Need to catch up on Community Impact\u2019s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from July 13-17.<\/p>\n
1. Mockingbird Books creates \u2018third space\u2019 in Katy<\/p>\n
Since opening last year, Katy residents Stephanie Pitcock and Julie Foster have transformed Mockingbird Books into a welcoming gathering place, offering customers a safe space where they can connect with others and build community.<\/p>\n
The two co-owners opened Mockingbird Books last July after spending 18 months planning the business. Pitcock and Foster have been friends for more than a decade and share a lifelong love of reading and books.<\/p>\n
Get the full story by Connor Behrens.<\/a><\/p>\n 2. New menus for Houston Restaurant Weeks go live ahead of fall event<\/p>\n Produced by The Cleverley Stone Foundation, Houston Restaurant Weeks is a multiweek event from August through September that helps raise funds for the Houston Food Bank through specially priced, prix fixe menus at participating restaurants.<\/p>\n HRW is now entering its 23rd year, and menus for the 2026 event officially went live July 15.<\/p>\n Read more by Editor Cassandra Jenkins.<\/a><\/p>\n 3. Mia\u2019s Table now serving Southern comfort food in Sugar Land<\/p>\n Mia\u2019s Table has opened its eighth Greater Houston location in Sugar Land, officials confirmed.<\/p>\n The casual family-friendly eatery serves burgers, tacos, sandwiches and other comfort food options inspired by Southern cooking, according to its website. It also offers milkshakes as well as a variety of wine and beer.<\/p>\n Learn more from Editorial Intern Sarah Knowlton.<\/a><\/p>\n 4. New barbeque spot now serving Friendswood<\/p>\n Pearl\u2019s BBQ opened on July 11 in Friendswood, located inside Super Ranchero Supermarket, a representative from the restaurant said.<\/p>\n Named in honor of the founder\u2019s mother, Pearl\u2019s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant with more than 15 years of barbecue experience, specializing in slow-smoked barbecue prepared with pecan wood, featuring favorites such as brisket, ribs, sausage and seasonal desserts.<\/p>\n