent by the end of 2025 must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. County ocials must decide how to use remaining funding and continue supporting pandemic-era programs and employees. Counties such as Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery could also be faced with absorbing several million in additional costs or eliminating jobs or programs.

$158M

$7.4M

$40M

$915.5M Total

$117.9M Total

$157.6M Total

$757M

$110.5M

$117.3M

Jobs and education Housing Health Justice and safety

County operations

Remaining

$227.3M

$192.8M

$141.5M

Harris County

$147.5M

$47.5M

$158M

$39.8M

$42.4M

$2.9M

Montgomery County

$13.2M $11.6M

$7.4M

County ocials divided ARPA funding to meet the prioritized needs of each county.

$56.3M

$27.7M

Fort Bend County

$31.8M

$1.4M

$40M

NOTE: SOME ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EQUAL THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE TO ROUNDING. SOURCES: HARRIS, MONTGOMERY, FORT BEND COUNTIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming in

What the experts say

Stay tuned

One of the major expenses counties may need to cover are employees funded by ARPA. In all three counties, a number of employees were hired for positions on mental health teams, law enforce- ment and general infrastructure projects, such as a $21 million contract in Montgomery County to reopen a Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare center and a contract to expand the Harris County jail- based competency restoration program. During scal year 2023-24 budget workshops, all three counties outlined how to spend the remaining funds on new projects and infrastruc- ture eorts, while also considering the salaries which may need to be absorbed by the counties or eliminated once funding is depleted. According to ocials in each county, Harris County’s remaining funds are being targeted toward additional aordable housing eorts. Montgomery County reserved roughly $2 million to fund another year of salaries for ARPA-based employees. Fort Bend County pushed to help additional small businesses with employee funding and grants.

James Thurmond, professor at Hobby School of Public Aairs, said the one-time federal payout was historic for counties and provided an easy way to ll budget holes without requesting additional tax dollars. While ARPA funding was intended to help replace lost public sector revenue to counties, the responsibility of monitoring any budget decits with county funds fell to the counties themselves.

During the FY 2024-25 budget workshops next year, ocials with Harris and Montgomery counties said they will need to discuss employee and program needs to determine whether positions and programs have to be cut or if they can be sustained on county budgets or grants.

ARPA funding deadlines

December 2024: Deadline to allocate remaining funds December 2025: Deadline to spend remaining funds December 2026: Deadline to have all unused funding returned to Treasury

“You just need to be aware when you create a new demand or a new service, is it sustainable with your

current revenue? If it’s not sustainable, then what do you cut?“ JAMES THURMOND, PROFESSOR, UH HOBBY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Holiday Events Guide

2023

Sugar Land Holiday Lights The 10th annual holiday light celebration at Constellation Field features 3.5 million lights, appearances from Santa Claus, and a 40-foot light-up tree. Shopping and food

December

BalletForte’s ‘The Nutcracker’ The Stafford Centre studio will put on the 28th annual production of Michael Banigan’s classic holiday story, which follows Clara on her magical journey through the Snow Forest to the Kingdom of Sweets. • Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m. • Starts at $12 • 10505 Cash Road, Stafford • www.balletforte.org Christmas Concert River Pointe Church’s Richmond campus will host this family-friendly live music performance telling the story of Christmas. The church invites both members and nonmembers to join in on the fun. • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. • $10 (ages 2-13), $29 (adults) • 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond • www.rpc.me/events

vendors will be available. • Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 6-9 p.m. • Admission starts at $19 • 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandholidaylights.com/tickets

New Years Eve fireworks This year’s Sugar Land Holiday Lights series caps off with midnight fireworks to bring in 2024. This event is presented by the Houston Methodist hospital system. • Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight • Starts at $23 • 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandholidaylights.com/tickets

GrinchFest Fans of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” can dress up as a resident of Whoville to attend a holiday-centric festival. • Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6420 FM 359, Richmond • www.enchantedgardensrichmond.com

Primary care providers who specialize in you.

You’re at your best when you’re doing the things you love. That’s why it’s important to have a health care team that’s on your side, focused on helping you meet your goals for every stage of life. The primary care providers at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group are committed to building long-lasting relationships—so you can trust in patient-centered care that uses the latest technology and provides access to an excellent network of care. We’re here to help you build a wellness plan that works for you. Get started at StLukesHealth.org/PrimaryCare .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY ASIA ARMOUR

My Spice Grocery centers community, diversity in Missouri City Jerry and Annie Luka’s roots are in Delhi and the Kashmir region of India, respectively. The couple professed a shared love of cooking that was passed down from their mothers and grandmothers. They said they carried that love into the family they built in Missouri City, where they’ve lived for 23 years. They rst invested in the community by opening a Montessori day care center before opening My Spice Grocery in June 2021. “It’s a huge shift [moving into] the service industry, but we felt the need,” Jerry Luka said. The inspiration Jerry Luka said My Spice is more than a store, calling it “a bridge between cultures, a testament to the power of shared stories and shared meals.” My Spice Grocery carries specialty produce, sea- sonings and culinary items from several interna- tional markets—including India, Pakistan, Canada, Nigeria, Mexico and Jamaica. A butcher shop and a kitchen preparing Indian cuisine daily help set it apart from other grocers, Jerry Luka said. The owners said they pride themselves on sell- ing fresh food and also cater to customer requests. What’s special about it? From the kitchen comes nostalgic meals such as pothichoru—a dish of rice, curry, vegetables and a protein wrapped in a banana leaf. Customers can enjoy complimentary cardamom tea or coee while perusing the aisles, the owners said. “We develop a very personal relationship with customers,” Annie Luka said.

Annie and Jerry Luka share their passion for culture and good food with the diverse community of Missouri City.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COPPER CREEK LN.

6158 Sienna Ranch Road, Ste. 501, Missouri City www.myspicegrocery.com

My Spice Grocery sells specialty produce from all over the world, including plantains native to southeast Asia.

For over fifty years the Fort Bend Chamber has served as the advocate for business excellence in Fort Bend County. The Fort Bend Chamber works behind the scenes to monitor business regulations, advance educational outcomes, improve infrastructure, develop community leaders, and build economic growth. Advocate, Elevate, Lead FortBendChamber.com

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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