The new eatery Town Square Socialhouse is now open and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Willowbrook area. Located at 17125 Tomball Pkwy in Houston, the restaurant opened on Nov. 12, following its original plan to open on Nov. 5.

The details: According to a press release, the eatery features a 7,662-square-foot space that can seat up to 220 guests. The venue includes a main dining room with booths and tables, a separate bar area with a U-shaped island bar and TVs, a semi-private dining area and a covered patio with a built-in fire feature.

On the menu: Town Square Socialhouse offers a full beverage menu with craft cocktails alongside food items such as:

• Gulf Coast Benedict

• Lonestar Smash Burger

• Butter Pecan French Toast

• Chicken Fried Chicken

A number of local nonprofits and agencies are seeking volunteers to help those in need for the holiday season.

The details: Agencies are seeking volunteers to assist with collecting and sorting food and gift donations as well as oversee resale shops and other operations. Some of the agencies seeking help include:

• Assistance League of Montgomery County

• Cypress Assistance Ministries 

• Houston Food Bank

• Interfaith of The Woodlands

• Lunches of Love

• Paw Pact Rescue

• United Way Greater Houston

This list is not comprehensive. 

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history, said she has the votes to become Texas House speaker when the legislature convenes in January.

What to know: Thompson released a list Nov. 6 of 90 House members whom she said pledged to support her speaker candidacy.

The 87-year-old was first elected to the legislature in 1972 and took office the following year. She would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker.

The context: Thompson's candidacy comes after Democrats swept Texas' statewide seats in the Nov. 3 election, ending 24 years of Republican dominance. Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, threw his hat in the ring for speaker on Nov. 5 before endorsing Thompson less than a day later.

Quote of note: "I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.