Ninety-eight percent of Galveston businesses lost electricity for five days or more due to Hurricane Beryl. This is on top of a season with merchants already reporting a 40 percent drop in sales over last year. Every week a business is forced to keep its doors closed, they could lose another 10 percent of sales for the year overall, according to Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce President Gina Spagnola. 

 As the lights slowly turned back on and grocers and restaurants restocked with fresh produce and products, merchants again suffered as tourists were encouraged to stay away. 

 “We love our locals,” Spagnola said, “but our locals alone cannot sustain our businesses 100 percent.” “When tourists are told to wait a few weeks to come to the island, folks should know that the result can be that our businesses fail, our residents lose jobs, and our schools and local services fall behind in funding. The lack of tourists can have a domino effect with bad economic results that could take years to correct,” Spagnola said. 

 “What we have learned through disasters like Hurricane Ike and Covid, is that vitamin SEA is good for the soul. As long as there are no safety issues, we should encourage visitors to come to our island.” 

 

 Resources and Recovery 

 The Galveston Chamber of Commerce created a Hurricane Beryl Recovery Resources page on their website that provides residents and businesses with up-to-date information and connects them with support services. 

 “We start the recovery process before a storm is in the Gulf,” Spagnola said. “Once it hits our area, we immediately begin to identify a business in need and pair it with an available resource. We are the conduit that matches needs and assistance. For example, if a business needs a saw or a generator, we match them with a business that can assist immediately. We build back, one business at a time.” 

 “We have an award-winning recovery program. Our business community can’t wait a week or two to get back to selling and serving.” 

 How Can You Help? 

 For generations, Galvestonians have been known for their resiliency. Through emails, social media pages and posts, and help from the community and local government, the business community is back up and running. 

 Spagnola beseeches all to fact-check information before reposting as “misinformation can hurt recovery.” 

 Local support is important. “Every dollar spent locally makes a big difference. Did you know that for every $100 spent at a local shop or restaurant, roughly $68 stays within our community, supporting local jobs and services?” 

 “Please spread positivity,” Spagnola said. “Share information about businesses that are open and ready to serve. Did you have a great experience at a local restaurant? Share it online with positive hashtags such as #GalvestonStrong and #GalvestonRecovery.” 

 Spagnola encourages people to be kind and patient. “First responders, front-line staff, servers, etc., are all heroes. Please treat them with understanding. Rebuilding takes time, so be patient with the recovery process. You don’t know what it took for someone to make it to work on a particular day.” 

 Difficult weather patterns have always been a part of life on the Gulf Coast. Working together to overcome hardships is what makes Galveston Island so unique and an endearing community to live and prosper in. 

 SELLING GALVESTON 

 Open signs in business windows on Galveston Island were a magnet for Chris Kimble, Mortgage Expert and Host of “American Dream TV – Selling Galveston,” and his fiancée Jackie Castaneda of 409 Island Consulting. 

 The couple visited business after business, showcasing shops and restaurants that were selling and serving, after recovering from Hurricane Beryl. The couple dedicated their effort, and in many instances their dollars, to getting the word out about Galveston’s open business community. 

 They produced videos and distributed them through social media and Kimble’s premiere episode of “Selling Galveston,” reaffirming that tourists were welcome, and businesses needed visitors to continue to thrive. 

 “Selling Galveston” is a nationally syndicated television show dedicated to showcasing the lifestyle and the unique charm of Galveston. American Dream TV is a seven-time Emmy-nominated and Telly Award-winning show that is featured on HGTV, Travel Channel, and Prime Video, among others. 

 Kimble’s show premiered on Wednesday, July 17 with a kick-off party at Riondo’s Ristorante in downtown Galveston, with food, drink, and a fashion show by District Rags and The Salty Mermaid boutiques. 

 The charismatic Kimble captured the hearts of viewers with his passion for showcasing the vibrant spirit of Galvestonians, fun features of local businesses, and the history of the island on American Dream TV. As the host of "Selling Galveston," and an island resident, Kimble brings a unique perspective and insider knowledge to the screen. 

 Kimble loved visiting Galveston before making it his permanent home. “The people of Galveston are as unique and special as the island itself. We want to share what a great place this is to live and work with surrounding communities and beyond.” 

 For more information about “Selling Galveston,” or about 409 Consulting, please contact Castaneda at 832.600.0815. 

 PORCH CAFÉ AND BISTRO REOPENS 

 This hometown favorite in the east-end subdivision of Beachtown has been renovated and reopened with a new executive chef and menu. 

 The café has retained the same open concept throughout the restaurant but revamped the dining rooms and updated the kitchen equipment. A new market has been added and shelves are now lined with high-end foodstuffs, perfect for beach snacking. Diners may eat in or order meals to go. 

 Guests can enjoy seating inside or outside on one of two covered, screened-in porches. The north porch allows for stunning sunset and channel views. The west porch overlooks the dune walkover and Beachtown’s tree-lined walkway. 

 Executive Chef Eric Johnson worked in several upscale Houston restaurants before moving to The Porch Café. He specializes in Southern American Cuisine with Mediterranean influences. With more than 25 years of experience, he brings a unique flair to a brand-new menu. 

 New items include a scallop ceviche starter with cantaloupe and honeydew melons, pickled shallots, serrano pepper, fresh citrus, and tarragon. A popular main entrée is the Gulf Snapper which is pan-seared and served with salsa verde and jambalaya risotto. All fish is locally sourced from Katie’s Seafood Market. 

 Monthly chef tables will feature seasonal and themed menus; the first one will be held in August and will include a five-course Italian tasting menu. Periodic whiskey and wine pairings will also be held and will feature four courses with an intermezzo and a different wine or whiskey with each course. 

 Breakfast features include several sweet and/or savory choices. Chef Johnson’s house-made syrups are seasonal and come with several breakfast items. The coffee is procured from Java Pura Specialty Coffee Roasters. 

 Depending on the size of your party, you can reserve use of one of the porches, the private banquet room, or any of their outdoor spaces for special luncheons, rehearsal dinners, weddings, or other special events. 

 Check the schedule for upcoming event dates, to make reservations, or to scan the menu. Food restrictions should be announced at the time of reservation, so modifications can be made. For more information, call 409.762.0808. 

 The Porch Café and Bistro is located at 1625 East Beach Drive, Suite 2A, in the east-end subdivision of Beachtown. The café is open on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm; on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm; and on Sundays from 10am to 6pm.