Lubbock business news includes Brazilian steakhouse, Jim Kimmel Center, more

Hello A-J readers!

The end of the month always seems to be the busiest for business news, and July was no exception. We had details on a Brazilian steakhouse, a studio franchise, renovation plans for the Jim Kimmel Center and a feature on a sweet local business. Here's a look at what happened this week.

News on Ponto Gaucho, the all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, kicked off the week. Dejair and Andreia Zuliani spoke on what Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, 5107 82nd St., #109, will offer when it opens in October.

“We have Caipirinhas, we have the meats, we have the wine,” Dejair said. "You’re going to be impressed."

More: Brazilian all-you-can-eat steakhouse opening in Lubbock, here's what we know

Tuesday brought along information about what the future of the Jim Kimmel Center will bring after new owners purchased the property at 1202 Main St. The Housing Trust Group, one of the nation's largest affordable housing developers, will revitalize the building into Inn Town Lofts.

"At Inn Town Lofts, we are excited to welcome future residents to a community where affordability meets quality," said Matthew Rieger, President and CEO of Housing Trust Group. "Our units offer a home you can truly be proud of, featuring high-quality amenities, modern fixtures throughout, and dedicated on-site management."

The project is expected to begin leasing in the summer of 2025. Make sure to read the article for all the details, including why HTG chose this as their first Texas project.

More: Jim Kimmel Center in downtown Lubbock under new ownership, here's what they have planned

On Tuesday, I also met with Felicia Hipolito, the owner of Candy Girl, and Megan Madere, the COO of Honest Lash.

Hipolito explained how her son's gift of freeze-dried candy set her on the fast track to success, opening her own candy shop - Candy Girl, 4618 50th St.

“Anybody who knows me knows that I absolutely love candy, like I will skip a meal if I can have gummies,” Hipolito said. “My son bought this candy for me and I thought, ‘I can do this.’"

Her shop sells a variety of nostalgic treats, trendy candies and international snacks. I highly recommend the black truffle flavored Lays chips.

Madere revealed that the Austin-based lash and brow studio is looking for a franchisee in Lubbock.

"(Lubbock) has such a diverse, vibrant community, similar to Austin, which I think is amazing for new businesses," Madere said. "There is a strong sense of community, like we do here in Austin, and they support the local and small businesses."

As for new businesses this week, Abbott's Frozen Custard, 11112 Slide Road, opened on Saturday.

Going into next week, keep an eye out for July's business roundup and a feature on a Plainview farm and market. The column will be on a two-week hiatus, and will return on Sunday, Aug. 11.

As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock business news includes Brazilian steakhouse, Jim Kimmel Center, more