HTX-SKL: Impact 10/1/2025

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.

Advance Auto Parts is now operating at a new Spring location off Rayford Road, marking the company's sixth store in the Spring-area. 

The details: The new auto parts store was one of the company's 30 new locations in the country that was slated to open in 2025, according to a Sept. 25 news release.

What they're saying: "We're excited to continue to expand both our footprint in and involvement with the Spring community," AAP Regional Vice President Luis Cirino said in the news release. "Spring store team members, along with those at our other nearby Advance locations, pride themselves on being right around the corner and ready to help by providing automotive experts, quality parts and free services."

What they offer: The chain sells auto parts and accessories, including car batteries, oil filters and brake pads, as well as automotive fluids and tools

Terlinguas Tex-Mex Garage officials said the restaurant plans to hold its soft opening by the end of the month while the staff undergoes final training to ensure quality service.

The details: Terlinguas Tex-Mex Garage plans to offer Tex-Mex from fajitas to enchiladas as well as margaritas and specialty cocktails, officials said.vAfter the soft opening, officials said the eatery plans to hold a grand opening event with several specials.

According to a Sept. 26 press release, Target has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

The self-checkouts will roll out nationwide beginning this holiday season and in early 2026 as part of Target's ongoing checkout improvements, according to the release.

What to expect: Per the release, the innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are visually impaired while supporting those with motor disabilities.

The technology works with Target’s existing self-checkout system and includes:

• Braille and high-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
• Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated information key