Business Briefs

JIMMY’S BY THE BEACH

Look out for the opening of Galveston’s newest bar–Jimmy’s by the Beach. Doors will open February 18, although the grand opening will take place after Mardi Gras. Overlooking the Gulf, Jimmy’s by the Sea is the closest bar to the gay East Beach, and plans are in the works for male strippers and karaoke nights.

"I was happy being a bartender," says owner Jimmy Sweeney, who has been on the island for 19 years, "but I decided it was time to make a career of it. I wanted to establish a place where everyone can have fun."

Sweeney is supported in this new adventure by his partner Gary Bache and many friends. Open daily, noon to 2 a.m., with daily happy hour prices 7 p.m., plus $1 mimosas and Bloody Marys on Sundays. Corner of 9th and Seawall (904 Ave M), 409/765-6911.

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COLE’S RESTAURANT

If you keep missing them for dinner, try doing brunch. Cole’s Restaurant will be open for Sunday brunch beginning February 10. Owned by Richard Cole and Paul Long, the casual and cozy neighborhood restaurant has great atmosphere for a cocktail after work or a weekend dinner with friends. 2100 Waugh Dr. (between Michigan & Indiana) in the Montrose. 713/942-2100.

SONOMA

Sonoma returns, by popular demand–and reopened January 31. This elegant oasis of fine dining closed just after Pride month 2001 in order to regroup after the flood. However, owner Jay Allen said the community just didn’t want to see Sonoma closed for good. Although Neil Markert will take over the management, the kitchen staff has all returned–the menu will include all your old favorites, only you will be pleased to see some of the prices are actually reduced! Watch for lunch in the near future. Bolstered by the success of Joe Watt’s Theater New West and "The Magic Bus" comedy classes–both of whom use spaces in the Sonoma building–Allen has plans to turn the Sonoma complex into an entertainment center for the community. 1415 California, 713-522-7066. Tue.—Thu., 5—10 p.m.; Fri.—Sat., 5-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.—3 p.m..

BOCADOS

Bocados is now open for a Sunday Disco Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. A DJ spins all your favorite club classics and live entertainment is scheduled later in the month.

CANTONI FURNITURE

Looking for a Valentine gift with style and panache? Cantoni Furniture, a high-end contemporary furniture retailer with stores in Dallas, Houston, and Irvine, has several furniture and accessory items that demonstrate the fun-loving and whimsical feel of this romantic holiday. A Christopher Royal loveseat features brushed aluminum and a velvet seat, $2,139. Heart cut-glass bud vase designed for one stem flower, $69. Intricate heart designs encircle a glass bowl, $219. Black Dancers with Red Heart sculpture features individual dancers in elongated, contemporary positions, $169. The Tango Chaise in cherry red supersuede is the perfect Valentine's gift for any couple, $1179. The Pop-art "Why Darling You're Beautiful" ceramic vase by JoAnn Delomba exclusively for Cantoni, $899. Cantoni, 9889 Westheimer, 713/787-9494.

MICHELLE FLORA

Long-time Houstonian and graphic designer Michelle Flora announces the launch of her firm's new website: www.lionsden.net. She gives great thanks to her partner, Kim Morgan, for helping her make it happen. Check it out!

GREATER HOUSTON GLBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Greater Houston GLBT Chamber of Commerce celebrates a 67-percent increase in membership for 2001–a record growth for the long-standing community organization–bringing the total to 430 members. This follows a board decision to invest in a fulltime executive director and increase direct member benefits. With Coy Tow at the helm as the chamber’s ED, the group’s plans for 2002 are to concentrate on membership growth, community infrastructure development, enhancing chamber events, create a community website, and further develop the Corporate Networking Group. Membership is open to individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and corporations. Please contact Coy Tow at 713/523-7576 or visit the website at www.ghglcc.org.

KEEP HOUSTON BEAUTIFUL

Keep Houston Beautiful has released its 2002 calendar with photos by Jim Olive of www.Stockyard.com. For more than 25 years, Keep Houston Beautiful has been a nonprofit organization primarily focused on litter reduction by involving Houstonians in the task of making Houston one of the cleanest cities in America. In fact, more than 500 cities across America follow the program created by Keep Houston Beautiful. The calendar is available by mail only for $12.95. Keep Houston Beautiful, P.O. Box 460648, Houston 77056, 713/839-8855, www.houstonbeautiful.org.