Local chef and business owner Concetta Maceo has stepped onto the big stage with her own cooking segment on CW39 Houston. Many will remember her popular YouTube livestreams before COVID; now you can catch Cooking with Concetta every Friday during the 10am hour.
Meanwhile, concierge services are on the rise nationwide, and Galveston is keeping pace. Three locally owned businesses have recently opened on the island, ready to support residents and visitors with tailored event services.
And in other business news, several island favorites have expanded into larger, more accommodating spaces. Read on for the latest details.
Cooking With Concetta
CW39 Houston has launched H Town Eats: Cooking with Concetta, a flavorful new addition to H Town Live that highlights Gulf Coast food culture and the family traditions that make Houston unique.
Hosted by Concetta Maceo Sims, third generation owner of Galveston’s iconic Maceo Spice & Import Company, the weekly segment brings approachable, heritage rich recipes rooted in Southern comfort, Sicilian tradition, and Gulf Coast hospitality.
Each episode features one signature dish - ranging from holiday classics like buttermilk pecan pie to shrimp packed coastal favorites and seasonal family recipes.
CW39 describes the new show this way: “Concetta brings warmth, wit, and a little island spice to every dish, offering viewers cooking tips, local stories, and a deeper look into the traditions that define Galveston’s beloved culinary community.”
H Town Eats: Cooking with Concetta airs every Friday at 10am on H Town Live, serving up a flavorful mix of entertainment, education, and local culture. The segment underscores CW39 Houston’s commitment to uplifting community voices, supporting local businesses, and spotlighting the diverse food scene that makes the Bayou City unique.
Maceo Spice & Import Company, founded in 1944, is a third generation Galveston staple known for its handcrafted spice blends, Italian Sicilian pantry goods, and signature Gulf Coast dishes. Still family operated, Concetta continues to serve locals and visitors with the same heart, tradition, and flavor that made the business a beloved island institution.
“This opportunity came directly from networking at the annual Women’s Conference hosted by the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce,” Concetta explained.
“The CW39 booth was across from both Katherine Pompa’s [owner of Ha. Ba’s Boutique] and mine, and the three of us began brainstorming. Katherine suggested a cooking segment with me, and the rep was immediately interested. I’d had a plan like this in mind since before COVID, when I was streaming cooking segments, so the network moved quickly.”
Viewers can tune in to Maggie in the Morning on CW39 every Friday at 10am to watch the weekly Cooking with Concetta segment. For sponsorship opportunities, segment coverage, or more information, contact concetta@maceospice.com.
Services-to-Order
With concierge businesses now opening on the island, residents and visitors can enjoy personalized events tailored to any occasion. Three new locally owned organizations are ready to help create memorable gatherings, with details below for quotes and bookings.
Event Source
More than an event management company, Event Source is a movement built around community, connection, and cause. Founded by Darla Murray, owner of District Rags Boutique and Photography, and David Martinez II, owner of Hendley Wine Co., the organization designs gatherings that bring people together while making a difference.
“We believe that celebration and social good go hand in hand, which is why the majority of our events have a beneficiary, ensuring that our gatherings don’t just entertain - they give back,” said Murray.
Recent successes include the GulfStock Music Fest, which benefited veterans, and the Smoking Hot BBQ fundraiser during the Lone Star Rally, which supported local women in their fight against cancer.
The Fight Like a Girl effort continued with a Wine Walk in November, and on December 4 Event Source will host Bubbles & Pearls at Hendley Wine Co., 2016 The Strand, beginning at 7pm.
Together, Murray and Martinez remain committed to creating experiences that uplift others, build community, and support meaningful causes - living by their slogan, “Making Moments Matter.”
“Darla and I have collaborated on many events to benefit the community,” Martinez said. “It only made sense that our next step was to create an event company that would continue giving back to people in need.”
With a proven track record of successful fundraisers and festivals, the Event Source team is now available to manage every aspect of your celebrations.
They are accepting clients for custom services ranging from family reunions and weddings to birthday parties, girls’ or guys’ trips, and other special occasions. Clients may even designate a beneficiary to ensure their gathering makes a lasting impact.
For more information or to book an event, email eventsource.gtx@gmail.com.
On The Rocks Texas
Born and raised in Galveston, BOI Dalton Kinard is bringing his new mobile bar service, On the Rocks Texas, to the island and surrounding area.
A seasoned bartender with nearly a decade of experience, Kinard has the skills and supplies to set up any size party at your home, short term rental, or event space. His custom made wooden bar measures 48 inches long and about 42 inches high, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
“We supply everything but the alcohol and handle all aspects of service and setup. We can customize the cocktail menu to fit any client’s theme, and we can decorate the bar with lights or props to match your concept,” Kinard explained.
For example, one client hosts a monthly book club, and Kinard designs cocktails and décor to match each book’s theme.
On The Rocks can accommodate gatherings of any size, serving 40-50 active guests with one bar; larger parties may require two. Customers can dress the bar up or down to suit the occasion, and Kinard provides two tailored drink menus for clients to choose from.
Events typically last four hours, with extended packages available. Each cocktail is served in the appropriate glassware to match the client’s custom menu.
“There is a little bit of science that goes into each cocktail,” Kinard said. “Measurements can change the composition, flavor, and profile of a drink. I know how to recreate classic favorites as well as specialties designed specifically for the client.”
Kinard supplies all glassware and ingredients (except alcohol) and provides clients with recommended quantities of spirits based on guest count.
For more information or to request a quote, email ontherocks.nbtx@gmail.com or visit www.ontherocksnbtx.com.
Puritee Mee Yoga
Island resident Shara L. Kendrick launched Puritee Mee to bring a fresh, unique experience to Galveston - in home, pop up events centered on health, wellness, and connection.
Puritee Mee hosts group classes that teach the art of creating holistic meals and developing mindful eating habits. It’s not just about serving good food - it’s about sharing life enhancing skills that empower the community to live well, eat well, and feel their best. Think of it as a fun, hands on learning experience for your health.
Since October, Kendrick has offered RSVP only group packages for up to 12 guests, hosted either at her home or yours, serving Galveston and the surrounding areas. Each experience includes a refreshing juice making class, a revitalizing yoga session, and a light, healthy lunch prepared to enjoy together.
“My mission is to teach and inspire healthy, mindful living through simple, nourishing dishes and practical, hands on experiences - sharing skills that promote a lifestyle of wellness,” Kendrick said.
She has been a certified yoga instructor since 2016, a certified Reiki Master, and a trained vegan chef for those who prefer meatless options.
Puritee Mee’s featured meal for December and January is Mastering the Art of Verde Chicken Pozole - a savory Mexican soup made with tender chicken, hominy, and a bright green broth of tomatillos, cilantro, and peppers.
Puritee Mee is located at 7000 N Holiday Drive in Galveston. For details or to book a group session, follow them on social media, call 409.795.4499, email crystalshellyoga@gmail.com, or visit https://beacons.ai/puriteemee.
New Spaces, Familiar Faces
Two established island businesses have recently expanded their operations and relocated into larger, newly renovated spaces in Galveston, marking an exciting new chapter for both.
Anchored Antiques
Anchored Antiques has moved into the island’s trendiest and recently renovated Old Galveston Square building. And Island Bicycle, which will soon celebrate 20 years of business in Galveston, has reopened in a cavernous new space on Broadway.
Alex Castro and Todd Weaver opened Anchored Antiques in the summer of 2024 at 2002 Strand to provide an affordable place for the whole family to shop for unique vintage items. Last month, they moved to a larger and more accommodating space on the first floor at 2217 Strand Street, formerly where Salty Southern Chic was located in Old Galveston Square.
The shop offers an assortment of antiques and gifts for people of all ages and walks of life. Customers will find vintage LPs, bar signs for the “man cave,” clocks, dolls, furniture, organic oils, and more in a charming space.
Castro and Weaver, who relocated to Galveston full time in 2024 after years in the antique and gift business, have quickly become part of the island community. Their shop offers items geared toward the whole family, and Castro says he is grateful for the overwhelming support they have received in Galveston.
Anchored Antiques is open Monday through Saturday from 11am-6pm and on Sunday from 12-6pm. For more information, call 409.340.4063.
Island Bicycle Company & Sunglass Shack
Husband and wife duo Jeff and Shari Nielsen have relocated their business to 2727 Broadway. Island Bicycle will celebrate 20 years of serving the Galveston community with an anniversary and grand opening party at the new location at the beginning of the year.
On December 1, the Nielsens opened the doors to their expansive 5,000 square foot space, moving from their longtime Seawall storefront. The shop continues to sell bikes and accessories, operate a full service repair shop for bicycles and e bikes, and offer rentals.
New to the business is the Sunglass Shack, featuring a wide selection of sunglasses, accessories, hats, sandals, and bags. Shari researched popular designs in Florida and California to bring fresh styles to Galveston.
Island Bicycle is known for rare and custom built bikes. “I’ve custom made many bikes for professional basketball players like Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming,” Jeff said. Their inventory includes bicycles, e bikes, and beach cruisers from a range of brands.
The couple lives on the island - Jeff was born and raised in Galveston, while Shari, a professional make up artist at Beauty Bar Galveston in Evia, grew up in nearby Friendswood.
Jeff says the new location allows them to better serve the community: “We set up a user friendly space where riders can have a cup of coffee and relax while they watch the mechanics at work or visit with fellow enthusiasts.”
For more information, call 409.762.2453, follow them on social media, or email islandbicycle@cs.com. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30am-6pm, and Sunday, 11am-5pm.