ITradition Taco the Soliz
Watch it Grow!
by Alisha McMillen
n the summer of 1984, Grandma Soliz opened a taco shop after leaving her long-time corporate job. “You should sell your food – it’s good!” Papa Soliz told her.
“Every Saturday morning, my grandma would cook a huge breakfast with fresh tortillas. The ‘recipes’ (more on that later) were passed down from my great grandma to my grandma,” says Eric Otto, who now runs operations for Soliz, which has been in business on Dulles Ave. in Stafford for more than 40 years. “It took a few years for Grandma, who is almost 87, to get used to the idea of leaving the kitchen.”
In 2000, Eric started working for his grandma, who continued in the kitchen until she was in her 70s. “I convinced her it was time to rest in June 2014. I asked her for her recipes and she just laughed at me. She said, ‘Mijo, I don’t have recipes! I just know how to do it.’ So, I stood in the kitchen with a pad, pen, and timer to document the recipes that lived in her head.”
Eric remodeled the Dulles store in 2016, and started taking credit cards for the first time ever. (Yes, it was previously a cash-only business!) In 2025, Michael Miller joined as CEO with the re-branding of Soliz Casa de Tacos & Café and brought thoughtful expansion plans. “It only made sense for Mike to come aboard and help me with expansion. I’ve watched him grow other brands for the past 15 years!” Eric says. Michael in Sugar Land attending Clements High School. He is a longtime customer when he visited. When Michael and Eric joined forces developed plans to grow Soliz to multiple locations. The first the brand and serve a community outside of Fort Bend Galleria, located in the Fair Food Co. Food Hall. “Galleria are corporate/office and lunch driven,” Michael explains. have seen orders for our new salads and grain bowls increase popularity in the Galleria. It has been the perfect first step expansion.”
Galleria food hall is just the beginning. Plans are underway for another location in Fort Bend with a Richmond location, opening this year, right across the street from Travis School. Its location is a familiar formula – the original is across from Dulles High School, bringing in tons of students and families. “The Richmond location has the best of and Galleria all wrapped up in one. It has the footprint breakfast, lunch, and possibly dinner with the location drive thru. The café will allow customers to experience new with their tacos in the morning,” Michael explains. locations in the Houston market, and to look towards other concludes. “We will begin offering franchising in 2026. We hope to welcome people to enjoy the success of Soliz and expose more communities throughout the country, and even the globe, to experience the Fort Bend tradition that started 40 years ago.” Soliz Casa de Tacos & Café 281-499-8359 soliztacos.com
Original location: 303 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477
Galleria location:
Fair Food Co. Food Hall 5832 Fairdale Ln., #7 Houston, TX 77057
Opening soon in Richmond: 11131 Harlem Rd., Ste 110 Richmond, TX 77406
Like Mother, Like Son
As a Fort Bend County resident, you’ve heard her name and seen her signs in front of some of the most beautiful homes in our community. She’s been representing home buyers and sellers here for more than 30 years. People reach out to her again and again for all of their real estate needs… she’s the real estate icon of Fort Bend County.
She’s the leader of the Cathy Stubbs Team.
She’s also a mom.
“My mom’s passion for real estate made me want to follow in her footsteps and help people find homes they love,” says her son, Carter Stubbs, who has been a member of her team since 2021, and joined his mom as a licensed real estate agent last year. “Growing up having my mother in real estate gave me a front row seat to what closing deals looked like.”
Cathy passes on a strong reputation for determination and integrity to her family and to her team of agents. Carter gets to experience these dynamic traits from two angles – as a son and an employee. Legendary for her strong work ethic, Cathy knows it’s one of the things that makes her so successful. She explains, “I work hard. There’s no magic – it just takes hard work.”
“She always pushes me to be my best,” Carter continues. “Every day, she shows me how to work hard, connect with clients, and make deals happen.”
“Carter inherited my determination and focus. It’s exciting to see him working with clients, helping them get the best deal on the perfect home,” Cathy says. “He’s great with clients, listens to their wishes, and goes to the table with natural negotiating skills that are always in their best interest.”
Growing up in Sugar Land, Carter learned to love the community just as much as his mom.
“Living and working here is incredible. Sugar Land offers elegance, convenience, and opportunity for everyone,” he explains. “Fort Bend County has great schools, strong communities, and a steady market - it’s a great place to invest in a home.” Cathy adds, “I know everything there is to know about Fort Bend County and I bring that to the table for every conversation, negotiation, and transaction I’m involved in. I share that knowledge with my agents so they can offer the same, thoughtful and thorough service during one of the biggest purchases in their customers’ lives.”
“The Cathy Stubbs Team knows the market inside and out and always puts clients first, making the process smooth and easy,” Carter adds.
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Cathy or Carter. “Helping clients find a home they’re excited about is the best part – it’s rewarding to see their happiness,” Carter says.
Houston Legacy in Doors and Windows
by Nicole Grace
Michael Stinson, a native Houstonian, grew up in Sharpstown. By age 25, he was working as a general contractor when he realized his passion was in doors and windows. In 1986, he founded Cambridge Doors & Windows in Stafford – and he’s had the same address and phone number ever since.
“I grew up in the building trade, working alongside my father and grandfather,” Michael shares. “I even earned a degree in construction. I enjoy meeting so many different people from walks of life.”
Affectionately known as The Best Little Door House in Texas, Cambridge Doors & Windows offers high-quality doors and windows. But Michael is quick to point out that quality isn’t just luxury homes. He says, “You can live in a small house and still want beautiful, well-made windows and doors. And every home should be energy efficient, regardless of size.”
Homeowners today have more choices than ever – from the type of wood, stain, or paint color to the style of glass, and iron accents – and every detail can be customized. Cambridge is known for its in-house stain, finishing, and installations.
“Nothing we sell comes from big-box stores, not even our screws or caulking,” Michael says.
“Everything is special ordered to ensure quality.”
Their commitment to quality extends to installation. “We install everything we sell. Our in-house installer has been with us for over 20 years,” Michael notes. “We control the craftsmanship and maintain our high-quality standards. We are ‘the replacement door and window specialist.’”
“One of the hottest trends right now is black doors and windows,” Michael says. “It gives clean, contemporary look that’s very popular and lasting.” Cambridge’s windows are made composite, extruded aluminum and no-rot materials and come with lifetime warranties, including glass breakage coverage.
“New doors and windows offer real energy efficiency,” Michael explains. “It’s rewarding to help people save on their utility bills while keeping their homes safe with sturdy, reliable products.”
Next year, Cambridge Doors & Windows will celebrate 40 years in business. The company is a member of the Better Business Bureau and consistently earns great reviews, averaging 4.8 stars or higher across Google, Yelp, Houzz, Angie’s List, and more. Michael is a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Lifetime Committeeman and Lifetime Member.
The Patriots of Sugar Land
by Alisha McMillen
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land has a mission of promoting Americanism in our community. Two of the patriots leading the organization are former Congressman Pete Olson and ‘retired, but not tired’ Doug Earle.
“We are unique at the Exchange Club. We are not like any other service organization in the area. I personally developed two of our most patriotic events. I love patriotic music. A Night to Remember, held in May, was our fourth annual patriotic concert in Sugar Land Town Square. It was free to the public. The second event is our Field of Honor. 2,025 flags will fly in formation in an empty Sugar Land field for Veteran’s Day in November. We honor our veterans, first responders, and hometown heroes, like teachers, mentors, grandparents, and more.”
-Doug Earle
“At the Exchange Club, we tell the story great country. At last year’s Field of Honor, had the privilege of seeing a Vietnam veteran walking with his granddaughter through the flags. I could feel his sense of pride in being welcome and appreciated. One my favorite projects is our historic cemetery clean-up. We pull weeds, eliminate fire ants, and clean markers so their name are legible. This started when I went pay respects at the grave of Benjamin Franklin Williams, was born into slavery, but became a Methodist minister Republican politician in the Texas legislature.”
-Pete Olson
Exchange Club of Sugar Land ecsl.org president@ecsl.org
Meetings every Wednesday morning, 7 am Sugar Creek Country Club
“We just like to make people happy. About 70% of our work comes from repeat customers and referrals. Word of mouth is what built our business, and it’s what keeps us going today,” Michael says. “Thank you for 39 great years serving Fort Bend County. God is good.”
Cambridge Doors & Windows
281-530-8100
12999 Murphy Road, D-1 Stafford, TX 77477 cambridgedoors.com
Get Your Vehicle Roadworthy BEFORE Your Summer Trip
Or Buy a New Car and Start a New Adventure!
With 106 repair bays and around 150 vehicles rolling through the service department every day, Classic is ready to make sure your vehicle is fit to hit the road for your summer trip.
“The Classic team has 14 service advisors and is growing,” says John Aldridge, Jr., general sales manager for Classic Chevrolet of Sugar Land. “People have built relationships with their advisors… advisors who spend time with them explaining what their vehicle needs. Our clients are very satisfied overall, with a customer satisfaction rating consistently in the 90s.”
With the recent installation of industry-leading technology in the service drive, the team can quickly diagnose problems and get any repairs started quickly. Two UVeye scanners greet clients and after a quick pass through the equipment, dozens of diagnoses are immediately made. Results are available to technicians in less than three minutes.
by Alisha McMillen
The UVeye detects fluid leaks of various types, identifies broken or misaligned parts, detects damage to exhaust components, and shows rust and other signs of corrosion. The tire scan inspects the sidewall and tread, exposing low tread depth, expired tires, uneven tire wear, underinflated tires, dry rot, damage to the rim, and more.
“A quick three-minute scan saves time for our service advisors and makes them more efficient during the diagnosis process,” John explains. “It also promotes trust in our customer relationships, with great visual presentation tools, and speeds the diagnostic process for the customer.”
Like the entire Classic team, “Our service department is a very strong family. We pride ourselves on it,” John continues.
Another part of the Classic Chevrolet team is the friendly and efficient sales team. “If you’re ready to skip the service on your current vehicle and trade it in for a new one, our sales
team is ready to help you find the perfect fit,” John says. “Our inventory is huge, with more than 1,800 new and almost 200 preowned vehicles. We have a lot of choices to help you find the right vehicle for your summer road trip and your daily life.”
Visit Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land for all of your vehicle’s needs. John concludes, “We’re here to help keep your current vehicle running, or to help you find a new vehicle when you’re ready!”
Helping Sugar Land’s Seniors UNDERSTAND MEDICARE
by Alisha McMillen
Andrew Cheng’s parents immigrated from Taiwan to Texas, so he’s familiar with many of the challenges that immigrants face. “I found that there is a local Chinese community in Houston with a lot of immigrants who are confused by the Medicare process,” Andrew, the owner of Clutch City Insurance explains. “It’s rewarding to help someone understand their healthcare options and have access to the care they need.”
Clutch City sells health insurance, specializing in Medicare supplemental insurance for seniors, age 65+. The main office is a few miles north of Sugar Land at Bellaire and Beltway 8, with satellite offices in Sugar Land and Katy (plus some locations in Oklahoma, Florida, and California). Between the offices, they have more than 100 employees.
Clutch City Insurance’s Sugar Land agents live in the community where they work, so they’re all familiar with the unique diversity in the county. Agents speak many languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, ASL, and more. “We know the landscape of hospital systems and doctors in the Sugar Land area. One of our main goals is to educate our community’s seniors on what they need to know,” Andrew explains.
“I was born and raised in Sugar Land, so it’s nice to help my neighbors,” he continues. Andrew attended Colony Bend Elementary, First Colony Middle School, and Clements High School. “Fort Bend is home.”
Married to wife Anna since 2018, they have two daughters under five years old growing up right here in Sugar Land. He says, “I’m proud to be from Sugar Land. I’ve been here my whole life and am raising the next generation of Chengs here. We’re sticking around.”
Interestingly, both of Andrew’s parents were Aggies, but “My sister and I both attended The University of Texas at Austin,” he says. In the insurance industry
since 2008, Andrew started Clutch City Insurance in 2017.
“Our agents help seniors decide which plan fits their individual needs, including doctors, hospitals, and prescription drug coverage,” Andrew continues. “In late summer, we start offering educational Medicare 101 seminars to help seniors understand their options.” Stay tuned to the Clutch City website for details of seminars in your area.
Clutch City Insurance
713-870-5044
10333 Harwin Drive, Suite 265 Houston, TX 77036 ccihou.com
The Brotherhood
Beau: You don’t quit until the job is finished and finished right.
Tby Nicole Grace
he brotherhood is strong at Alan’s Plumbing: Alan and Chris Burkhalter are brothers; Alan’s sons, Luke and Beau, are brothers; and Jaime is a brother, after working more than a decade with the team. For almost 30 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest, licensed plumbing company in Fort Bend. UpClose Magazine sat down with Chris, Luke, Beau, and Jaime to learn what makes their team so successful.
of Alan’s Plumbing
having the same plumber visit their homes when they have a problem.
Q: How does the community respond to Alan’s deeply-embedded philosophy of customer care?
Luke: If you’re not happy with it, the homeowner definitely won’t be happy with it. You should always do your job like someone is coming behind you and checking your work.
Jaime: Plumbing doesn’t lie – there are no shortcuts in plumbing.
“I taught them everything I know about plumbing, transparency in pricing, and professionalism. But I also taught them how to work safely. It’s tough work, but it’s truly rewarding. We know exactly what’s at stake when we go on a job – your family’s health and safety, and our own,” says Alan.
After growing up going on calls with their dad and uncle – and ‘riding the bucket’ in the back of the van – Luke and Beau have been working full-time with their dad since they were 20 years old. Joining Alan, Chris, Luke, Beau, and Jaime are plumbers Christian and Anthony. Apprentices Nick, Noah, and PJ round out the plumbing team, while Alan’s wife, Jennifer, manages the administrative responsibilities with the help of Katie and Katy. (The youngest Burkhalter brother, Jake, is in plumbing sales).
Call Alan’s Plumbing next time you need a plumber, and let them welcome you to their family.
Q: What’s it like working at Alan’s Plumbing?
Jaime: Our bond is very strong. We have a shared commitment to the solid structure of the company, the philosophy that was passed down from Alan, and the cleanliness of the work we do.
Luke: We’re home-grown. All of our plumbers started here as apprentices. We have never hired a plumber who trained elsewhere. We like our plumbers to build on our strong in-house training that starts with Alan. Chris: We make sure the young guys coming up as apprentices keep the integrity that the company was built on. Our customers know it’s a family business and like the comfort of
Chris: We’re all really accommodating with the customers. We work with their schedules and they trust us to come into their homes. We build a strong, friendly rapport with all of our customers.
Beau: We build personal relationships, which results in repeat customers. When we walk into their homes, we feel like we’re walking into our friends’ homes.
Luke: We are the community plumber. We all work in the communities where we live. We like to build our customers the way we’ve grown our business – through trust and a family feel.
Q: What did Alan teach you that you practice every day in your work?
Life“It’ssaver” a
The treatment that is changing the lives of those suffering from depression
Since he was in medical school, Dr. Aqeel Hashmi has been passionate about psychiatry. He has been medical director of Westpark Springs, a 96-bed behavioral health hospital in Richmond, for a decade. He trained as a Psychiatrist at Baylor College of Medicine and he also worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the United Kingdom. And it’s his third year in practice at @HealthTx, a mental health practice located just a short drive from the hospital.
“We treat most emotional health conditions including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder,” Dr. Hashmi explains. With his team of one PA and three NPs, they see patients 18 years and older. “We have a great team and they’ve all grown with us as the practice has grown.”
Using his naturally calming personality, along with a lot of humor, Dr. Hashmi is changing people’s lives every day. “I use a lot of humor with my patients. I’m perceptive and learned how to engage with people through humor,” he says.
One of the greatest challenges is getting patients in the door for the first visit. “The majority of patients who suffer from depression don’t seek treatment. And of
by Alisha McMillen
those who do, most achieve less than 50% improvement,” he explains.
When patients join his practice, they have access to one of the most life-changing treatments for depression on the market today. “Our main treatment is a new medication called Esketamine (brand name Spravato),” Dr. Hashmi continues. “This treatment has helped prevent depressed and suicidal individuals from being hospitalized.”
Esketamine is a nasal spray treatment for people who have tried two antidepressants with no relief or those who feel suicidal. It’s a selfadministered treatment, but has to be given under a physician’s supervision.
“It’s been a lifesaver!” Dr. Hashmi continues.
For the patient, the most difficult part of starting Esketamine therapy can be finding a practice who helps administer the medication. “It can only be administered in approved treatment centers. There are only a few approved providers in Richmond and Katy. We have patients coming from as far as Sealy for treatment,” Dr. Hashmi explains. “Insurance covers it, but we’re the only psychiatrist to take Marketplace plans in the area.”
Initially, dosage occurs twice a week and decreases to one time a week after one month.
Patients are then put on maintenance protocol, which can be one dose every four or six weeks. Dr. Hashmi’s wife, Noarida, is a pharmacist who works in her husband’s practice. They make a good team – she handles the preapprovals and inventory, while Dr. Hashmi and his team handle administering the medication. The couple has been married 32 years and have four children (two girls and two boys), with three grandchildren and another one on the way.
@HealthTx handles most psychiatric conditions in a convenient location. Call today to set up your evaluation and get started on the path to being healthy.
AMARO Providing Closure, Justice & Peace for Over 20 Years
by Alisha McMillen
James Amaro thought he’d be an engineer. While attending the University of Texas at Austin to study chemical engineering, he recalled a trip to a bookstore with his childhood friend, Chris Gadoury. They had stumbled over a book that described how to get into law school and another title that listed the average salary for an attorney. At that moment, both Amaro and Gadoury decided to become attorneys. “Chris still works for me today in Austin,” Amaro says. “We recently settled a case for $25M together.”
In the middle of his junior year, Amaro pivoted his major to economics and pursued a career in law. In order to support his academic pursuits, Amaro had to work his way through school as a realtor and through an internet startup he created in addition to obtaining multiple academic scholarships. After passing the Texas bar exam on his first attempt, he accepted the very first job offer that came his way. That role – working for an insurance defense attorney – gave him a crash course in personal injury law and laid the foundation for building his business.
The Amaro Law Firm, specializing in injury cases, opened on May 5, 2005, which is known as Cinco de Amaro around the office. It is known for handling a range of injury cases, including large, complex wrongful death cases requiring skilled, compassionate advocacy. Celebrating its 20th year serving Texas, the firm is driven by a mission of delivering closure, justice, and peace as quickly as possible.
Amaro comes from more than six generations of family in the Fort Bend area. “My grandfather was born in Sugar Land in 1924. He served in the Air Force in World War II and worked at the refinery. We opened our Sugar Land office on Brooks Street, where many of the original factory homes were built for employees,” Amaro says. “It felt a little like poetic justice to buy what could have been my grandfather’s boss’s house.”
“Fort Bend County is home for me. It’s changed a lot since I graduated from Elkins [High School], but for me, it’s just my hometown,” Amaro explains. Now living in Houston, he and his wife of a decade, Angelica Amaro, are raising their three children in a community closer to the principal Amaro Law Firm office.
Amaro has an easy laugh, a calming presence, and a passion for helping people. That passion shines through with the firm’s scholarship program. This year, two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students from Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD – bringing everything back to Amaro’s Fort Bend roots. “I feel very strongly about helping young students make an impact. I wouldn’t be sitting where I am without scholarships,” he says.
The attorneys at Amaro Law Firm are committed to treating clients with respect guided by adhering to the Amaro client service standards – empathy, compassion, and assurance. “These standards are a result of 20 years in the industry dealing with clients who are in unthinkable positions,” Amaro concludes. “We just want to see life-changing results for those who deserve it.”
The Amaro Law Firm
713-864-1941
Sugar Land: 322 Brooks Street
“Fort Bend County is home for me.”
Houston (Principal Office): 2500 E. TC Jester Blvd., Suite 525 amarolawfirm.com
For more information: fortbendvip@amarolawfirm.com
Two Brothers. Four Specialties. Multiple Locations.
by Alisha McMillen
Brothers Dr. Salman Aly and Dr. Sarfraz Aly grew up in Sugar Land. They followed similar paths for their education – University of Houston for undergrad, med school in New York – but chose different specialties. They came back together in Sugar Land to open their practices.
Coming Home
“We wanted to come back to our childhood community and become a part of the extensive growth in the area,” says Dr. Sarfraz Aly, medical director of Capital Infectious Disease Associates and Capital Advanced Wound Care. “Sugar Land is home. We know the ins and outs of this place.”
“My brother and I grew up in New Territory and graduated from Clements High School,” says Dr. Salman Aly, medical director of Capital Internal Medicine Associates (primary care) and Allure Aesthetics. “We love the diversity here and love serving the people of the community where we grew up.”
Both brothers are married and raising their families right here in Sugar Land. “Our mosque is here and our community is here,”
explains Dr. Salman. Their four specialties all run out of one building on Brisbane Court in the heart of Sugar Land.
The Powerhouse Brothers
“We’re both involved in all of the local hospital systems, including Methodist Sugar Land, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Oak Bend Medical Center, CHI St. Luke’s Sugar Land, and HCA West Houston Medical Center,” Dr. Sarfraz says. “We both see patients in all of these hospitals too.”
Dr. Sarfraz is chief of medicine at Houston Methodist Sugar Land and the medical director of its wound care program, as well as chief of staff at Oak Bend Medical Center and director of its wound care program. Dr. Salman is a primary care doctor for his in-office patients, and hospitalist with four local hospitals. He also runs the aesthetics and wellness practice.
The Aly brothers work together to keep Sugar Land’s resident’s healthy and happy. Call today to start your journey with the Capital Associates practices, where you’ll look good and feel good!
Five organizations in one Sugar Land location
6903 Brisbane Ct. #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479
Always accepting new patients at all locations
Capital Internal Medicine Associates 832-886-4774 cima-docs.com
Capital Infectious Disease Associates 832-886-4994 cida-docs.com
The Wound Docs: Capital Advanced Wound Care 979-488-9438 cawc-docs.com
Allure Aesthetics 346-309-4955 allureaestheticsmd.com
United Community Foundation 281-853-5555 www.ucftexas.org
Other locations open now: Bay City, Wharton, and Telfair
And coming soon: Aliana, Needville, and Sweeney
DENTAL Health: Pro Tips for Parents
When Mentor and Mentee Merge
by Alisha McMillen
Dr.Faisal Khan is known as the most friendly and accomplished pediatric dentist in the Fort Bend area. Now he has a chance to work hand-in-hand with the man who taught him everything. This month, Dr. David Tang’s Memorial Pediatric Dentistry will merge with Dr. Khan’s Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental to provide their combined services to even more children in Fort Bend and West Houston.
“My first job was at Memorial Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Tang has been my mentor after residency,” Dr. Khan explains. “He taught me how to do pediatric dentistry. I have tried to model his method of dentistry into my practice at Grand Parkway.”
It’s been more than a dozen years since those early days, but Dr. Khan still holds fast to the philosophies and ethics taught by his mentor. “Dr. Tang is fabulous, one of the original board certified pediatric dentists in Houston,” Dr. Khan explains. “His knowledge of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry is extensive – he has over 35 years of dental knowledge, and he still practices with the utmost ethics. He taught me everything I know.”
Dr. Khan’s team manages one of the largest pediatric dental offices in all of Fort Bend, Houston, and the surrounding areas. Specializing in providing care for infants, children, and teens, as well as other individuals, “Our team is sincerely dedicated to providing a welcoming and imaginative experience for all children,” Dr. Khan says. “I have three amazing dentists on staff, who all believe the kids come first, and they practice that every day. Our team is trained on advanced dental procedures and techniques so that patients can benefit from the latest in dental care.”
Like Dr. Khan’s own team, Dr. Tang’s team was trained on how to provide proper pediatric dentistry. “The team at Memorial Pediatric Dentistry has been fabulous and excited about this merger, and have been working hard to make it happen. They are very sweet and hard working people, just like the staff I’ve developed at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dentistry.”
What does this mean for the patients at both locations? “The future will be the same – an implementation of good fundamental pediatric dentistry, where we can deliver good service in both communities, while still being in-network with most insurance carriers, to deliver affordable health care,” Dr. Khan says.
“In both offices, we understand the importance of listening to patients, and helping them to feel comfortable and relaxed. This personal approach is evident in everything we do,” concludes Dr. Khan. “I learned this approach from Dr. Tang and am happy to be partnering to provide it to all of our patients in Houston and Fort Bend County.”
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-579-0960
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406
grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
Memorial Pediatric Dental
Dr. David Tang, DDS 281-822-6600
791 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 210 Houston, TX 77024
memorialpediatricdds.com
Serving the Community with Dedicated Primary Care
By Alisha McMillen
Fulshear Family Medicine has two locations – one in Fulshear and one in the heart of Sugar Land. Managed by Dr. Anisha Waxali, owner and clinical director, the practice’s goal is to expand access to primary care in a setting driven by independent physicians.
Sugar Land’s Dr. Qureshi
The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of 20,200 to 40,400 primary care doctors by 2036. “A lot of people don’t have access to primary care. We want to bring that care to everyone,” says Dr. Adeel Qureshi, who practices in Sugar Land.
He says, “Sugar Land home. It’s where my friends and family are.” So much so that Dr. Qureshi and his wife of eight years are raising their two children right here in Sugar Land, which has been home since his school days at Stephen F. Austin High School.
story. My job is to make them comfortable and at ease. I assure them we’ll handle whatever comes their way together.”
“Our office is very cozy, convenient and undaunting,” he continues. “You just park and come in – you don’t have to navigate a huge parking garage, tunnels, and multiple buildings to get to your appointment.”
Fulshear’s Dr. Coate
“When I was growing up in rural Indiana, my dad was a small-town family doctor,” explains Dr. Patrick Coate, who practices in Fulshear. Currently living in Katy with his wife children, Dr. Coate would drive Fulshear Family Medicine every day and decided to drop in one day to introduce himself. It resulted in a job for him. “It’s not a rural practice, but the vibe is close to the small-town feel I was looking for,” he explains.
“In family practice, you’re the first person to see the patient and it’s your job to lead them in the right direction,” Dr Qureshi says. “It’s very humbling when a vulnerable patient shares their
“As primary care physicians, we’re the gateway to new diagnoses, like diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol issues. Seeing a lot of variety keeps your days interesting,” Dr. Coate continues.
“It’s important to maintain continuity with your provider, so we offer same- and next-day
New Flooring to Handle the Grandkids
by Nicole Grace
When you buy a new home, you don’t anticipate you’ll have to replace the floors in a couple of years. But that’s exactly what happened to Michael and Rossiline Ellison.
“When the floors began to peel up and started cracking after just 18 months, we knew we had to get them replaced,” Rossiline says. “We came to an agreement with the builder that we could use our own contractor and we chose Jaison Thottumkal (JT), owner of AIS Remodeling.”
With two grown children and six grandchildren, the Ellisons knew they needed something durable, but they also wanted something visually appealing. “Rossiline has a gift. She’s a gifted designer,” Michael says. “She used her wonderful eye for design to come up with the best solution, along with input from JT, who also has a great design eye.”
“My husband had this house built for the grandkids. They’re our life,” Rossiline, who calls herself a ‘nanny granny,’ says. “We wanted to be able to help our children by caring for the grandkids while they were working.”
appointments to ensure patients can see their primary care physicians right away,” Dr. Coate explains. “Our scheduling staff proactively helps continuity of care by scheduling three-month, six-month, and annual appointments before the patient walks out the door.”
From Sugar Land to Fulshear, Dr. Waxali and her team have your whole family covered. Call to schedule your appointment today!
They chose a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) that satisfies all requirements. “The floor is just timeless. I can mix other wood finishes with it, and it’s durable enough for all the wear and tear of the grandkids,” Rossiline says. “My husband is the best grandfather.”
The couple, married 40 years, met in junior high school and became high school sweethearts after Rossiline “chased him until the 10th grade when he finally gave in,” she says. They both retired from the Harris County Office and Michael is now a captain with the Southside Place Department, as well as a pastor at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Richmond. Rossiline is now just ‘Nani.’
The couple had worked with JT before with their real estate investment company FloVeo Investment. “JT takes great care of us,” Rossiline says. “He is family to us. He listened to us the whole time and brought a peaceful calm to the decision making.”
Contact JT with AIS Remodeling today for all of your projects – big or small.
Talyard’s Brew Crew
by Alisha McMillen
"Our brewery guys make the best beer. They work well as a team to create new beers all the time and I love them all!” says Chuck Laughter, owner and chief operating officer of Talyard Brewing Co. in Sugar Land. “But my trifecta of favorite beers are Hearth (amber lager), New Fonio (international rice lager), and Slow Boat (cold IPA).”
UpClose Magazine talked to Director of Brewery Operations Byron Lewis, Brewmaster Sean Maloney, Brewer Adam Dunn, and Brewer/Cellarman Jacob Childers. Here’s what the brewhouse guys have to say about working at Talyard and creating new brews.
Q: What makes Talyard special?
me about the brewing industry community.
Jacob: It’s a lot of like-minded people who are passionate about what they do and generous about sharing their ideas.
Byron: It’s so great to see the artistry of brewing, tell our stories, and swap beers with other breweries. For years, the community has met in beer halls and pubs to build camaraderie.
Byron: Chuck and Keith (the owners) have focused on the craft of brewing, so we offer a lot of different styles, but they’re all very approachable. Our beers are high quality, tasty, approachable flavors. And the campus is just a cool place. Our brewhouse has the most technologically advanced equipment so we can reach the high quality that everyone believes in.
Adam: The team shares the same goals and has the same expectations for quality. And we build a community in our taproom and on our grounds. We give a different experience. We want visitors to feel like they’re in their friends’ backyard.
Sean: The management has doubled down on the family-friendly, community aspect of Talyard. And the advanced automation in the brewhouse follows intentional and thoughtful brewing guidelines that result in the best beer in our area.
Jacob: It’s just an amazing space to hang out. Good food, good beer, and a fun atmosphere. I bring my friends on weekends to experience it themselves.
Q: You all talk a lot about community. Tell
Sean: The people in the brew and food side are definitely passionate. It’s a supercollaborative network. It brings great things when we cross-pollinate with other dedicated brewing minds.
Q: What’s your favorite beer?
Jacob: It varies, but right now I like Far Niente, an Italian Pilsner.
Adam: Illuminating Waves, a hazy IPA Sean: Hallertau, a Munich style Helles Lager
The Talyard beer menu currently has 16 beers on tap, one of which, the Wittelsbacher, won a Texas Craft Brewers Cup silver medal earlier this year. Come out and try the award-winning beer –and don’t forget to bring your family. Talyard has something for everyone!
Talyard Brewing Co. 1033 Imperial Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77498 talyardbrewing.com
VISIT
for June and July events!
June 8th
Pints and Poses (Yoga) 9:30am, beer garden.
June 13th
MOVIE NIGHT
Dennis the Menace 7-9pm, beer garden
June 14th
Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival
June 28th
Anime Market
5-9pm
July 4th
June 15th
Father’s Day 10% off merch and $2 off pints
Fourth of July Bash
Backyard BBQ Bash
Fireworks Viewing
July 11th
July 4th
BEER RELEASE
American Lager
Movie Night Night at the Museum 7-9pm, beer garden
July 12th
Monthly Market 5-9pm
Cousins Keep it in the Family
It was the late 80s. Cousins Ziad Mukhaimer and Imad Mansour had been in the flooring business for a few years. When their cousin Mohamed Naser said, “Let’s work together and open a store,” Ziad and Imad were on board. “Thirty-five years later, here we are! Still operating Lone Star Floors in three locations,” says Ziad. During that time, Mohamed and his wife raised five children in Sugar Land. Ziad also raised five children, while Imad raised two. “We’re a traditional family – my wife cooks all day on Fridays for family dinner,” Mohamed says. Their family-focus spilled over into the cousins’ flooring business. At Lone Star Floor’s three Houston-area locations, they treat their customers like family. “I had an elderly gentleman who reminded me of my father, who passed away last year. He was so thankful for our service, he gave me a big hug,” Mohamed said. “I just treated him the same way I hoped people would treat my own dad.”
The cousins’ Sugar Land store is 12,000 square feet, and carries all flooring types, from carpet to hardwood to laminate and tile. “We also do full kitchen and bathroom remodels, with access to subcontractors like electricians and plumbers,” Mohamed says. “It’s easier for our clients to deal with one company, without having to handle the subcontractors themselves.”
As expected, the store is full of laminate, hardwood, carpet, and specialty tile options. But it’s not just flooring on display – the store boasts luxurious lighting fixtures, modern wall panels, cabinetry, cabinet hardware and tons of shower wall and backsplash tile in distinct shapes with modern visual appeal. You’ll find popular brands like Shaw, as well as harder-to-find brands like Mohawk.
“Doing business with a family-oriented store gives customers a sense
10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX
by Nicole Grace
of commitment and care,” Imad says. “The highest percentage of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals … happy customers keep coming back a second, third, fifth, or tenth time.”
“The bottom line to our success is service,” Mohamed says. “We offer great warranties for installations and manufacturer’s warranties for their products.”
Need new flooring? Call Lone Star Floors for a free estimate today!
Trusted by the Community
by Alisha McMillen
Omar Alkazzaz decided he wanted a career in pharmaceutical compounding during his rotation in college at Campbell’s Compounding.
“When I was in school, I took a compounding course at the University of Houston. That’s when I became intrigued by the process. Since then, I’ve always wanted to do compounding,” Omar says. “I really like making something by my own hand. And I like that it’s customizable based on the patients’ specific needs.”
Omar officially became a Campbell’s employee in 2013. “Employees here are friends. We’re very familyoriented at Campbell’s Compounding. You look forward to coming to work,” he says. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph, founder of local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy, says, “The modern compounding pharmacy has its roots in the 19th when doctors would both prescribe a medication, make it for their patients. As time went on, practice of medicine and pharmacy separated. Today, are manufactured on a mass scale. While these commercial medications work for most, some patients need individual customization of a compounding pharmacy.” example, if you require medication in a different form or to be made with different ingredients because allergies or intolerances, Campbell’s can work with that. “An oral medication that irritates your digestive system could be made as a powder or cream that delivers relief without unwanted side effects. you’re sensitive to a specific ingredient (like gluten), your medication can be made without the unwanted ingredient. The possibilities are endless,” Campbell explains. “We can also create specialty drugs for children and pets. All medications we make made in the exact dosage required, customized
to your age, weight, medical condition, and sensitivity to side effects.”
Omar appreciates the long-term relationships he’s built with his customers and enjoys serving them time and again. “We’re trusted by the community and have a quick turnaround,” he explains. “Our patients love us and keep coming back. Some patients have been with us for 20 years. We rarely have patients transfer out to another pharmacy. Once they’re with us, they stay with us.”
The goal of the Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy team is for customers to have a more positive experience with their medication. If the required medication is not available, doesn’t work for your needs, or has challenging side effects, they can help you find a solution.
“If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!”
Sugar Land
281-980-2555
4760 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 103
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Houston 713-668-4833
6603 Kirby Dr. Houston, TX 77005
campbellscompounding.com
Re-Modelista
Desig nerSpotlight
Did you know?
by Nicole Grace
The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!
Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love
UpClose Magazine sat down with Jen Hayes of Feather & Nest Interiors of Missouri City to talk about the relationship between the contractor, designer, and homeowner. The Re-Modelista, Teri Gilberg, and Jen have worked on many projects together, including the Sienna home pictured here.
Q: Where do you get inspiration?
Jen: Each homeowner inspires us. Every home is tailor made for its homeowners, so we pay attention to the aesthetic they want to create, how they move through their home, and their needs for each area. For example, in the Sienna home, the mudroom was very personal. Mom begins and ends her day here, so we needed it to be functional and beautiful. The two daughters each have their own power drawer with plugs for every device they use. The homeowners are very busy and very efficient with their time, so I just wanted to help them be more efficient.
Q: What’s important when working with a contrac tor and homeowner?
Jen: Communication and organization is the bedrock of any project. Teri is so great about letting clients, subcontractors, and me, the designer, know where we are every day. She’s so organized and is great with her communication skills. And she stays on schedule, which is also extremely important.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about finishing a job?
Jen: Your home should tell your life story in its colors, textures, and finishes. But it also needs to be comfortable and functioning. Seeing the culmination of all of the choices come together to tell the homeowners’ specific story is so rewarding. We love seeing happy homeowners whose ideas and aspirations came to life.
The Re-Modelista
Your Home Renovation Specialist Serving Fort Bend County For More Than 10 Years NEW OFFICE LOCATION in Feather & Nest Interiors 3711 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City, TX 77459
832-731-3191 theremodelista.com
Designer Jen Hayes
From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, your dedicated Houston Methodist cancer center team uses leading research, cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to create a personalized care plan for you. At eight cancer center locations throughout the Greater Houston area, you’ll find the cancer expertise to help you feel whole again.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.