HTX-HRM: Impact 10/22/2025

The local steakhouse and butcher shop opened off Washington Avenue in 2015. 

The overview: Throughout the past decade, the fine-dining restaurant has made a reputation for its dry-aged steaks, Japanese wagyu beef and service work.

To celebrate 10 years of business and community service, the city of Houston proclaimed Oct. 21, 2025, as B&B Butchers Day. 

A closer look: Through owner Ben Berg’s nonprofit Berg Gives Back, the restaurant has served thousands of free meals to first responders and partners with local nonprofits such as the Houston Food Bank. 

• 1814 Washington Ave., Houston

In November, Harris County Commissioners Court will consider a worksite safety policy proposal seeking to standardize safety protocols countywide in order to reduce injuries and strengthen worker protections on authorized construction sites. 

By the numbers: Workplace injuries in 2021 cost $167 billion and amounted to $47.4 billion in wage and productivity losses, according to a 2024 report from a Houston-based Occupational Safety and Health Administration training organization.

The experts: Linda Morales is the organizing coordinator at the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. Harris County’s current contractor safety record policy is taken into account during the bidding process, Morales said, where contractors and subcontractors must show a proven safety record that complies with industry standards.

In their words: “What it does is that it helps prevent habitual violators of health and safety standards from operating on Harris County projects, but what they don’t have is a policy that addresses real-time safety issues that arise on county projects," Morales said.

West University Place officials announced Oct. 15 that Auden Street between Milton and Amherst streets will reopen following extensive construction as part of a city infrastructure project.

What we know: While the roadway reopening occurred Oct. 16, according to a city announcement, sidewalks in the area will remain closed while repairs continue and crews continue right-of-way restoration work.

The construction on Auden Street between Milton and Amherst streets is part of the Milton Street Water Line Project, part of the city's Capital Improvement Plan, and it aims to modernize the city's water infrastructure, enhance water delivery and minimize risks of water leaks or breaks.

The context: At least 5,000 linear feet of cast-iron water line pipes will be replaced, according to the city, which is a length that spans more than six football fields. 

What residents should know: Construction is progressing along Edloe Street, according to the city announcement, and work zone safety improvements have been implemented, which will allow for the sidewalk in the area to also reopen for pedestrian use.

Carolyn Donovan began serving as the first associate vice chancellor of Alumni Relations and Engagement for Lone Star College System on Oct. 20.

Explaining the role: Per the release, in her new role, Donovan will be charged with the development of the Lone Star College Alumni Association. The initiative aims to:

• Celebrate the achievements of LSCS graduates
• Foster professional and personal connections
• Create opportunities for alumni to give back through mentorship, advocacy and community engagement