HTX-CYF: Impact 10/3/2025

Growing up in Lebanon, Azmi Alwan said it was a custom for his family to sit down and have at least one meal together a day. As the oldest of nine siblings, Alwan often helped his mother prepare a large spread of Mediterranean dishes for dinner. After moving to the United States, Alwan turned what started as a family tradition into his passion, with his own restaurant, Raja Mediterranean Food & Sweets, which opened in 2018 in Cy-Fair.

What's special about it? At Raja Mediterranean Food & Sweets, Alwan mission is to offer quality Mediterranean dishes at an affordable price. The restaurant is for anyone looking for rich and flavorful Mediterranean dishes with vegetarian options as well as halal meats.

On the menu: With dishes made from scratch including its sauces and naan bread, the beef and lamb gyro is amongst the restaurant's favorites. Other favorites include the chicken shawarma wrap, a Lebanese sandwich, vegetarian platter and Mediterranean fries.

Indoor pickleball franchise The Picklr will officially open its courts in Cypress Oct. 4 with giveaways, refreshments and free open play to celebrate. 

What they offer: The venue's membership includes free court reservations, unlimited play, access to club leagues and tournaments and entry to Picklr locations nationwide, per the business' website. The Picklr also offers a range of classes through its Academy, from pickleball 101 to competitive play.

The details: Located at 8920 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, the grand opening will run from noon-3 p.m., with free open play until 5 p.m. 

It's officially October, which means it's time to sport the color pink. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs Oct. 1-31 to honor those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about the disease, and community members across Greater Houston have planned an abundance of events in support. 

Pink Pumpkin Painting
Kid Scholars Academy, a child care center and preschool in Sugar Land, will host a pumpkin painting event for children and parents in support of breast cancer awareness.

• Oct. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2229 Cypress Lane, Sugar Land

• Oct. 4, 6:15 a.m. check in and on-site registration; 8 a.m start
• $55 (timed registration) or $45 (untimed registration)
• 1000 Bagby St., Houston