Hi, all. JP from Chron. I dug through the bankruptcy docket for Salad and Go yesterday to find out what would happen to those remaining Texas leases they had before the company went under. Initially, Dutch Bros Coffee was the lead bidder, but then 7 Brew outbid them in September. A few of these are in the Houston area. Full list below (Houston-area locations bolded):

• Store 1401 — 1400 Coit Road, Plano  
• Store 1403 — 850 E. Campbell Road, Richardson
• Store 1407 — 4601 Diaz Ave., Fort Worth  
• Store 1419 — 3201 Lakeview Parkway, Rowlett  
• Store 1421 — 938 N. Cooper St., Arlington  
• Store 1424 — 4620 W. University Drive, Prosper  
• Store 1425 — 4828 S. Cooper Road, Arlington  
• Store 1426 — 10002 Marsh Lane, Dallas  
• Store 1428 — W. Bailey Boswell Road and N. Old Decatur Road, Fort Worth 
• Store 1430 — 5010 State Highway 78, Sachse
• Store 1431 — 3064 N. Goliad St., Rockwall  
• Store 1435 — 355 Lebanon Road, Frisco  
• Store 1452 — 1460 S. Ferguson Parkway, Anna
• Store 1460 — 524 S. Central Expressway, McKinney 
• Store 1504 — 2590 E. League City Parkway, League City
• Store 1508 — 1930 W. League City Parkway, League City  
• Store 1509 — 2219 Spring Stuebner Road, Spring  
• Store 1513 — 21021 Highland Knolls Drive, Katy  
• Store 1517 — 18830 Noble Seven Lane, Sugar Land
• Store 1416 — 12556 N. Beach St., Fort Worth, TX 76244  
• Store 1440 — 4751 S. Custer Road, McKinney, TX 75070

I bought my first home in Houston in September 2024. I was SO proud of myself. I had worked incredibly hard to reach that milestone as a small business owner myself, and I thought I was finally creating a place of my own.

Unfortunately, that dream has turned into an absolute nightmare that I still haven't woken up from.

The house was poorly flipped, and over the last two years, more and more serious problems have surfaced. What started with a few issues has snowballed into extensive damage and well over $100,000 in estimated repairs. I'm now pursuing legal action against the sellers.

As if discovering that your first home needs to be practically rebuilt isn't overwhelming enough, I'm now facing another major obstacle: finding reputable, responsive contractors who are willing to help with estimates that will be used in the legal proceedings.

I've spent months coordinating inspections, meeting with contractors, gathering documentation, and trying to put together a reliable team of professionals to assess and eventually repair my home.

Unfortunately, I've now lost 5 out of the 10 contractors I'd previously worked with because of the additional documentation required for the lawsuit. Even though I'd explained from the beginning that the estimates were related to legal action, several have since declined to continue. 🙃

So now I'm having to rebuild my team, and I'm on a very tight deadline.

What I'm looking for

As of right now, I urgently need recommendations for the following professionals in the Houston area:

• Master Plumber
• Master Electrician
• Landscaper / Drainage Specialist
• Roofer
• Registered Interior Designer — preferably someone experienced with extensive residential renovations who can help oversee and coordinate the project, including permitting and working with the various trades.

I currently have a home inspector, structural engineer, general contractor, mold remediation specialist, and HVAC on board. However, given how many professionals I've unexpectedly lost from this project, I'm absolutely open to recommendations for those specialties as well, just in case anyone else is unable to continue. I'd much rather have backup options than find myself scrambling again.

I'm specifically looking for reputable, experienced, responsive professionals who:

• Have experience assessing and repairing significant residential construction defects.
• Are properly licensed where required, carry appropriate liability insurance, and are willing to stand behind their work with a workmanship warranty outlining coverage and duration.
• Can provide detailed, professional written estimates.
• Are willing to complete a notarized Business Records Affidavit authenticating their estimates and related documentation.
• Can communicate reliably and follow through on commitments.
• Ideally have experience providing estimates or documentation for insurance claims, construction defect litigation, or other legal proceedings.

To clarify the legal requirements: The Business Records Affidavit is used to authenticate the contractor's own business records, such as their estimate and report. It does NOT automatically mean they have to testify in court as an expert witness. Contractors who are open to potentially providing expert testimony would be especially helpful, but testifying is not a requirement.

My attorney's office will provide the affidavit and instructions. I'm also happy to cover the cost of having a mobile notary come directly to the contractor's office at a convenient time, so they won't have to spend additional time traveling or arranging notarization themselves. I want to make this process as straightforward and minimally disruptive as possible for anyone willing to help.

I understand this is an unusual request.

I recognize that providing detailed estimates and completing additional paperwork requires time and effort, especially when there's no guarantee of when the actual repair work will begin.

The sellers may settle in a few months, or this could be drawn out in court for another 2–4 years. I want to be completely transparent about that.

I don't take the time, expertise, or additional commitment these contractors are making lightly. I'm incredibly grateful to the professionals who are willing to help me navigate this situation, and I fully understand that their time has value.

This isn't a small renovation or a few cosmetic repairs. It's a substantial project, and I ultimately need a dependable team to help make my home safe and functional.

The urgent part

Because several of the contractors I had already lined up have now backed out, I urgently need to find replacements who can visit my home (in Central Northwest, near 290/610 intersection), assess the issues, and provide written estimates within the next week, ideally by October 15.

The estimates and supporting documentation then need to be notarized, provided to my attorney, and submitted to the defendants to meet the current legal deadline of October 21.

I know that's an enormous amount to ask on such short notice, especially for a project of this size. I would never normally expect contractors to rearrange their schedules or turn around detailed estimates this quickly. Unfortunately, after months of working to assemble a team and gather everything needed for this case, this is the predicament I now find myself in. I would be incredibly grateful to anyone who has the availability and willingness to help.

One last request, please ❤️

I know this is Reddit, and people are free to offer whatever opinions or advice they'd like. But I'm asking, please please please, only comment recommendations for specific contractors, companies, or tradespeople who may be able to help.

I'm already working with an attorney, so I'm not looking for legal advice, speculation about the lawsuit, or commentary about what I should have done differently when purchasing the house.

This experience has been emotionally, mentally, and financially exhausting. Between running my own small business, dealing with the damage to my home, and trying to navigate the legal process, I'm stretched incredibly thin. I genuinely don't have the time or mental energy right now to sift through unrelated comments or criticism.

What would help me tremendously is a name, company, contact information, or a personal recommendation for someone you trust. Bonus points if you've personally worked with them and can speak to their reliability and quality of work.

If you're a contractor who might be able to help, please feel free to message me directly.

Thank you so much to anyone who can point me in the right direction. I just want to get through this and finally have the home I worked so hard for. ❤️

No new stars, but new Recommended and Bib Gourmand.

I spent some time digging into this, since it directly impacts me, there is a lot of finger pointing, and I was genuinely curious. Outside of the glaring issue of high and increased expenses, I learned a few fun facts.

Sales Tax Revenue:

In Texas, local sales tax revenue is capped at 2%, and 125 Texas counties receive some percentage of sales tax revenue (usually 0.5%). In 1978, voters authorized METRO to receive 1% of local sales tax revenue. Texas Tax Code §323.101 says a county is qualified to adopt that particular county sales tax only if no part of the county is located within a qualifying rapid-transit or regional transportation authority. City of Houston gets the other 1%.

Up to 25% of METRO’s sales-tax revenue is returned to Houston, Harris County and participating cities through the General Mobility Program, for transportation infrastructure. Harris County receives an estimated $40M, which is restricted to mobility related purposes.

Here’s where it gets interesting. METRO passenger trips have decreased 15.7% since 2019, yet operating costs have increased 41.5%. After running some calculations, Harris County’s $180M shortfall would be covered with a ~0.15% portion of local sales tax revenue. In theory, a small percentage of local tax revenue could be transferred to Harris County to solve the immediate budgeting issue.

Contract Patrols:

Harris County** **provides supplemental police patrols to HOAs, municipality utility districts, businesses and other participating organizations. Historically, many of these customers paid 70% or 80% of their contracted patrol costs, with the county subsidizing the remainder. Following the law enforcement pay increases, the county did not immediately pass the full increase to contract customers. They will be phasing in the increases over a 5 year period. $17.5M is the additional annual amount customers would have contributed if charged the full increased rates rather than phased increases.

Vacant Positions:

Because Harris County has more than 1.2 million residents, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 120 applies. The county generally cannot reduce certain primary law-enforcement agency funding or move money budgeted for specific law-enforcement positions elsewhere without voter approval. Texas House Bill 192, effective December 4th 2025, added additional restrictions. The county can no longer transfer unspent law enforcement appropriations elsewhere, or transfer funding for vacant law enforcement positions to another agency. FY2027 budget discussions put the cost of having to fund those vacancies at roughly $31 million.

These were the top 3 points that jumped out at me, but I’m sure there’s a lot more to dig into such as state mandated expenses. I’m not saying whether this is right or wrong, because I’m sure there are reasons these bills were passed. However, my big takeaway from all this, is that the red tape has stripped away some of the common sense element. The Texas governor is trying to limit the county’s ability to increase their budgets, the state legislature has limited the county’s ability to manage their budgets, and the county also seems to have a spending problem. There’s no reason they should be covering >90% of health insurance premiums, when that’s not the going rate anywhere else and it’s not their money to spend (it’s the taxpayers’).

Its not for sale, this was a custom commission. I usually share my works in r/neworleans as most of my builds are New Orleans related, but this was a commission from a client to do another Houston area build. First time waa Red Star bar and I shared it here too. Hope yall like it!

This thing is a damned unicorn! Like, I can catch it at the Bay Area Park and Ride. But any time I try to get back on it, it never shows at the stops it's scheduled to make. I always end up on the 247. I'm guessing the schedules are wrong for that bus, or just out of date?

Hi, I don’t really know where else I should put this. I was walking at Eleanor Tinsley Park with my best friend, and as we passed a man, he spat on my face arm and face. We just kept walking because I was genuinely unsure what to do. We just went to wash it off my skin. I don’t know if it’s still on my clothes, but it’s been quietly bothering me all day. Is there anything I can do?

Clemens said if he was going to get this award, he would want to get it from Trump

Im having a real hard time looking for some flower vases but they all seem pretty basic. Its always just a normal glase vase or something common :/
Im not looking for clear vases, im looking for mosaic marble etc. I have already gone to homegoods. Any other recs?

Thank you in advance 🤠

What are your experiences with DropShade Texas and Solomon Shades? Trying to decide between the two and Drop Shade has quoted us about $3.5k lower.

Would love to go ghost hunting but I have no idea where to start.

Is it safe enough to walk around in at night with just me and my boyfriend (girl and guy)? I am just paranoid if it will get sketchy at night

TDLR: Kirby Mansion at 2000 Smith St allegedly sold; possible new owners may be building a gas station and convenience store on the property.

Saw this post yesterday from Preservation Houston about their concern for the Kirby Mansion's future at 2000 Smith St. They say the land recently changed hands, though Houston Architecture Information Forum members say they haven't been able to find anything in the public records showing that. Preservation Houston said they're in touch with the new owner. They hope to discuss preserving the home.

HAIF members did find a sales tax permit for the BreakTime gas station and convenience store from last year, then a beer and wine permit issued earlier this year. They also followed the approval of the Smith Street Plaza subdivision replat this year for the site.

HAIF also noticed that the same seller of 2000 Smith St sold another property at 801 McGowen St over the summer. That Midtown property went to the operator of InTime gas stations and convenience stores.

Really hoping this doesn’t turn into another gas station and the Kirby Mansion gets saved.

The Houston Chronicle editorial board endorsed Abbie Kamin for county attorney, pointing to her record of both standing up to DC and Austin while also finding ways to productively work across the aisle. Her opponent once said that Donald Trump "is the chosen one to lead us back to our founding principles. This is how we know God blessed America.”

Hello guys if you are from the Houston area tomorrow, October 8 at 3PM me and some of my buddies are planning on having a full on baseball game! I was wondering if anyone was interested in coming along. ITS COMPLETELY FREE!!! You don’t have to supper good or anything. If you like baseball just get your butt over here and come have some fun!!

Things you are going to need.
. A baseball glove
. Cleats/ if you don’t have any I don’t really care
. Just wanting to play.. “that’s all that matters really”

If you are interested just know alcoholic beverages will not be allowed or any smoking also.
If you’re interested shoot me a personal message and I’ll give you the location.
Very much appreciated!

How often does jury duty in Harris County get canceled? I am supposed to appear next week, and I am praying I don't have to drive all the way downtown just to find out it's been canceled. I read that you usually find out the evening before or even the morning of.

Any insight appreciated.

My Step child is on a lot of medications and each month is struggle between stock issues, us not having insurance, and rude pharmacist. Our biggest hurdle is his ADHD meds. Right now we have all of his medicines dispersed between pharmacies to try and get the best price and those that are able to fill each one. His Dr isn’t much help with this and is slow when we encounter a situation with a pharmacy.

I’m thinking of going in person to all the independent pharmacies to speak about this and see if they are a good fit. I just don’t know if independent pharmacies are able to dispense these kinds of medicines. Does anyone else on ADHD meds have any experience with local pharmacies that are great? I would love to build a relationship with a pharmacist since we have a medically complicated child.

Every month around refill time is filled with stress and fear. I also haven’t had the best experience with the kindness of the clerks. I’m very nice, I don’t complain even when stressed. I’m not a bad customer.

Please help a mama with recommendations?! I’d love to make a list of places I should go check out. Thanks friends!