Throughout 2025, Community Impact spoke with owners and managers of six local restaurants to be featured in our monthly editions. Here’s a look back at the Katy and Fulshear eateries we featured.

Philly Flats offers wings, 'authentic' cheesesteaks in Katy: It means something for Scott Boyer, owner of Philly Flats in Katy, to offer “authentic” Philly cheesesteaks. The cheesesteaks at Philly Flats have provolone cheese, either ribeye steak or chicken breast, and a choice of onions, sweet or hot peppers, and mushrooms.

Dos Tacos provides authentic street tacos to fund cancer research: The menu features various taco specialties including a 50-year-old family carnitas recipe, owner Omar Aceves said. Other fan favorite tacos include chorizo, pastor and fish.

Local Table brings fresh, family-friendly dining experience to Katy: The eatery offers a variety of dishes ranging from burgers, sandwiches and pizza to seafood, tacos and plant-based rice bowls. The restaurant also offers a separate brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.

Scholars and Scoundrels has closed its doors in Katy.

Zooming in: The bar and grill, which served tacos, burgers, steaks, sandwiches and more, and hosted live music and trivia, announced the closing in a Dec. 18 Facebook post.

In their words: "When we first opened in 2018, we did so with heart, optimism, and the utmost belief. Like any small business, challenges were met along the way," the post said. "To our supporters and community—whether you came often, occasionally or followed us from location to location—thank you. Every bit of support mattered more than you know."  

More than 20 crosswalk zones near local Harris County public schools will soon receive a makeover while students are away for the winter break.

In a nutshell: Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones on Dec. 22 launched Crosswalks 4 Precinct 4, a plan to improve visibility and safety at pedestrian crossings near school campuses. Precinct 4’s road and bridge crew will oversee the improvements, Briones said.

The details: The scope of work includes repainting crosswalks, curbs and stop sign road markings near schools in the Cy-Fair, Katy, Tomball, Alief and Waller independent school districts, per the announcement. The project will cost approximately $570,000 to complete, a Precinct 4 staff member confirmed with Community Impact.

Looking forward: Precinct 4 officials said a majority of the crosswalk improvements will wrap up before students return to school in January, with all projects expected to be complete by the end of the month.

The final steel beam has been put into place on a $470 million expansion project at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the Houston Airport System.

What's happening?: As previously reported by Community Impact, the expansion is set to bring seven new gates to the airport, more than doubling the number of existing gates. Other improvements include:

• An updated baggage claim system
• Additional baggage claim carousels
• Expanded dining and retail options
• Weather-protected canopies at departures

As the holidays come to an end, there are several entities offering Christmas tree recycling and disposal drop-offs around the Greater Houston area. This list is not comprehensive.

The details
City of Bellaire: Bellaire will accept Christmas tree drop-offs Dec. 26-Jan. 12 at 4401 Edith St.

City of Houston: Houston residents can recycle trees at one of the city's 20 drop-off locations Dec. 26-Jan. 23.

City of Pearland: Residents in Pearland can drop their live Christmas trees off between Dec. 26 and Jan. 17 at the Stella Roberts Recycling Center.

San Jacinto River Authority: The San Jacinto River Authority will collect undecorated, live Christmas trees through Jan. 31.

City of West University Place: In West University Place, live trees will be collected Dec. 26-Jan. 9.

The Woodlands Township: Green Christmas trees will be collected curbside on regular service days.

City of Sugar Land: Live Christmas trees without ornaments and lights can be set out curbside for green waste pickup in Sugar Land.