It’s fall, and that means Pumpkin Spice season is back! There’s nothing like the aroma of Pumpkin Spice to put you in the mood for autumn. This year finds Pumpkin Spice infused in your coffee, candles, sweets, scents, and more.
Starbucks at Memorial City and Town and Country Village have new Pumpkin Spice menu items this fall, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew. They also added pumpkin bakery items, such as Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and Pumpkin Scones.
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Fall has invaded Bath & Body Works in Memorial City Mall with delicious scents in bath products, luxurious lotions, candles and air fresheners. The smells of their Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, Pumpkin Cupcake and Pumpkin Apple will definitely put you in the mood for the fall season.
The cozy feeling of fall is all around when you shop at HEB and Randalls in the Memorial District. You can see Pumpkin Spice goodies to sip and savor.
Want to make iced coffee at home? Tazo has a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte concentrate. Mix equal parts of Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte with Regular Chai Latte and creamy oat milk. Voila! You are a Pumpkin Spice Latte barista. Pick some up yummy seasonal Tazo teas at grocery stores in the Memorial District.
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Candles like the Fireside Pumpkin Candle from Soft Surroundings or the Pumpkin Dulce Candle from Altar’d State can turn your home into a seasonal oasis. Similarly, Trudy’s Hallmark has seasonal Pumpkin Spice and Mulled Cider candles by Tyler’s Candles.
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Here’s wishing you a wonderful Pumpkin Spice season.
Mind if we taco 'bout dinner? Then let's welcome Torchy's Tacos. The Austin-based company opened its latest Houston location at 1035 Gessner as part of the Memorial City development, and it is the company's eighteenth location in H-town.
Torchy's Tacos brings a menu jam-packed with flavorful Tex-Mex winners. For example, you'll find the Tailgater tacos that include Panko-fried chicken and bacon, and you'll see the Brushfire that has Jamaican jerk chicken with grilled jalapenos and mango.
There is always a Taco of the Month, and fan favorites like burrito bowls, breakfast tacos, chips and queso, and specialty sides and sweets are available. The restaurant's famous drinks and margaritas will also be available.
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"The Houston community has embraced Torchy's since we opened our first restaurant in the city in 2011," said G.J. Hart, CEO of Torchy's Tacos. "Outside of our hometown of Austin, we have the most restaurants in Houston for a reason: we love its foodie culture and we love its residents."
Torchy's Tacos Memorial City will follow health and safety regulations, including but not limited to having wellness checks for staff, wearing face masks, socially distancing, and frequently sanitizing the space.
The restaurant is at Gessner and the Katy Freeway area, which includes Kirby's Ice House Memorial. When the concept restaurant Mia's Table opens in the area, it will share a 7,000-square-foot courtyard with Torchy's Tacos. The spacious 4,500-foot Tex-Mex eatery also has a full bar and patio.
https://www.facebook.com/TorchysMemorialCity/posts/685275185436609
Torchy's Tacos Memorial City
832-304-2700
1035 Gessner Rd., Suite A
Houston, TX 77055
https://torchystacos.com
Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center both received certification from DNV GL Healthcare as Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC). CSC status indicates the highest level of stroke-care certifications.
Memorial Hermann Memorial City is the first hospital in West Houston to receive this designation.
“The stroke teams at Memorial Hermann Memorial City and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands provide outstanding care to stroke patients and worked together to help each other achieve this designation for both hospitals,” said Dr. Sean Savitz, Stroke Medical Director for Memorial Hermann Health System and Professor and the Frank M. Yatsu, M.D., Chair in Neurology at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. “It is a great privilege for me to work with such amazing colleagues at both hospitals in achieving CSC status.”
With this announcement, three hospitals in the Memorial Hermann Health System have now received CSC certification, the highest number of CSC-designated hospitals in the same health system in Houston. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is also a CSC. This certification recognizes a hospital’s ability to have state-of-the-art infrastructure, the most advanced services, specialists in stroke and cerebrovascular disease, and training to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes. All of the hospitals provide rapid and timely care for patients and are dedicated to the best outcomes in the Greater Houston community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, adult disability in the United States. The National Stroke Association estimates nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year.
“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Patrick Horine, CEO of DNV GL Healthcare. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”
For more information on stroke treatment at Memorial Hermann, visit the hospital's webpage on stroke-related information.
Jason Johnson, President of MetroNational, the firm behind the development of Memorial City, was interviewed by Jeff Jeffrey of the Houston Business Journal. Johnson discussed the demolition of the Sears location at Memorial City, and he explained aspects of the redevelopment project that are on hold due to COVID-19 concerns.
"We're still in the planning phase of that project. We're taking a massive look at what we need in terms of the retail environment. That's one of the next 20 things we're going to be changing with the mall to make it more of a mixed-use, open space environment. It's going to take a lot of work and needs to get approval from a lot of people, including the anchor tenants. No one likes to sit on real estate, but we're going to take our time with that one to make sure we get it right."
He noted that the 25-story multifamily tower, The McKinley, is on schedule. The sales office should be open by the second quarter of 2021.
Johnson told The Houston Business Journal that the McKinley's office component is on hold while the firm's specialists examine how office environments might look in the future. For example, the specialists want to see the frequency with which people work from the office each week. He also expressed confidence about building an office space in Houston.
"I'm really pleased with what Texas is doing, in general, and what Houston, in particular, is doing with bringing new companies to town. We have always felt that by being a dense urban core that is outside of the (central business district), we benefit from having all of the restaurants and retail and things people want with a much shorter commute . . . Because of our location, we benefit from being in an area that is in close proximity to everything employees might need to do during the day, whether it's shopping or getting food or obtaining medical treatment."
According to Johnson, the redevelopment of Memorial City could occupy MetroNational's thoughts for the next ten years. The firm is taking the time to hear what tenants want and what retailers across the country do. The firm has moved quickly with choices about using technology to simplify deliveries and meetings. Still, it will take a steady approach to its overall growth to make sure its decisions are good ones.
Jason Johnson is the son of MetroNational's Chairman and CEO, Roy Johnson. He is also the grandson of the company's founder, Joseph Johnson.
Houston Business Journal's interview also appears on MetroNational's website.
Face masks are this year's greatest accessory, and Memorial District retailers are on top of the trend. Our businesses have functional, safe, and stylish masks to protect our community.
This year, Memorial Tailor jumped into mask making. This family-owned-and-operated business has masks with seasonal designs, sports team graphics, and more. They even make masks for special occasions, such as pageants and weddings.
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Similarly, Marlo Miller Boutique is at the front of the mask movement. When the pandemic hit, the shop worked hard to get masks to the community. Now, it offers unisex masks, embroidered masks, face shields, and mask accessories like mask chains to keep your mask within reach.
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Recently, researchers tested various masks. The results suggested that surgical N95 masks were best at catching respiratory droplets. However, some non-surgical worked well. Non-surgical masks include disposable KN95 masks and reusable all-purpose masks with filters and layers. Find these styles at Lowe's Home Improvement at Bunker Hill, where you can also get children's masks with designs like hearts, dinosaurs, and rocket ships.
Cotton On at Memorial City has cotton masks with adjustable elastic straps. These masks filter 90% of general pathogens and pollution in the air, and the proceeds support global healthcare initiatives and youth education initiatives.
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Many other Memorial City, CityCentre and Town and Country Village stores, such as Aeropostale, Anything Bling and J. Crew have fashion-forward masks.
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Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters at Memorial City have unisex masks, some of which you can pair with matching scrunchies.
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Get triple-layer, non-medical grade masks from Old Navy in Memorial City or the Gap or Banana Republic stores at Memorial City or Town and Country Village. Choose from neutral colors and smart designs to complement your work-from-home outfit.
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Coach at Memorial City has chic masks, and 100% of the net profit from the sale of these items goes to the organization Feeding America, which provides meals across the nation. You can also find elegant mask chains to dress up your new-normal look.
Anthropologie at CityCentre offers inventive masks, such as tie-back masks with braided ties. The manufacturing process follows environmentally friendly, fair-trade guidelines.
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Joann Fabrics near Village Plaza has everything you need to make masks whether you prefer funky designs or monochromatic looks. Get textiles, needles, thread, sewing machines, and more. Are your ears sore from masks bands? Follow YouTube tutorials to make tie-back masks or headband masks to save your ears.
Not all masks work well. Researchers found that some fleece and polyester neck gaiters performed worse than the no-mask control group. They may break respiratory droplets into smaller sizes and help them remain in the air, so other masks may be better.
Remember, masks are not a perfect defense. Wear masks with layers, and wear masks at home if you are ill or caring for someone sick. Wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing.
Culinary Khancepts, the Houston group behind Star Cinema and State Fare Kitchen and Bar, acquired Liberty Kitchen at the Treehouse in Memorial City. The restaurant reopened on August 14 with a new menu mix of classic favorites, including homemade gumbo, deviled eggs, and Island Creek oysters, and unique meal options.
Omar Khan, C.E.O. of Culinary Khancepts, expressed admiration for Liberty Kitchen, saying, "I have always been a big fan and supporter of Liberty Kitchen and I am thrilled to be able to carry on the legacy of the brand. Liberty Kitchen has an amazing staff that is anxious to get back to work and provide phenomenal experiences for our guests, friends and families."
Liberty Kitchen offers indoor seating and patio options, and takeout is available. Liberty Kitchen's founding Chef and Culinary Director Lance Fegen will lead the reopening and oversee the culinary direction and restaurant operations.
Will Davis, Managing Partner of F.E.E.D. TX Restaurant Group, discussed the acquisition by Culinary Khancepts, saying, "We are very grateful to be passing the torch to Omar Khan, who values the brand as much as we do and know that he will add to Liberty Kitchen's growth."
Liberty Kitchen is part of the Memorial City complex located at 963 Bunker Hill.
This month, demolition began on the former Sears building at Memorial City Mall, the first milestone in the redevelopment of the 1.7 million square-foot super retail center.
Sears was Memorial City Mall’s original anchor in 1966, but the store closed in late 2018. Now, almost 55 years later from Sears opening, this site serves as the launching point in the creation of a visionary outdoor lifestyle/retail district. The 20-acre parcel is a key aspect of the long-term master plan for the 300-acre Memorial City campus that includes reimagining and redesigning the area to add new mixed-use and lifestyle options, along with improved walkability.
“Today is an exciting day for us, as the demolition of Sears is the first visible step to creating a new chapter for Memorial City and further evidence that our company is well-positioned today and for the future,” said Jason Johnson, President of MetroNational, the Houston-based privately-held real estate investment, development and management company that owns and operates Memorial City.
MetroNational began working last year with Fort-Worth based Trademark Property Company, to realign and reimagine Memorial City into an integrated, vibrant component of the entire Memorial City campus.
“We have spent the last year creating a strategic vision to evolve Memorial City Mall into a premiere mixed-use development, and the Sears demolition is one of the first steps of that plan,” said Terry Montesi, CEO, Trademark Property Company.
Gensler and Stantec are leading design efforts for the redevelopment project.
Here is some news to bring a smile to your face. National Fairy Tooth Day is just around the corner on August 22. This recognition happens twice a year as a reminder to visit the dentist biannually. The Memorial District has more than a dozen excellent practices ready to brighten your smile, so the Tooth Fairy will be busy in our community. Dentists and dental treatment centers have reopened and taking extra precautions for your safety and health. However, we encourage you contact them and verify their cleaning and sterilization practices.
Bunker Hill Dentistry
9807 Katy Fwy #130
Houston, Texas 77024
832-834-5281
visit their website
Bunker Hill Dentistry uses state-of-the-art equipment such as the i-CAT Conebeam CT, Schick Digital X-rays, and computerized anesthesia wands. The clinic accepts children and adults, and it guarantees “Care, Comfort, and Convenience” to each client.
https://www.facebook.com/BHDentistry/photos/a.1624707697818364/2042121076077022/
Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry
9742 Katy Fwy #500
Village Plaza
Houston, Texas 77055
713-464-5437
visit their website
Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry instills in children the importance of dental healthcare and works with parents on daily maintenance. The clinic offers routine cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, early dental visits, sedation dentistry, and more.
https://www.facebook.com/BunkerHillPediatricDentistry/photos/a.554651531227529/4752079361484704/
Clear Direct Orthodontics
9774 Katy Fwy #400
Village Plaza
Houston, Texas 77055
281-616-7893
visit their website
Clear Direct Orthodontics focuses on Invisalign and Clear Braces. In doing so, the clinic brings affordable, top-notch alignment experiences to patients. Services include Invisalign, Propel, veneers, bonding, dental implants, and more.
https://www.facebook.com/ClearDirectOrtho/photos/a.606742316039531/612718355441927
Dr. Phillip Cimo, DDS
650 W Bough Ln # 160
Town & Country Village
Houston, Texas 77024
713-464-1887
visit their website
Dr. Phillip Cimo, DDS, welcomes all patients as if they were family. The clinic has hundreds of testimonials from clients who rave about the comfort, compassion, friendliness, and professionalism they received at here.
Grace Dental
10100 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77024
visit their website
Grace Dental designed every aspect of our modern, technology-rich practice with our patient's comfort in mind. Services include cleaning and prevention, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more.
Hanna Dental Implant Center
947 Gessner Rd #230
The Gateway
Houston, Texas 77024
855-374-2662
visit their website
https://www.facebook.com/hannadentalimplantcenter/photos/a.816470758370652/4141303169220711/
Hanna Dental Implant Center is a premier healthcare facility that offers cutting-edge aesthetic and dental implant services. The clinic blends the luxury comforts that clients expect with the specialist care ensuring immaculate results. Clients can receive everything from single-site implant restorations to full-mouth implant surgeries.
Memorial Pediatric Dentistry
791 Town and Country Blvd
Town & Country Village
Houston, Texas 77024
281-822-6600
visit their website
Memorial Pediatric Dentistry designs treatment plans that give the best options for parents to care for their children. The clinic performs an orthognathic examination at each visit and reviews health history to gain insight into the client’s dental status. The clinic updates its capabilities regularly and uses the latest technologies to provide services.
https://www.facebook.com/memorialpediatricdentistry/posts/3390127011000446
Metropolitan Dental
12347 Kingsride Ln
Houston, Texas 77024
713-465-4761
Dr. Derek Suk, DDS, leads Metropolitan Dental at the Shops at Memorial City. According to Yelp, “he’s super gentle and takes the time to explain what he's doing . . . so there are no surprises. The staff is friendly, professional, and accommodating to schedules.”
My Smile
303 Memorial City Mall #848
Memorial City Mall
Houston, Texas 77024
visit their website
MySmile is a specialty office that offers immediate, safe whitening results that last. The clinic offers affordable rates, advanced blue light technology, and a customer satisfaction guarantee.
https://www.facebook.com/mysmilebeyondbright/photos/a.748794005136513/3227870640562158/
Pediatric Dental Safari
947 Gessner Rd
The Gateway
Houston, Texas 77024
visit their website
Pediatrics Dental Safari has a fun African safari theme that brings the beauty of the African savannah to the dentist’s office to help young children learn to love visits to the dentist and the dental hygiene experience. The clinic even has a movie and video game center. How fun is that? Oh, yes, and in addition to the fun setting, state-of-the-art dental services are available.
https://www.facebook.com/pdsafari/photos/a.560790333987615/3082374868495803/
Sinada Dental
9778 Katy Fwy #450
Village Plaza
Houston, Texas 77055
713-467-2500
visit their website
Sinada Dental provides the highest level of treatment, including preventative, cosmetic dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, prosthodontics, emergency and sedation dentistry. The clinic provides oral and maxillofacial surgeries to deal with things such as TMJ, facial pain, facial reconstruction, dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, and more.
https://www.facebook.com/sinadadental/posts/2340572622897280
Spring Branch Dental
9738 Katy Fwy #400
Village Plaza
Houston, TX 77055
832-548-1533
visit their website
The friendly staff at Spring Branch Dental offer kind, personalized services, including cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, dentures and removeable partial dentures, and more. They also provide some emergency services, such as emergency extractions.
https://www.facebook.com/springbranchdentalgroup/photos/a.243230442761005/937508276666548/
The Dentists at Town and Country Village
791 Town and Country Blvd
Town & Country Village
Houston, Texas 77024
713-467-3458
visit their website
Drs. Rhea, Ewing, Bogan, Hollenbeck, and Relyea and their staff work closely together as a team. They provide a full suite of personalized comprehensive dental care. Services include dental cleaning, sealants, bonding, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, veneers, extractions, whitening, implant restoration, and more.
https://www.facebook.com/TheDentistsatTownandCountryVillage/posts/3006718992686387
Town & Country Dental
12850 Memorial Dr #1105
Town & Country Village
Houston, Texas 77024
713-465-6665
visit their website
Town and Country Dental serves children and adults, and its mission is to provide oral health for the entire family. In addition to great services, the clinic’s offerings include comfortable décor and amenities. From cosmetic dentistry to dental implants, this clinic can help with everything related to your beautiful smile.
https://www.facebook.com/TCDentalCare/photos/a.519474368110929/1815033768554976/
Shopping may look and feel a little different this year, but you can save money on needed school supplies, shoes, backpacks, clothes and much more during the Texas Tax-Free Shopping Weekend. This year, the event is set for August 7 through 9.
During this special weekend, you can purchase qualifying items that are less than $100 in stores or online. Many Memorial District retailers will also offer additional discounts along with the tax-free savings. For information on qualifying items and to learn more check the Tax-Free Holiday website.
Memorial City has extended mail hours during this event. The mall will be open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are shopping in person, please remember to practice social distancing, wear masks or face coverings, and regularly wash your hands.
Bring your appetite to the Memorial District for Houston Restaurant Weeks! This fabulous annual event showcases meals at restaurants throughout southeast Texas, including many establishments right here in the Memorial District. This year, Houston Restaurant Weeks runs from August 1 to September 7.
Houston Restaurant Weeks is the largest annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank, whose mission is to provide food for better lives. It is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network. Participating establishments give $1 per meal to the Houston Food Bank. In 2019, Houston Restaurant Weeks provided more than 104 million meals in 18 counties of southeast Texas.
This year, most participating restaurants have special Houston Restaurant Weeks menus for delivery and takeout. Call participating restaurants before you visit. Verify the days of the week for Houston Restaurant Weeks meal services. Walk-in services might be available, and reservations are not always necessary. Still, it is a good idea to call in advance. Because of COVID-19 concerns, Houston Restaurant Weeks establishments also offer safe delivery and takeout options.
Contact information for each participating restaurant is available on the Houston Restaurant Weeks website. When you call, remember to mention that you want the Houston Restaurant Weeks special menu. That way, the restaurant knows to donate to the Houston Food Bank from the proceeds of your meal.
Easily locate restaurants in the Memorial District by using the "Menu Search Maps" feature. In the search bar, type a key word, such as "CityCentre," "Memorial," or "Town and Country." Currently, Memorial District establishments participating include:
Check the Houston Restaurant Weeks through August 1 for updates.
This year, Houston Restaurant Weeks is also giving away $100 gift cards through a drawing. Simply follow Houston Restaurant Weeks on Instagram (@houstonrestaurantweeks), or join the Facebook group Houston Foodie Friends.
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"Houston Restaurant Weeks gives people in Houston an opportunity to experience Houston's exceptional restaurants while providing much-needed relief for families suffering from hunger," said Brian Greene, CEO of Houston Food Bank. "We are grateful to once again be the beneficiary of this incredible event."
July is National Ice Cream month and we invite to beat the July heat with your favorite cool treat!
If you are out shopping at Memorial City Mall, you can pick from Yogurtland or Marble Slab Creamery.
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At CityCentre you can choose from refreshing gelato while you grab a coffee at Fellini Gelato & Café or stop by Sweet Houston for a yummy macaron ice cream sandwich.
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At Town & Country Village check out Creamistry where they take ice cream to a whole new level by offering made to order liquid nitrogen ice cream.
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If you are enjoying a nice Italian meal at Ciro’s, don’t forget to end it with their wonderful homemade gelato.
And if you are looking for a whole pint or quart to take home, stop by HEB or Randall’s and pick out your favorite flavor.
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With all of these options, every month can be National Ice Cream Month in the District.