Lubbock Magazine | December 2019

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y r t h e i v n E g Nice d n a

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Contents

DECEMBER 2019

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On the Cover

SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

Lubbock’s bakeries make life sweeter.

By Jonathan Baker PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

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28 ELEMENTS OF STYLE

After 70 years, Malouf’s still stands tall.

Departments 16 STYLE

We gathered a few of gift-worthy socks and ties from local retailers.

17 HOME

Cookbooks make a wonderful present for foodies.

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34 COOKING LESSONS

Still Austin shares winter cocktail recipes.

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CONTRIBUTORS............................5 AROUND TOWN...........................6 STYLE..........................................16 HOME..........................................17 COOKING LESSONS....................34 EAT DRINK.................................. 37 CALENDAR OF EVENTS............... 71 AT WORK....................................74 YESTERYEAR..............................76

ALL I WANT FOR

christmas IS

Trina Turk | APL | Brax | Tory Burch | Robert Graham | Canali | and More Kingsgate Center | maloufs.com

From T H E Editor

Regional Director of Michele McAffrey Specialty Products/Editor 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@lubbockonline.com

Regional Designer Content Coordinator

Contributing Writers

Kayla Morris Joshua Rhymer Jonathan Baker Jason Boyett

Contributing Sylvia Jennings Photographers Jan Lloyd Shannon Richardson Brad Tollefson

Contributing Designer

Darren Hendricks

GM/Advertising Director

Shoni Wiseman

Robin Morse

Advertising Sales Manager

Multimedia Sales Larry Guerra Representatives Irene Lance Craig Martin Tod Towns

Newsstand Sales

Kevin Woelfel

d Logos

Subscriptions Victor Uriegas

To advertise in Lubbock Magazine or on thelubbockmagazine.com, contact Shoni Wiseman at 766.8631.

Regional Executive Editor

Jill Nevels-Haun

Regional Distribution David Morel Director

Regional Accounting Sheryl Rycerz Manager

D

o you have a sweet tooth? Well, our holiday issue can show you how to you satisfy it! As we planned our annual food-focused December issue, we settled on sweets as a theme. Our fun and festive cover story features six of the city’s finest locally owned bakeries as they show off their wares just in time for the holidays.

As we made our rounds from one end of the city to the other, we were tempted time and again by delicious bake shop after delicious bake shop. We sampled as many baked goods and candies as possible, all in the name of research, of course, so we can assure you that the featured treats in our cover story, “Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice,” are truly top notch. Whether for a meal with your family or a last-minute treat for a holiday party, each of the bakeries we feature this month are worth a visit!

Also this month, we share a true success story. The longstanding prosperity of Malouf’s is a testament to founder John Malouf’s wisdom and resilience. In a time of online ordering and bargain hunting, Malouf’s remains steady due to the relationships it has forged in Lubbock and beyond. Read about John Malouf’s legacy starting on page 28.

We met the co-founder of Still Austin, Chris Seals, recently and he shares cocktail recipes perfect for holiday entertaining in our “Cooking Lessons” section. Still Austin uses grains from the Panhandle of Texas in its newest bourbon whiskey release. Find recipes certain to impress your guests beginning on page 34.

As a new decade approaches, we pause with gratitude to reflect over the past year. We know we’re privileged to share the stories of Lubbock’s people and to celebrate the Hub City in our pages. Thank you to our advertisers and readers alike for allowing us the opportunity! We cherish meeting and spending time with the city’s best people every month.

Merry Christmas!

710 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401 806.762.8844 • thelubbockmagazine.com

Lubbock Magazine is a monthly publication of AJ Media.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent.

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Michele McAffrey | Editor

Contributors

JONATHAN BAKER

JASON BOYETT

Jonathan’s copywriting has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Journal, and Popular Mechanics, and he reports on the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles for High Plains Public Radio. In his spare time, he writes crime novels.

Jason has written more than a dozen books and is the host and creator of “Hey Amarillo,” an interview podcast. Visit heyamarillo.com and jasonboyett.com.

DARREN HENDRICKS

SYLVIA JENNINGS

Darren is a graphic designer who has worked with newspaper, publication, website and advertising clients around the country for more than 20 years. He lives in McPherson, Kansas, with his family. See his work at dviso.com.

A Lubbock native and former state trooper, Sylvia has been a photographer for more than 30 years. Her work ranges from editorial to portraiture. Learn more at sjphotography-sylviajennings.com.

Writer

Designer

Photographer

JAN LLOYD

SHANNON RICHARDSON

Jan Lloyd is a retired instructor from Clovis Community College (CCC), where she taught Media Art and later served as the division chair for the Fine Art/Communication department. You can see her latest paintings at Glassy Alley Gallery in Lubbock.

Shannon has been photographing commercial/ advertising work for more than 20 years.

He has also published a photographic book about Route 66. See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

Photographer

Writer

Photographer

DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Around Town

BEST OF LUBBOCK The inaugral Best of Lubbock Awards Gala was held on Oct. 21, at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center. Miss Texas Outstanding Teen, Stephanie Wendt, announced the winners during the gala.

PHOTOS BY BRAD TOLLEFSON

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Around Town

A MATADOR EVENING DINNER 2019 The Texas Tech Alumni Association hosted its 59th annual A Matador Evening on Oct. 18, at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. This year’s honorees were Jim and Jere Lynn Burkhart, Dr. Ethan Logan and Dr. Michael San Francisco for their contributions and service to the university.

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

Aleesa Ross, Sheri Lewis, Andrea Watson, Davian-Lynn Hopkins, Rachel Bauldree, and Tyler Young

Varshini Suresh, Paige Huff, Allison Sandefur and Jack Kortokrax

Britta Tye, Katie Marshall, Dottie S. Gregory and Micah Logan

Chris Cook and Corey Butler

Charlene Parks, Bobby Waddle and Kim Buttgen

Becca Heidelberg and Jennifer Perez-Stewart

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Mary Drake and Carlos Favela

Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • DECEMBER 2019

Jere Lynn and Jim Burkhart

Julie Isom, and Don and Susan Maddox

HIGH POINT VILLAGE CELEBRATION GALA High Point Village hosted a celebration gala on Oct. 24, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. The fundraiser celebrated High Point’s clients with a shopping event and dinner.

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

Anthony Wilson, and Alissa and Bill Downing

Natalie Upp, Thomas Martinez, Diana Doan and Brian Swacina

Taylor Davis, Stacy Newsom and Addison Jackson

Vighnesh Nair and Sklyer Boyd

Olivia McCollum, Hillary Cobb, Anna Lewis and Kacy Spearman

Wendy and Paul Wilson

Gail Williams and Tina Stevens

Chastin Powell and Joel Phillips

Ryan and Melynn Henry DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Around Town

WEST TEXAS TASTE OF THE FIELD On Oct. 27, West Texas Taste of the Field was held at Art Canyon.

Local chefs prepared a five-course meal with wine pairing. Funds benefited Milestones Development & Play Park.

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

Keith and Sharmon Owens

Jacob Hamil and Autumn Acree

Caroline Byrd and Lindsay Carlile

Troy and Jennifer Burke

Rachel Davis, Chef Jessica Fultz and Mollie Burnam

James and Allison Berry

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Robert and Anne Jones

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Aaron and Caitlin Sims

Paulo and Christina Maldonado

23RD ANNUAL CORNUCOPIA LUNCHEON On Nov. 5, the 23rd Annual Cornucopia Luncheon was presented by Volunteer Center of Lubbock. Held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, the event celebrated the efforts of local volunteers.

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

Alex Lee, Keshav Ramesh, Gabriel Simiyu, Sabrina Herrera and Alexis Wragg

Officer William Trotter, Sgt. Steven Bergen and Corporal Antonio Chacon

Zoe Metcalf, Kayla Thrasher, Candace Christophe and Jungwon Park

Nick Dragga and Somer Jaynes

Jim McCutchin, Johnny Owens, Mary Zwiacher and Susan McCutchin

Neal Barron, Jerry Brewer and Jon Caspell

Danielle Uranga, Fiona May and Eloisa Vigil

Katie and Lesley Logan

John Zwiacher and Ray J. Diekemper DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Around Town

ART OF FREEDOM Art of Freedom was held on Nov. 9, at the TTU McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. The sale and auction benefited OneVoiceHome.

PHOTOS BY JAN LLOYD

Bobbie Jo Williams, Mark and Ashley Dotson, and William Redekopp

Andrew, Wendi and Connor Coats

Britni Wilkens, Hillary Cobb and Jo Beth Gilliam

Shelly Swann

Reese and Stephanie Rogers, and Dani and Emma Brady

Emily Bayliss and Megan Redekopp

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Ashley Lindsey, Victoria Madrid and Morgan Ellsworth

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Sam Sanders and Savannah Nendorf

Nina and Nico Martinez

VETERANS DAY 2019 CELEBRATION The annual Veterans Day Celebration was held on Nov. 11, at the Silent Wings Museum. The all-day event included free admission and ceremonial activities.

PHOTOS BY JAN LLOYD

Jan Dreasher, Marin Paschal, Jaxx Brown and Max Dreasher

Matthew, Josiah, Carolin, Joy and Emily Boyett

Lee and Allan Tice, Tye Jackson, and Martin Geddes

Celia Palmer, Elizabeth Fowler and Rania Zeitouni

Pete Ramos, Chris Garcia, Darrin Pinkard and Claudia Martinez

Ramon and Pearl Sanchez

Ryan Sanders, Wayne Panter and Rylee Sanders

Don, Sherry, Mayson and Laykin Meloy

Grace, Ethan and Wayne McKim DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Around Town

TOP 20 UNDER 40 The city’s Top 20 Under 40 recipients were honored on Nov. 13, at the TTU McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. This year’s award was given to 21 local professionals.

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

Dillon Cobb, Syl and Wilma Moore, Hillary Cobb, and Carlye Kopp

Jeff Klotzman, Kathy Womble, Elgin and Erin Gregg, Kathy Rollo, Mary Onishi and Sarah Ancell

Philip Friday, Lacey and Barby Nobles, and Sloane Robertson

Sheri Nugent and Amy Marquez

Marybeth Messer, and Victoria and Jeffry Whitehead

Abel Castro and Uz Lonngren

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Blake Howell, Marc Lopez and Cassidi Linnenkugel

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Erin and Elgin Gregg

Mo, Marie and Soymaya Sbeiti

IMPACT SILENT AUCTION AND LUNCHEON On Nov. 14, CASA of the South Plains hosted an Impact Silent Auction and Luncheon at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. The event included a silent auction, award presentation, and testimony from a former foster youth and CASA volunteer.

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

Karrie Peoples, Misty Horn, Leanne Lopez, Hope De La Garza, Kristen Mata, Lauren Westerberg and Hly Vang

Reginald Dial, Josh Franco, Jeremy Jones, Matt Boggs, Sharon Casey, Tino Calvillo and Leath McClure

Monica Loya, Leslie Alonzo, Bre Kittley, Samantha Terry and Becky Allaire

Jon Walter and Dela Esqueda

Somer and Jeff Jaynes, and Nathaniel Wright

Linda Wilson and Kay Ellen Phillips

Allie Graves and Justin Hughes

Kenny Catney and Leanne Lopez

Ally Bourke, Regan McCune and Hailey Laramee DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Style

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True Colors

or decades, men’s ties were mostly solid colors and no-nonsense patterns. Meanwhile, “men’s socks” came in black, blue, brown and gray and were the most boring category in the style world. Things have changed. Today, men who dare to be a little more adventurous in their wardrobe choices have plenty of fashionable options: brightly colored socks, statement-making ties, and bold patterns across the board. These accessories can be a simple and subtle way to liven up a traditional suit – or otherwise conservative wardrobe. Here are a few of the gift-worthy socks and ties that caught our eyes from local retailers.

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1. Edward Armah socks $45, Drest by Scott Malouf 2. VK Nagrani Socks $40, Malouf's 3. Marcoliani Milano socks $35, H.G. Thrash 4. Altea Milano tie $135, H.G. Thrash 5. Charvet silk tie $275, Malouf's 6. G. Inglese tie $160, Drest by Scott Malouf

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

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Home

Gifts for the Cook T

hese days, half of what you see on Pinterest seems to be recipes. There are more recipes at the fingertips of home cooks today than at any time in the history of the world. But that doesn’t mean cookbooks are a thing of the past. In fact, they’re experiencing a renaissance, and a kitchen-counter cookbook still makes a wonderful present for foodies. You may want to pair it with a small kitchen gadget or a bottle of wine, but this gift shows you’ve been paying attention. Just make sure the cookbook reflects their culinary interests and matches their skill level. Here are a few of our favorite cookbooks available at local shops.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

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1. “The Whole Enchilada” (signed copy) $29, Juxtaposh 2. The Pioneer Woman Cooks “The New Frontier” $29.99, Barns & Noble 3. “Mastering Pasta” $29.99, Barns & Noble 4. “Franklin Steak” $29.99, Barns & Noble 5. “A Life's Work” (signed copy) $28.17, Whisk'd 6. “Always Enough Thyme” $22.17, Whisk'd

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COVER STORY

y r t h e i v n E g Nice d n a Lubbock’s bakeries make life sweeter

by Jonathan Baker PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

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Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • DECEMBER 2019

his time of year, you can be forgiven for being consumed by visions of sugar plums. During these cold days, we bring our families and friends closer – and often, that means gathering around a plate of cookies, an apple pie, or a red velvet cake with lots of white frosting. As we prepare for another holiday, sweet treats remind us that life is about more than the work grind; life is more than eating clean and frequenting the gym. Sometimes, we find happiness in the sweeter things: keeping our loved ones close, watching old movies and sipping hot tea – and, yes, indulging in a slice of pie with plenty of whipped cream on top.

This month, we’re thrilled to bring you a selection of some of Lubbock’s finest sugar purveyors. To make things even better, not only are these establishments filled with happiness and deliciousness, but they’re all locally owned. So, pull up a chair and settle in with a slice of cheesecake, as we introduce you to the best sweets our city has to offer. Oh, and don’t forget the eggnog.

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BERRY BLISS WHITE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE CREPE WITH A CRANBERRY REDUCTION

Crave Creperie + Dessert Bar 2910 W. Loop 289, Suite 601 792.1216 cravedessertlbk.com

CEREAL BAR

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ocated in the West End Center, Crave specializes in just about anything you might, well, crave – from macarons and crepes, to pie, cake, bars, brownies, bread pudding, crème brûlée, coffee, gelato, and fondue.

Last month, Crave opened a new location at 118th and Indiana. On our recent visit, we were treated to a taste of the berry bliss white chocolate cream cheese crepe with a cranberry reduction. It was, to put it mildly, delicious.

But then, it’s no surprise that Crave’s treats are on point. “We have a pretty strong history of baking in our family,” says Tiffany Jablonsky, who co-owns Crave with her mother, Carrie Hargrove. “My grandma always baked; everyone loved her stuff. So we just thought it would be fun to open a dessert-only place that wasn’t a bakery that closed at 5 or 6, but would [instead] be open for date nights. We felt that was missing in Lubbock.”

Since its opening, Crave has matured, says Jablonsky.

“As we’ve had new customers come in, and as the world changes, it has definitely evolved. We’ve added things to the menu every year. And we travel a lot, so different things we find in other cities, we bring them back [to Lubbock].” For example, Crave recently brought a treat called bombolini to the South Plains – a sort of Italian/ Polish donut served with a squeeze bottle filled with pastry cream, so that customers can insert the filling themselves. “They’re made to order, they come out hot, and they’re really good,” says Jablonsky.

The Ruffled Cup Cupcakery & Sweet Shoppe 5109 82nd St., Suite 10 687.4083 theruffledcup.com

ounded as “Amarillo’s first and finest cupcake bakery,” this sweetshop has now expanded its operation southward into Lubbock. The Ruffled Cup is best known for, well, cupcakes. But the term doesn’t quite do these tiny masterpieces justice. Everyday flavors like Ruby Red Velvet, Va-Va Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Wedding Cake, Chocolate Obsession, Peanut Butter Cup, Ruffled Truffle, German Chocolate and Sassy Strawberry have created a fierce following of fans on the South Plains. Then there are the specialty flavors, like Holy Cannoli, Lemon Blackberry, Grasshopper, Mimosa, Gingerdoodle and “Coffee and Donuts” – so you’re guaranteed a unique experience on any given visit. Owner Deanna Hurt says her most popular flavor, for both cakes and cupcakes, is “The Marilyn”: an almond cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting. Also big with locals: the Ruffled Truffle, “Our namesake cupcake, chocolate cake with chocolate ganache in the middle, with vanilla cream on top died Tiffany blue to match our theme color.”

Beyond cupcakes, the shop is known for its cream-cheese sugar cookies, cheesecakes, “safe to eat” cookie dough, homemade ice cream, brownies, and French macarons. For the holidays, expect the Ruffled Cup to pull out all the stops. The bakery has a full panoply of yule-themed sweets available this season.

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Baked Bliss BAKED BLISS CREATES A SWEETS-FILLED CHARCUTERIE BOARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

4005 34th St. (New location, opening in January) 784.2004 lubbockbakedbliss.weebly.com

or nine years, Baked Bliss has slowly been rising to sugar-fueled fame on the South Plains.

Baked Bliss started in Lisa Stabeno’s home, with she and her daughter, Taylor Soucy, delivering cookies around town. Eventually, the bakery moved into a tiny 400-square-foot space. Today, Baked Bliss is in the process of remodeling a 6,500-square-foot storefront – in the former Mrs. Camp’s building. Mrs. Camp’s – itself a Lubbock legend – closed in 2012 after 66 years of bringing its own forms of baked bliss to the high plains.

“There’s a huge legacy there,” says Stabeno. “But it’s a pretty big change from my little bitty kitchen at home!”

Baked Bliss is hoping to open its new doors in January.

With the new space will come big changes. Stabeno says Baked Bliss is most excited about expanding lunch offerings, the chance to provide party rooms, and the opportunity to expand into breadmaking.

But the heart of the business remains baked goods – and that’s where this Lubbock standby excels. The bakery is a full-service operation, meaning they make everything from tiny treats to massive wedding cakes.

But, says Stabeno, “we started with cookies, and that will always be a staple for us.” The most popular cookie options are Italian Cream and Cherry Vanilla, made with Stabeno’s grandfather’s recipes. Other popular items include mini pies and royal icing cookies. “Really, sweetwise, anything you can imagine, we will try to accommodate you.” To that end, Baked Bliss has recently expanded into the keto-friendly market, with great success. These treats, made with Swerve (an alternative sugar) and almond flour, are bringing new meaning to Baked Bliss.

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Sugarista 3412 34th St. 319.5476 sugaristabakery.com

hings have been going nicely for Sugarista owner Kimberly Cantu. After graduating from Tech with an accounting degree, Kimberly worked as a CPA in the DallasFort Worth area. “I quit my job as a CPA, because it was stealing my soul.” She follows this refreshingly honest statement with an infectious laugh. “I don’t know how to describe it in a nice manner!” Problem was, Cantu didn’t know what she wanted to truly be when she grew up. “I started baking to relieve stress,” she remembers. “Then a friend of mine pointed out that she always knew I liked a guy when I would bake for him. So it became very apparent, cookies are one of my love languages.”

Cantu had some money saved. So four years ago – almost on a whim – she decided to uproot and move to Lubbock and open a bakery. Born in Odessa and raised in Oklahoma, Cantu fell in love with the Hub City during her years at Texas Tech University. “I used to laugh and say, ‘I’m going to retire in Lubbock.’ I love it! My heart has always been in Lubbock, ever since I went to school here.” At first, Cantu started baking cookies out of her new house in Lubbock. It wasn’t long before she was sharing a kitchen with a local restaurant downtown. And now, this past March, she finally moved into her own space on 34th Street. “It kind of all just came together,” she says. “My favorite part has been spreading cheerfulness and happiness.”

Happily installed in her new location, Cantu is excited about the possibilities. “I’m still in the growing phase. I don’t have any employees outside of myself. It’s a slow process to start a business from nothing.

I started this business with a thousand dollars!” But the customers showed up – and they keep coming back. At Sugarista, taste always comes before looks, and Cantu is careful to never sacrifice quality over superficial appearances. Her most popular cookies are her iced sugar options. “They’re so customizable. You can make them into anything you want.” Another local favorite is the red velvet cookie, which has been popular since day one. “It’s very cakelike,” she explains. “A mild chocolate, not that sweet.” In addition to the classics, Sugarista likes to mix it up with fun flavors, like Nutella or mocha. And then there’s Caliente Craze, “a true West Texas flavor.” Cantu calls this doublechocolate cookie made with cayenne pepper and cinnamon “a love-hate cookie … There aren’t many people who are like, ‘It’s OK.’ It’s either, ‘That’s the best cookie I’ve ever had’ or ‘That was really weird.’”

Again, Kimberly’s laughter shows the pleasure she derives from the little joys of her job. We should all aspire to have as much fun at work as Lubbock’s cookie empress is having.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes 5217 98th St., Suite 300 794.2000 nothingbundtcakes.com

he locally owned Lubbock location has been open seven years in April – but Nothing Bundt Cakes has been around for far longer. Founders Debra Shwetz and Dena Tripp started Nothing Bundt Cakes in Las Vegas in 1997 – “two ladies selling cakes out of the back of their van,” as Lubbock shop manager John Rodriquez explains. In the intervening 22 years, Nothing Bundt Cakes has taken America by storm, expanding to more than 300 locations nationwide.

Lubbockites like the warmth and nostalgia of the chain’s famous Bundt cakes, topped with NBC’s famous thick frosting petals. “Red Velvet is our No. 1 seller,” says Rodriguez. Other favorites include white chocolate raspberry, chocolate chocolate chip, and lemon. The most popular size of cakes are the minis, with customers frequently popping in on special occasions – or when a sugar craving strikes. “We do a lot of them for birthdays, of course, because we can do a single, double or triple tower [of ‘Bundtlets’],” says Rodriquez.

The shop also does a steady business during special occasions such as teacher appreciation day, administrator day, boss’s day, and the like. And, of course, Christmas marks a major holiday for the folks at Nothing Bundt. The shop rotates specialty flavors every couple of months. During December and January, the special flavor is Snickerdoodle. Owner Elizabeth Wright suggests slicing and warming up the Snickerdoodle cake, then eating it on Christmas morning like a cinnamon roll.

Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Otto’s Granary 4119 Marsha Sharp Fwy. 797.1728 ottosgranary.com

esiding in a granary that (we’re told) is older than the city of Lubbock, Otto's is a sweets-lover’s paradise – an intoxicating mixture of sugar and history. The shop itself has been open since 1981, and has resided at Marsha Sharp Freeway for 17 years. Manager Marshall Thornhill explains that Otto’s, strangely enough, began life as a barbecue restaurant. Somewhere along the line, owner Scott Carter and his mother, Pattie, decided to make it a chocolate store. Scott was a child at the time, but the decision was a sound one. After that, Carter threw himself into the chocolate business, attending conferences and learning as much as he could – even at age 12.

Today, all that knowledge is paying off. The selection at Otto’s is simply staggering, with fine chocolate offerings from legendary chocolatiers like Godiva and Neuhaus, as well as hundreds of coffees and teas, and more than 100 flavors of Jelly Bellies.

Otto’s even blends its own coffee flavors –including some tasty varieties for the holidays. The shop sells rare chocolates, including some sought-after chocolates modeled after Giuseppe Armani sculptures.

“We’re one of three or four places in the country that sells those,” Thornhill says.

Recently, Otto’s has been expanding its online operation. “We’ve launched a brand-new website that contains our entire inventory,” says Thornhill. “We reach far past Lubbock’s city limits now.” And those efforts have translated into healthy profits. These days, Otto’s does as much business online as it does through the store itself. L

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FEATURE

MICHAEL MALOUF

Elements of Style 28

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After 70 years, Malouf’s still stands tall

by Jonathan Baker

PHOTOS BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

The History of a Vision

J

ohn Malouf’s lifework stands as a testament to West Texas style and gumption, and his accomplishments should be studied by any flatlander who dreams big and wants to make a mark on the wider world.

For generations, Malouf’s has been synonymous with style and grace on the South Plains. The elegant store – originally known for menswear but now equally celebrated for its women’s lines – has for generations brought a world-class sense of panache to Lubbock. “I stay loyal to them,” explains Jere Lynn Burkhart, who’s been shopping with Malouf’s since 1998, “because they carry really good merchandise, they have the best salespeople, they’re not pushy, they remember what kind of clothing you like, they remember your sizes, they’re always up to date on their styles.”

John Malouf was born 44 miles south of Lubbock in O’Donnell, Texas, in 1927, and grew up in Post. A bright child, Malouf decided to enter Texas Tech University at age 16. Before going to college, his mother took him to the Durham-Burdine men’s clothing store in Lubbock, to buy him a new pair of shoes. After that experience at Durham-Burdine, explains John’s son Michael Malouf, who now runs the company, “He just fell in love with the business.”

While attending Tech, John Malouf worked part time at DurhamBurdine. He even devoted his Sundays to the men’s clothing business. “Back in those days,” Michael explains, “you didn’t go to market in New York or Dallas or wherever. The vendors would come to town and set up in a hotel room. So Dad would volunteer his Sundays – he wasn’t paid – to go with the owners [of DurhamBurdine] and see the vendors in the hotels, just so he could learn about the business. He had a fiery passion for the work.” During that first job, 16-year-old John eventually performed nearly every function at Durham-Burdine, from arranging shelves and making signs to “coming up with all kinds of details that made the retail store work better.”

However, after only two years at Tech, John Malouf was drafted into the army. He served with honor, in those waning days of World War II, then returned to Lubbock and graduated from Tech’s business school in 1949, with a BBA in Business Management. In August 1949, at only 22 years of age – but already boasting a degree, overseas military experience, and several years’ experience in the retail industry – John opened his own men’s store on Avenue K, calling it Malouf’s. That original store was in “an old Masonic Lodge,” says Michael. “Dad designed all the fixtures. He did the buying. He mopped the floors on Sunday and cleaned the bathrooms. He really did everything. He was quite talented.”

Hunting Big Game “I think one of the most interesting things about the history of Malouf’s,” says Michael, “is, in the ’40s and ’50s, I think there were four or five men’s stores in Lubbock at the time. So my father was going up against stores that were already established.”

Those stores, like John’s former employer Durham-Burdine, already had many of the good clothing lines locked down. So John was always on the lookout for brands to further his own shop’s fortunes. “One time,” Michael says, “he was on a lunch break and he went into one of the other men’s stores. He noticed that they had their Troy Guild shirts – which, at the time, Troy Guild was one of the premiere men’s dress shirt brands – and he noticed that the store had them on closeout for a dollar. Now, that’s back when shirts were probably five or six dollars. He realized [that store] was closing out the brand. So he called Troy Guild and he got the Troy Guild line. He had an unsurpassed eye for details like that.”

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Even in those early days, John Malouf had major aspirations. At the time, before the Italians had come to the U.S. – suit designers like Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, and the Canali family –the premier suit was Oxxford, elegant suits and sportscoats handmade in Chicago.

“They were the very expensive line at the time. Well, Dad set his goal: He wanted to have Oxxford. But Oxxford was only selling to Neiman Marcus in Texas – they weren’t open to anyone else.” As almost any stylish Texan will tell you, Neiman Marcus was the Valhalla of Texas upper-crust retail – beloved of Dallas oilmen and their extravagant wives. So the idea that Oxxford would branch out from Neiman Marcus and offer a sales contract to a small men’s shop on the dusty plains of West Texas was far-fetched, at best.

But John Malouf wasn’t the kind of man to take no for an answer. He launched a two-pronged effort to land the Oxxford account. First, he knew that if he was going to attract Oxxford, the company would want him to have the best shirt line, the best shoe line, the best tie line. “He worked on building the surrounding accoutrements,” notes Michael.

The second part of John’s plan to land the Oxxford account was based on personal relationships. In those days, one of the vice presidents of Nieman Marcus was Jack McDonald. “When my father would hear that the president of Oxxford was flying to Dallas to see Jack at Nieman’s, Dad would get on a plane and fly for the day to Dallas – just to say hello to the president of Oxxford and to Jack McDonald. Just to make his face visible to them, to make a connection. And then he’d fly back.”

The gambit may have seemed risky to some, even foolishly expensive given the low chance that Oxxford would send business to Malouf’s of Lubbock. But. (In the life of John Malouf, there was always a but.) “But after a few years, Jack McDonald left Neiman’s and became the president of Oxxford. A year later, he called my dad and said, ‘Come to Chicago.’” In Chicago, McDonald offered to open an account between Oxxford and Malouf’s. “This was a huge achievement,” explains Michael Malouf. “This was just a store in Lubbock, Texas. San Francisco, New York, they had Oxxford.”

But now, the Hub City could count itself among the few tony destinations across the nation where a man could buy an Oxxford suit.

“A Giant in the Industry” John Malouf’s success seems to have stemmed from the deep regard and respect he held for the hardworking communities of the South Plains. He thought they deserved the very best. “One thing Malouf’s did,” says Michael, “is it gave an opportunity for all these farmers and ranchers to dress up and look nice. You know, they were used to wearing jeans and whatnot. And it really elevated their lives.”

Indeed, stories abound of Malouf’s unexpected success in the ranching and farming community of the South Plains. In the late 1980s, for example, the store held an Oxxford trunk show in Lubbock. “[Oxxfords] were extremely expensive; they were the most expensive suit. But we were getting customers in from Midland, the oil guys, the ranch guys.

At that trunk show, we sold over 100 Oxxfords. In one trunk show. Just to people in West Texas. Now, think about that.”

Almost anyone who knew him will tell you that John

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ASPEN FREDERICK, LADONNA GOODWIN, LESLIE CRAFTON AND NANCYE SPEARS

Malouf had an eye for combining luxury and value, almost a sixth sense. Many folks in Lubbock “don’t have a way of knowing,” says Michael, “but he’s a giant in the industry. You know, it’s a small group. But he’s extremely revered in the menswear industry as being one of the great pioneers.”

After landing the Oxxford account in 1960, John Malouf continued to ensure that his shop in out-of-the-way Lubbock would remain one of the finest in the nation. For example, says Michael, “We were selling Hermès ties and scarves in Lubbock, Texas, in the 1970s. So he was always attuned to bringing in the best of the best.

There’s a saying: Customers will remember value long after price is forgotten. Dad was about value, not about price.”

When it comes to the value question, Jere Lynn Burkhart agrees. “A lot of people think they’re high-dollar, because they have this beautiful store. But actually, you can go in there and buy something for the same price that you would buy it at any other store.”

A True Survivor For the past four decades, the store has been catering to women as well as men. These days, explains Michael, the split between sales to women and men is about fifty-fifty. “Women shop more frequently than men do,” says Michael. “We probably have more women in the store all the time. But men tend to come in when they need a suit.” Michael Malouf has a bemused perspective on the differences between the store’s customers. “Women will buy a sweater in September, knowing it’s going to be cold in a couple of months. Men, on the other hand” – Michael laughs – “will wait until it’s snowing outside.”

So after 70 years, what’s the secret that has kept Malouf’s in

I’ve ever shopped in.”

Another key factor in the success of Malouf’s is the idea of finding the perfect fit. “Dad was obsessed with fit,” says Michael.

“One of our first tailors, he brought in from Mexico City in the ’60s. We’ve always had our own tailor shop, and that’s been really vital. Dad considered it the heartbeat of the men’s business, because you can put a suit on a man, but if it doesn’t fit … it’s a waste of time.”

In addition to Mexico City, John Malouf also brought tailors to Lubbock from Greece. “It’s those countries where people actually go through training. The United States doesn’t really have a training process for tailoring.”

The Future is Fashionable

(STANDING L-R): ANDREA IRIZARRY, ALBERT HERNANDEZ, GREG FOSTER AND JUSTIN HERNANDEZ; (SEATED L-R): DON CRUM AND CLAIRE HICKS

business, while so many other legendary clothing stores – both local and national – have fallen by the wayside? “I think it’s a great question,” says Michael. “Like I was saying, there were four or five men’s shops in Lubbock alone [in the 1950s.] Even towns like Plainview had a men’s store. There were men’s stores everywhere because, you look at pictures of 1950s New York Yankees games … the men in the audience are in suits and ties and hats.” But those times have passed. John Malouf lamented to his son, shortly before his passing in 2015, that it was rare to see a men’s store in a city of less than 250,000 people. “The changing habits of the way men dress has been a contributor to the disappearance of [men’s shops],” says Michael.

Yet, Malouf’s persists – and even thrives. So, again, what sets this shop apart? “I think what’s kept Malouf’s going,” suggests Michael, “is that we’re the best at this. We’re the best at a world-class level, not just a West Texas level, or even a Texas level. What Dad did for West Texans is, he brought something of quality to the region that you would normally only see in New York. And I think it made West Texans feel like, ‘You know what? We’re just as valuable as anybody else in this country.’ They’re not short-changed just because they live in Odessa. They can come to Lubbock and buy a suit and a tie, or a sport coat and sport shirt, that somebody in New York could buy.”

Customer Jere Lynn Burkhart attributes much of the store’s longevity to the loyalty of its workers. “On the men’s side,” Burkhart notes, “one of the salespeople has been there 30 years. Another one about 20 years. So that tells you something right there.” What’s more, “You make friends there,” she adds.

“Sometimes you go in there just to talk and visit. They’re just friendly, and they help you in every way they can. It’s the best store

The retail business continues to look bright for Malouf’s. The store now has a second location in the elite Southlake suburb of Dallas – and that second shop is just as successful as the first, perhaps in large part due to the business’s ties to West Texas.

“It’s funny,” says Michael Malouf. “I can’t tell you how many Tech alums live in the Southlake area. And other people who grew up in Lubbock. Some have moved to [the Dallas area] because their grandchildren are there now. Ten years ago, when we were under construction in Southlake, we’d have people stick their head in the door every day and say, ‘We’re so glad to have a Malouf’s here! So it has that connection to people that’s more emotional than anything else. And it’s those people that have kept us in business. It’s the people who love our store and keep coming back, and have their children keep coming. And, you know, then the grandchildren come. It’s always been more like having friends than customers.” L

The Secret of Malouf’s Success “It’s a combination of two things,” suggests Michael Malouf. “Number one, the clothes. We have great lines.

We had Hermès, we had Burberry, we had these lines when they weren’t hugely known.”

And the second element? “Relationships. Dad recognized that this is a relationships business. And that, ultimately, it’s not about the clothes. It’s about the people. We know our customers’ families, we know their birthdays, we know their anniversaries. Each one of our salespeople knows their customers like friends.

Nowadays, with cellphones, we’re even more in touch than we used to be. We’re texting our customers, asking, ‘How are things going?’”

Indeed, Malouf’s has been serving some South Plains families for generations. “Some of our current customers,” says Michael, “their parents traded here.

It’s like home to them.”

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INSPIRE

The True Spirit of the Season

I

t is very easy for all of us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Before we even buy our Halloween candy, we are bombarded with Christmas items in all the stores, ads about all the amazing sales, and television and social media depicting the picture perfect holiday. We all have so many chores from decorating, to baking holiday treats, finding the perfect gift, attending seasonal celebrations, planning parties and family gatherings, wrapping presents, and mailing the ideal holiday greeting, just to name a few. It becomes stressful rather than joyful, and we often forget to slow down, enjoy ourselves, and remember the true spirit of the season.

Those of us fortunate enough to be involved with Lubbock Meals on Wheels get daily reminders of what is truly important in our lives and to those around us. As soon as we get caught up in our petty challenges, we learn of someone who is heating their home with their stove, struggling to get to dialysis without transportation, or is completely isolated and alone. We quickly realize what our priorities should be and how grateful we are for all the simple things we often take for granted – a warm meal, a safe home, friendship, and support.

Not only do we get these important reminders of what truly matters, we also get the opportunity and the joy of making a difference to those in need. Year round we have the honor to serve the homebound, elderly, or disabled in our community by providing them a hot, nutritious lunch and a welcome visit from a caring volunteer. Thanks to so much support from our compassionate community, we are also able to send birthday cakes, magazines, books, weekend and emergency meals, pet food, and fresh flowers.

This is especially true around the holidays. We get to partner with the Salvation Army to make sure our clients, who otherwise would be alone on Thanksgiving Day, get a hearty turkey lunch with all the trimmings and a friendly visit. Thanks to the South Plains Food Bank, many of our clients will receive a bountiful senior food box. Our partnership with Home Instead Senior Care ensures that our clients will receive a Christmas gift through the Be a Santa to a Senior Program.

For many of our clients, this present will be the only gift they receive at Christmas. When you see a client’s Christmas wish list include items like a box of Kleenex or a candy bar it definitely puts your needs and

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Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • DECEMBER 2019

By Lisa Gilliland

wants into perspective.

I always recall the story of the client who requested a cowboy hat on his wish list. It was beyond the price range for the program, so the owners of Home Instead Senior Care decided to purchase it for him themselves. The man passed away shortly after Christmas and was buried in his new cowboy hat.

I know we can get overwhelmed with the abundance of needs and do not think we are making enough of a difference, but when I think of that story I know we made a difference to that man, and for that we can be thankful. We hear from clients every day about how much they enjoyed their meal or how nice the volunteer was to them just when they needed it most, or how happy their little dog was to receive a treat.

How lucky we are to get to brighten someone’s life, whether in a big way or through a simple gesture of kindness.

Many new studies attest to the benefits of giving on our overall health and happiness. Not only does the recipient reap the benefits of the generosity, but so does the giver and the community. Giving, whether of our time or our money, makes us feel happy, reduces our stress, and improves our health and attitude. Giving also promotes cooperation and increases our social connection. This holiday season I would encourage everyone to take some time from their busy schedules and perform a random act of kindness, help a neighbor, donate to a charity, or volunteer your time in some way. Instead of it just being another chore on a very long list, I believe you will find that you will receive much more than you gave and will be reminded of the true spirit of the season. Then, hopefully, that spirit will continue throughout the year – which, by the way, is what is on my wish list this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

LISA GILLILAND Lisa is the Executive Director of Lubbock Meals on Wheels. She grew up in Lubbock and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Tech University. Lisa serves on multiple boards in the community. She and husband Larry have been married 25 years and share two beloved rescue dogs, Kloey and Krash, who is a registered therapy dog.

we are here. we are

Health is the most important ingredient for living a happy life.

We are here to help you make every moment sweeter.

We are Texas Tech Health.

Abilene

Amarillo

Dallas

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Midland

Odessa

COOKING LESSONS

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till Austin is an Austin-based independent distillery, and its newest bourbon whiskey release has a prominent West Texas connection: It’s made using grains grown in Sunray, Texas, a farming community north of Amarillo. Since good cocktails are critical at holiday parties, we asked Still Austin CEO Chris Seals to supply us some of his favorite winter cocktails using Still Austin products.

“Our spirits are very high-quality,” Seals says. “We picked a few [recipes] that dress them up a little bit with a focus on what makes us different.”

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Hill Country G&T 1 ½ ounces Still Austin gin 3 ounces Fever Tree aromatic tonic Combine ingredients in rocks glass. Stir.

Serve on ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, peppercorns and dehydrated lemon wheel.

Makes 1 serving

South Austin Sour Still Kicking 1 ½ ounces Still Austin bourbon ½ ounce lemon juice ½ ounce simple syrup (1:1 ratio) 3 ounces Fever Tree ginger beer Combine ingredients in a rocks glass. Serve on ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

1 ½ ounces Still Austin bourbon ½ ounce Amaro Montenegro ¾ ounce lemon juice ¾ ounce Liber & Co. Demerara gum syrup 2 dashes aromatic bitters 1 egg white (or foam substitute) Combine ingredients. Dry shake. Add ice and shake. Strain. Serve up in a coupe. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper.

Makes 1 serving

Makes 1 serving

DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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MEET THE MIXOLOGIST CHRIS SEALS STILL AUSTIN

S

till Austin CEO Chris Seals has a deep family connection to farming. He was born in northwest Missouri, where his great-great-grandfather homesteaded a farm north of Kansas City. That farm has remained in the family for nearly 130 years and gave Seals an appreciation for locally grown products and the supply chain that connects consumers to the land surrounding them.

Seals moved to Texas in second grade and spent most of his childhood in the Metroplex area before attending the University of Texas at Austin. It was there – working as a barista – where Seals met the renowned economist Ray Duch, who is now a fellow at the University of Oxford. The friendship with Duch sent Seals, who’d earned a degree in English, into the world of economics. He returned to school to study finance and business with a focus on statistics and quantitative methods.

After a brief stint at J.P. Morgan in Houston, Seals had the opportunity to help Duch establish a consulting practice – Raymond Duch and Associates. Eventually that work brought him to Amarillo, and for 15 years, Seals worked as an economist assisting clients like AT&T, Research in Motion, ECO Canada and prominent tourist destinations. “When you’re an economist, you have to be a jack-of-all-trades,” he says. “It was a hodgepodge of different stuff. I did a lot of feasibility studies. Those can be pretty broad: What do you need to do to make something work?”

Then, a few years ago, his retired father came to Seals with an idea. “I want to start a craft whiskey distillery. Would you help me?” his dad asked. Seals was skeptical. “Putting on my hat as an economist, I thought this was one of the worst ideas I’d heard in my life. Risk assessment is a big part of feasibility, and I couldn’t think of a project that I considered more risky than this one. It was likely to fail,” he remembers.

At the time, alcohol production in Texas was tightly regulated.

You could spend thousands of dollars making barrels of bourbon that might sit in a warehouse for a decade before ever seeing the market. “It seemed like a long shot,” Seals admits. But he saw that his father wanted to spend time with him and jumped at the chance for them to pursue a hobby together. The two began taking classes, visiting distilleries and investigating whether a craft whiskey distillery could work despite the state’s highly restrictive laws.

Then, in 2013, Texas eased its distillery regulations. Suddenly the Seals’ craft whiskey idea became much more realistic and the two men jumped in with both feet. Still Austin opened six years ago, funded by the family’s friends and colleagues in Amarillo, Austin and throughout the state. The craft distillery took on a grain-to-glass

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Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • DECEMBER 2019

concept, building relationships with Texas farmers so it could produce high-quality spirits made with 100% Texas-grown grains. Released this fall, its limited-edition High Rye bourbon whiskey release features grains grown in Sunray, Texas. L

Eat Drink

TOVA COFFEEHOUSE

A PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOVA COFFEEHOUSE

t TOVA Coffeehouse, your daily jolt of caffeine provides funding for the nonprofit coffeehouse’s work to alleviate local poverty. TOVA’s mission is to “Heal local poverty at its roots through Dignity, Empowerment and Building Bridges.” TOVA shares its profits with local organizations that work to break the cycle of poverty in Lubbock.

You’ll find specialty coffee, tea, breakfast items and pastries on the menu at TOVA. Fill up on a Famous Breakfast Sammy, or linger over a hot cup of coffee and a homemade cinnamon roll. Milk alternatives are available, as well as seasonal lattes and shakes. TOVA also provides coffee and pastries for events and has a back room available for larger meetings and events.

6023 82nd St., Suite 1 368.7218 tovacoffeehouse.org Open Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-8 p.m.

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21

NEW New to Eat Drink UPDATE

Updated entry

THE EAT DRINK RESTAURANT GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE LUBBOCK MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY. TO CORRECT A LISTING OR RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT THE EDITOR AT MMCAFFREY@LUBBOCKONLINE.COM.

DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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RESTAURANT GUIDE 4ORE! GOLF 4ore!’s sprawling complex is also home to an upscale grille that serves lunch, dinner and Happy Hour daily.

Expect standard American fare with a twist. 6909 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 368.8334, 4oregolf.com $ ALOHA BBQ GRILL Loaded plates of sweet Hawaiianstyle entrees and barbecue will ensure a to-go box. Be prepared to wait, as the food is made to order. 9810 Indiana Ave. Suite 800, 771.9405 $ ANNA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT It’s Tex-Mex heaven inside Anna’s bright and cheerful dining room.

Start with fresh guacamole and move on to a generously portioned combination plate. 6909 Indiana Ave., 771.8783 $ ASPEN CREEK GRILL One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s Amarillo restaurant offers its signature madefrom-scratch food in a family-friendly atmosphere. 3012 W. Loop 289, 553.7930, aspencreekgrill.com $$ BANGKOK THAI RESTAURANT This tiny hole-in-the-wall serves fresh Thai entrees and soup bowls.

Customer favorites are the beef noodle soup, spicy chicken, and tom kha gai. 4624 34th St., 791.7787 $ THE BISTRO BY RAIN From the owners of Rain Uptown, The Bistro serves coffee, breakfast and lunch items out of a cozy storefront, which also offers a sheltered patio area. 9816 Slide Road, Suite 101, 368.7740 $ BUFFALO WILD WINGS You can’t go wrong with Buffalo’s hot wings, especially on a Tuesday night.

Keep busy with the interactive games and every televised sport under the sun. 6320 19th St., 785.9464/ 7638 82nd St., 855.4992/ 8212 University Ave., 745.5525, buffalowildwings.com $$ BUNS OVER TEXAS If you’ve ever been to Buns, then you know “Your buns are up,” means dinner’s ready. The made-to-order burgers will fill you up fast. Pair one

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with some of the best cheese fries around, and wet your whistle with the refreshing ice tea. 3402 73rd St., 793.0012, bunsovertexas.com $ CANCUN GRILL & BAR This Lubbock mainstay has stood the test of time because of its reasonable prices, generous portions, customer service, and Happy Hour bargains.

7905 University Ave., 687.9048 , cancunlubbock.com $-$$ CAPITAL PIZZA Don’t let Capitol’s nondescript storefront fool you. Quality ingredients, creative specialty pizzas, and hundreds of craft beers certainly impressed us. 2705 26th St., 368.3603, capitalpizzalubbock.com $$ CASA OLÉ Enjoy casual dining with Tex-Mex favorites like nachos, enchiladas and tacos. 4413 S. Loop 289, 793.9351, casaole.com $ CAPROCK CAFE A Lubbock favorite, CapRock is the perfect place to hang out and watch the game – with a burger in one hand and an ice-cold beer in the other, of course! 3405 34th St., 784.0300/5217 82nd St., Space 109, 771.2233, caprockcafe.com $-$$ CHILI’S GRILL & BAR There are countless go-to meals at Chili’s, namely the fajitas and Chicken Crispers. 5805 Slide Road, 796.1696/607 University Ave., 744.2025, chilis.com $$ CHINA TOWN RESTAURANT You’ll find an ample menu at China Town. Customers love the daily lunch specials and authentic Chinese fare.

5217 82nd St., 794.9898 $ CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL What began as a small gourmet burrito shop in Denver in 1993 has grown into a chain with more than 500 locations. We’re crazy about the bowls – chock full of rice, black beans, corn, and your choice of meat – it’s a fast, filling and delicious lunch or dinner option.

2411 Glenna Goodacre Blvd., 744.4503/2912 W. Loop 289,

Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • DECEMBER 2019

784.0083/8201 Quaker Ave., Suite 102, 783.0211, chipotle.com $

6023 82nd St., Suite 4, 763.3283, doubledaves.com $$

CHOOCHAI THAI CUISINE The small, unassuming building hides a treasure trove of authentic Thai offerings. Try the labb nau or pad see ew. “Spicy” means spicy here, so be warned. 2330 19th St., 747.1767 $

EAST MOON ASIAN BISTRO East Moon specializes in Pan-Asian food, with a focus on Thai dishes, sushi, noodles and curries. Regulars love the affordable lunch specials and quick delivery service. 5028 50th St., 712.8888, lubbockeastmoon.com $

CHOPPED & SLICED BBQ Chopped & Sliced has all the bases covered: premium barbecue and all the fixings, friendly service, delicious cobbler, catering and a food truck.

We’re big fans. 3501 50th St., Suite 110, 317.1920, choppedandsliced.com $$

EL CHARRO Open early for breakfast, El Charro serves traditional Tex-Mex favorites like burritos, tacos and enchiladas.

Use the drive-thru for a hot breakfast to go. 5011 I-27, 747.5790 $

THE COFFEE BAR AT CARDINALS Order coffee and something off the breakfast menu for a great start to the day. Open at 6 a.m. for early risers, the coffee bar also offers lunch items and baked goods.

6524 Slide Road, 776.6727, mycardinalsports.com/ the-coffee-bar $

FIREHOUSE SUBS Founded by firemen, the eatery sets aside a portion of every purchase to donate to local first responders to provide them life-saving equipment.

2510 Marsha Sharp Fwy., Suite 150, 747.9600/5027 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 200, 799.1098/ 9810 Slide Road, Suite F, 702.8251, firehousesubs.com $

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE A home-cooked breakfast for supper says comfort food like nothing else, especially when there’s a chill in the air. 5018 Milwaukee Ave., 795.9884, crackerbarrel.com $-$$

FUDDRUCKERS This fast-casual chain bills itself as making the “world’s greatest hamburger.” Fuddruckers lets diners choose the size of their burger, how they’d like it cooked, and which toppings they’d prefer. 5501 Slide Road, 687.3833, fuddruckers.com $

CUJO’S SPORTZ BAR & GRILL Watch the game at Cujo’s and enjoy daily drink specials, Happy Hour, and plenty of pub grub to while away the hours. 5811 Fourth St., 791.2622, cujossports.com $$ DIMBA’S CHICKEN & SEAFOOD Can you ever have enough fried chicken or catfish? We don’t think so. Especially when it’s fresh, cooked to order, and surrounded by french fries. Good thing there’s an all-youcan-eat option for dine-in, and “messo-catfish” for drive-thru or carry-out.

5010 Quaker Ave., 799.0830/ 421 Frankford Ave., 281.1681 $ DOUBLEDAVE’S PIZZAWORKS Feast on the buffet or order a whole pie at DoubleDave’s. Customers love the stromboli and generous portions.

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP Options are endless at Fuzzy’s with everything from a variety of Bajastyle tacos to enchilada plates, oversized salads, tamales, and breakfast all day, every day. 10101 Slide Road, 797.8226/2102 Broadway Ave., 740.8226, fuzzystacoshop.com $ GEORGE’S CAFE The cafe serves breakfast all day, every day, with daily specials that are sure to please. You’ll find friendly service and Texas-style comfort food at George’s. 5407 Fourth St., 795.6000, georgescafelbk.com $ GOHAN JAPANESE FUSION A fast-casual eatery, Gohan serves hibachi-style build-a-bowl meals, specialty rice bowls, and bubble tea.

1003 University Ave., 368.8048 $$

HAYASHI JAPANESE HIBACHI AND SUSHI BAR RESTAURANT Featuring hibachi-style entrees, Hayashi also offers sushi and sashimi, bento boxes and a sake bar. 4220 82nd St., 792.6868, hayashisteakhouse.com $$ THE HONEYCOMB PIE SHOPPE #2 If you can make it past the pie case, there are plenty of sandwiches, soups and salads for a filling lunch. 3833 50th St., Suite 3, 701.4133 $ HUB CITY WINGS Offering more than just wings, Hub City also cooks up burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and more.

1902 34th St., 687.3332, hubcitylubbock.com $ INDIA PALACE RESTAURANT A little aging gem, you’ll find cooked-to-order Indian standbys like naan, samosas, masala and mango lassi. Be prepared to wait, but the food is worth every minute. 3021 34th St., Suite A, 799.6772 $ ITALIAN GARDEN Traditional Italian fare at this BYOB restaurant downtown. A variety of pasta, pizza and subs ensure a hefty carb fix. 1215 Avenue J, 771.2212, italiangardenlubbock.com $$ J&B COFFEE CO. Generously portioned sandwiches, baked goods and specialty desserts make the perfect complement for freshly roasted coffee or flavored tea. 2701 26th St., 796.1114/3334 66th St., 799.1996, jandbcoffeeco.com $

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

fficial Brand Logos

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JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN A national chain, Jazz serves New Orleans-style classics and features nightly live music.

3703 19th St., 799.2124, jazzkitchen.com $$ JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS Jersey Mike’s stands behind its high-quality, premium meats, cheeses and fresh-baked bread.

Try a cold sub like the Famous Roast Beef and Provolone, a hot sandwich like Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly, or make any sub into a wrap or salad for a low-carb option. Order in-store or online and pick it up for a quick and tasty meal.

6319 82nd St., Suite 300, 590.4015, jerseymikes.com $ JIMENEZ BAKERY & RESTAURANT Jimenez has offered traditional Mexican baked goods to the Lubbock area since 1969. Breakfast items lean toward Texas-style comfort food, while lunch and dinner focus on more traditional items. Don’t leave without trying something from the bakery. 1217 Crickets Ave., 744.2685, jimenezbakeryandrestaurant.com $

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KING LOUIE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & BILLIARDS ROOM Kin Louie’s stretches “Happy Hour” into an eight-hour celebration.

Enjoy drink specials and shareable plates from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every day, while you watch the game or play a game of pool in the smokefree pool hall. 7604 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 1400, 368.8200, kinglouiesrestaurantandbar.com $$

LA MADELEINE Charming chain La Madeleine keeps customers coming back for more with French-style baked goods for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

8201 Quaker Ave., Suite 118, 698.6313, lamadeleine.com $$ LEAL’S TAMALE FACTORY AND MORE Leal’s serves dishes that blend the traditional flavors of Mexico with a few twists that will delight you.

6205 19th St., 780.5325, lealstamalefactory.com $$

LEE’S CAFE You’ll need to loosen your belt at Lee’s. Irresistible plates brimming with classic comfort food make choosing one item a challenge. We’re hooked on the meat loaf and pork chops. Finish your meal with a bowl of banana pudding. 1101 Main St., 368.8537/4919 34th St., 993.5337, leescafelubbock.com $$ LILLIE’S PLACE Lillie’s affordable Mexican food and breakfast all day are made even better by great customer service and special attention for pups in the drivethru. 6313 19th St., 701.5206 $ LISA WEST’S DOUBLE NICKEL STEAK HOUSE Voted one of the top 10 best steak houses in Texas, the Double Nickel specializes in traditional steak-house fare. While beef rules the menu, you’ll find plenty of chicken, seafood and salads to delight the pickiest eater. 5405 Slide Road, 792.0055, doublenickelsteakhouse.com $$$ LOCAL BAR AND GRILL Located close to the Texas Tech campus, Local’s bar menu includes

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pizza, burgers, street-style tacos, and shareable pub grub. Fill up on Big as Your Face nachos topped with white queso, chorizo, chili and jalapeños.

2420 Broadway St., 368.5127 $ MANARA CAFE Family-owned and -operated, Manara serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Customers love the swarma and gyro sandwiches and saffron rice.

2623 34th St., 701.4190 $$ MI TACO VILLAGE This humble eatery offers dine-in or carry-out, with live music on weekends. In business since 1975, the family-owned restaurant serves fresh and delicious Tex-Mex. The chile rellenos are renowned. 220 Regis St., 747.9700 $ NORA’S MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT A simple menu filled with Tex-Mex food is also easy on your wallet. Grab a package of fresh tortillas to go.

4102 34th St., 771.2047 $

OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN KITCHEN Olive Garden will tell you, “When you’re here, you’re family,” and that’s the truth. With endless salad and breadsticks, no matter the entree, you’ll leave satisfied. 5702 Slide Road, 791.3575, olivegarden.com $$

RED ZONE CAFE This Tech-themed bar and grill aims to give its guests a leisurely place to enjoy the big game. Keep up with daily specials and menu changes on the grill’s Facebook page.

2522 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 368.0751, rooflubbock.com $

O’REILLY’S IRISH PUB You’ll find an energetic bar with traditional pub grub like burgers, fish and chips, and Irish-style entrees.

3300 82nd St., 796.2893 $$

ROCKFISH SEAFOOD & GRILL This popular chain serves seafood inside its fishing-themed dining room. Splurge on a snow crab platter or something from the fish market.

413 University Ave., Suite 200, 780.7625, rockfish.com $$

POLIBERTO’S TACO SHOP Find your favorite Tex-Mex items at Poliberto’s. Tacos and burritos earn top ratings at this simple drive-thru only restaurant. 107 Beech Ave., 763.5555 $ QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL Order customizable, build-your-own nachos, rice bowls, burritos and salads at this fast-casual chain. Each ingredient is prepared in-house with everything made fresh to order.

5017 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 300, 771.2411, qdoba.com $

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BAR-B-Q Rudy’s serves up the same original recipes they’ve used since 1989: brisket, ribs, turkey, pork loin and sausage slow-smoked over an oak fire, seasoned with a secret dry-spice blend and topped with “Sause.”

4930 S. Loop 289, 797.1777, rudysbbq.com $$ SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE Saltgrass has plenty of steaks to choose from and you can pair it

with juicy Gulf shrimp or lump crab meat. Take our advice: Save room for the Two-Fork Cheesecake. Rich and creamy, it melts in your mouth.

6026 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 792.1004, saltgrass.com $$ SLIM CHICKENS From southern-style chicken wings and tenders to sandwiches and chicken and waffles, Slim Chickens will leave you full, satisfied and licking your fingers. 2405 19th St., 701.4535/5508 Fourth St., 780.6446/4509 98th St., 368.3723, slimchickens.com $ STELLA’S The perfect place to linger over an exquisite meal, Stella’s serves brunch, lunch and dinner in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

4646 50th St., 785.9299, stellaslubbock.us $$-$$$ TECH CAFE The Tech Cafe serves breakfast all day and offers plenty of Texas-style comfort food for hungry diners. With prices that are easy on your wallet, the ample menu has something for everyone. 4006 130th St., 701.5855/ 1524 50th St., 744.5990/

11703 University Ave., 748.1999/ 2611 E. Slaton Road, 771.5048 $ THAI PEPPER THAI FOOD RESTAURANT This bustling but small restaurant is a local favorite. Solid traditional Thai offerings like pad thai and chicken larb can be made extra spicy for the adventurous diner. 3702 20th St., 795.7444 $ TOVA COFFEEHOUSE Enjoy coffee, tea, baked goods and breakfast items all day at TOVA. Your purchase helps the nonprofit coffeehouse as it donates its profits to local organizations working to alleviate poverty in Lubbock. 6023 82nd St., Suite 1, 368.7218, tovacoffeehouse.org $ NEW

UNCLE CHIEN’S CHINESE & THAI RESTAURANT This tiny drive-thru or dine-in restaurant serves affordable traditional Chinese and Thai food.

Expect friendly service and standard fare. 3004 34th St., 795.1148, unclechiens.com $

Special Holiday Hours: November 29-December 23: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 1-6

4505 98th St., #110 Lubbock, TX 79424

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COMBEST FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES BEST FUNERAL HOME

Company history: Kevin and Tonya have been in the funeral industry for more than 25 years. On Aug. 1, 2010, they purchased White Funeral Home. In June 2015, they expanded their Lubbock location, purchasing the church next to them and opening Venue on Broadway.

In addition to the Lubbock location, they also serve the communities of Tahoka and O’Donnell.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Treat families as if they were your own.

What services do you offer? In addition to traditional burial services, the Combest family also excels in serving families with their cremation needs. This can be from a simple cremation to a memorial service.

Having their own in-house crematory, this allows families to know their loved one never leaves our care.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Communication with staff, families, and clergy personnel, positive work environment, and compassion to those we serve.

How do you use technology to grow your business? Technology is an ever-evolving process. We find most families like the option of social media and being able to share the obituary online. We work to provide useful articles on Facebook and grief resources online.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? Our hope is to continue to serve and welcome anyone who calls upon us at their time of need. With that, growth would come naturally.

How do you give back to the community? Kevin and Tonya each serve, and have served, on various boards within the community.

Most recently, Kevin has been appointed as a Commissioner by Governor Abbott to the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

What makes you the best? Our goal within the community is to love on each family in such a way that they know they are important and that their loved one will be in the best care.

2210 Broadway St. | 749.4483 | combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com

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CULLIGAN LUBBOCK BEST WATER SOFTENER COMPANY

Company history: Founded in Lubbock in 1964, and still owned by the same family.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Have a servant mentality.

Whether it’s your employees or the customers, work to serve them.

What products and services do you offer? Drinking water, soft water, and de-ionization systems for residential and commercial applications What three things are the key to your daily success?

Core values – These guide us in everything we do together. Abundance of communication – both internally and externally. Investing in our people – We have very low turnover, as we invest in our people to help them succeed.

How do you use technology to grow your business?

We display our goals and performance metrics on screens in the office so everyone in the company can measure our success.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? We will continue acquiring smaller water treatment companies, as well as growing our business organically through new, innovative products such as tankless, self-cleaning RO systems and non-electric water conditioners. We have also lowered our prices considerably on the commercial side in order to be more competitive.

How do you give back to the community? We donate thousands of dollars each year in the form of cash and bottled water to numerous organizations and events in the Lubbock area.

What makes you the best? Culligan Water of Lubbock has 17 water treatment specialists licensed by the state of Texas. No other company in Lubbock has more than three. We invest a tremendous amount in our people to ensure our clients have the safest, cleanest water possible. We are on call 24/7, and our customer satisfaction score ranks in the top 1% of all Culligan dealerships nationwide.

6024 43rd St. | 792.3341 | culliganlubbock.com 46

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MICHAEL POSTAR’S AFFORDABLE STORAGE BEST SELF-STORAGE COMPANY/ BEST WORKPLACE/ BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Company history: Michael Postar began his career mowing lawns in high school.

Shortly after, he started the company Holiday Lighting, and decorated houses with Christmas lights. At the age of 22 he needed a place to store his equipment, so he built his first warehouse. Michael built the first upscale self-storage facility in Lubbock in 1997, and now has 15 storage, shop and RV locations in Lubbock and Wolfforth.

What services do you offer? Michael Postar’s Affordable Storage has eight locations in Lubbock. We offer drive-up and climate controlled self-storage units at all locations. Some of our locations also have shop warehouses, and canopy or enclosed RV and boat storage.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Success cannot be achieved without a great team, amazing customer service and a quality product. Michael Postar’s Affordable Storage employs the most knowledgeable staff that can answer all storage questions and get each customer into the perfect unit for them. From the moment a customer enters an Affordable Storage property they can tell this is not a run-of-the-mill storage company. All offices have a VIP area with cold drinks and snacks, all storage rentals come with a free trailer rental to help you move in, and the security is unlike anyone else’s.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We are a big fan of using social media to post specials and share all the events and activities we are sponsoring.

We will also hold contests on Facebook for free storage and prizes. Check us out on Facebook @AffordableStorageLubbock to see all the events and activities we have coming up!

What are your goals for the growth of your business? Michael Postar is always looking to grow as Lubbock continues to grow. Look for our newest Affordable Storage, Shop & RV location coming soon on 134th and Upland.

How do you give back to the community?

Michael Postar’s Affordable Storage has always been very involved with local charities. Michael Postar is on the board of Communities in Schools, and he and his staff have been actively involved with Women’s Protective Services, Make-A-Wish, Children’s Hope and CASA over the years. You will see our “Smiley” at events like mud volleyball tournaments, barbecue cook-offs, fun runs and many donation drives at our locations throughout the year.

What makes you the best? Customers deserve a quality, secure and clean product and that is what Michael Postar’s Affordable Storage has always provided and will continue to provide. This year, we are very proud to say we were also voted Best Workplace and Best Customer Service. Our employees are our family and is it important that they are part of the growth of our company. We pride ourselves on treating customers like royalty and are so grateful to our employees for being true to our motto.

Thank you, Lubbock, for voting Affordable Storage Best of Lubbock 2019! affordablestoragelubbock.com

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LUBBOCK NATIONAL BANK Branch of Amarillo National Bank

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY Company history: Lubbock National Bank opened for business in 1917, and has been serving Lubbock and Lubbock’s people ever since. We are local and family-owned. The seven employees in our Home Loans Division are proud residents of Lubbock.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Serve every single customer with kindness and attention. Home-buying can be a complicated process, but our loan officers are here to answer questions any time the bank is open. You can call and ask for them by name.

What products and services do you offer? Home ownership is a huge part of personal financial independence and is vital to Lubbock’s continued economic health. That’s why we want our borrowers to become successful homeowners! To make sure this happens, we offer multiple programs, including loans for firsttime homebuyers and veterans.

What three things are the key to your daily success? First, we are local – we all live here in Lubbock. Second, we know the market, including Lubbock neighborhoods and Lubbock County Realtors. Third, we are FAST. The national average for closing a mortgage loan is 42 days. We close eligible loans in half that time.

Online lenders can’t compete with that.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We saw that people loved the ease of applying for a mortgage online with online lenders. But we also kept hearing from homebuyers about the headaches that came with those lenders – especially closing delays, which can be extremely frustrating. So our solution was to combine the best of both worlds. At LNB, you can apply for a loan online – even using your smartphone – and then benefit from our local presence, knowledge and reliability.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? We want to help home ownership dreams come true for as many Lubbock residents as possible. And we want to do our part to keep Lubbock a fantastic place to live and work.

How do you give back to the community? Lubbock National Bank is only as strong as our surrounding community! We have given back more than $1 million in the past year to the nonprofits and organizations working on behalf of our city. Our LNB Mortgage team members are intimately involved in these efforts and volunteer across the city on a regular basis.

What makes you the best? We are family-owned. That means our decision-making about home loans isn’t driven by Wall Street or investors. It’s driven by honesty, customer service, and a commitment to the people of Lubbock.

lubbocknational.com

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TEXAS TECH PHYSICIANS BEST PHYSICIAN

Company history: Texas Tech Physicians is the clinical practice of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, which means our clinics deliver academic medicine – where knowledge and pioneering research connect with compassionate patient care.

What services do you offer? We provide health care services through primary and specialty care clinics in Amarillo, Lubbock and Permian Basin communities. At Texas Tech Physicians, your care is shaped by the insights of professors, medical students and researchers who work to keep you healthy while advancing the future of medicine.

What three things are the key to your daily success? In order to provide the best possible care for patients, we utilize the strengths of each team member through collaboration.

Additionally, our clinical practice balances dedication, knowledge and innovation to offer personalized care and advanced treatment. Lastly, we have a research-backed and expert-driven approach to everything we do.

How do you use technology to grow your practice? Our health care facilities are run by the very same doctors who teach tomorrow’s leading physicians, which means our providers are at the forefront of the latest and best in medical technology.

How do you give back to the community? Texas Tech Physicians delivers academic medicine, which brings the best health care, research and the brightest minds together to benefit patients, practitioners and our community.

texastechphysicians.com

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D&L MASONRY INC. FINALIST: BEST MASONRY

Company history: Bill Sisson started D&L in 1960 with his brothers. After Bill passed away in 2013, Stan and Kevin Sisson have continued to run the company and carry on the family tradition. They each have 45 years experience in masonry construction.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Work hard and be honest; everything else will take care of itself.

What services do you offer? We are a commercial masonry company that lays brick, block and stone.

What three things are the key to your daily success?

Foresight, preparation and organization.

How do you use technology to grow your business? Most of our drawings and estimates are done in an electronic format. Foremen with iPads are very common on the jobsite.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? To do the best job possible, keep our customers happy, and treat our employees fairly.

How do you give back to the community? Most often, our opportunities and contributions come about from projects we work on, such as Meals on Wheels.

What makes you the best? We take pride in doing a complete job – quality from start to finish.

7720 19th St. | 795.3141 | dandlmasonryinc.com

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AMERICAN BANK OF COMMERCE FINALIST: BEST BANK

JAMES ARNOLD, PRESIDENT & CEO What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. No matter how far you go down the wrong road, it’s never too late to turn around and go the other direction.

What products and services do you offer? We offer traditional banking products, technology and mobile products that deliver the same functionality as other banks. We separate ourselves by how we take care of our customers. The relationships we develop are our competitive advantage.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We continue to leverage technology to deliver low-cost solutions to our customers, making banking easy and convenient for them.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? We want to expand our customer base in Lubbock and West Texas through technology and expanding our branches in southwest Lubbock.

How do you give back to the community? I served for 15 years on the LISD Board of Trustees (2003-2018), and currently serve on the Preston Smith International Airport Advisory Board (2016 -). We encourage our employees to seek out leadership and volunteerism in our community as part of their job.

What makes you the best? At American Bank of Commerce, we hire great people, give them what they need to be successful, and stay out of their way.

KALLY ARRINGTON, MARKET PRESIDENT What is the best advice you received when you began your career? While I find technology extremely important and necessary for the growth of any business, I also find in a world driven by social media

relationships and the ability to communicate will be a commodity that needs to be carefully preserved – and those who understand its value and importance will find success in life and business.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Finding a successful work/life balance; understanding the importance of family. Anticipate and be intentional. Understand accountability. Learn to serve.

How do you use technology to grow your business? Expand our footprint and reach with social media. Using a smartphone and tablet to stay connected. Certain products help streamline efficiency, like ITM’s, remote deposit, and mobile banking.

What are your goals for the growth of your business?

Continue to expand the reach and integrity of our brand.

Continue to be active in the community through service and outreach. Foster the “customer first” mentality by continuing to support our customers through constantly improving products and services that encourage loyalty with the balance of efficiency.

How do you give back to the community? I feel it is important in leadership to serve your community. I have served and chaired many community boards over my tenure as a community banker. Being a leader in any organization bears a responsibility to lead by example through being involved in the community or communities you serve. Using your influence to improve your community is something all leaders should consider.

What makes you the best? Relationships are the key to winning in this business. We want to focus on making the most out of every relationship here at the bank – internally with bank employees and externally with customers.

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LUBBOCK SPINE INSTITUTE BEST MEDICAL CLINIC

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? When I first started my career and I was trying to learn how to run the business aspect, my father told me to just do the right thing and all else will fall into place. That has been our business model since day one.

What services do you offer? We practice multi-disciplinary pain management and spine care with medication management, interventional pain management, physical therapy, regenerative medicine with stem-cell therapy, and implantable therapies with pumps and spinal stimulators. We also work closely with neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery when necessary.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Every day we work diligently, practice evidence-based medicine and treat our patients with the utmost respect. We incorporate and heavily invest in cutting-edge technology to make sure our

treatments are effective and our patients have the best access to us and their medical records.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? We have expanded our practice to Amarillo and are in the process of reaching out to Midland.

How do you give back to the community? We have 70 of the best medical personnel in the community, and they enjoy great benefits along with their employment. Lubbock Spine Institute sponsors multiple charity events and sporting teams in the community. We also are the organizers of the annual drug takeback program that takes truckloads of unused medications from cabinets every year.

What makes you the best? Overall, what makes us the best is our attention to detail and never-ending pursuit of doing the right thing.

3419 22nd St. | 796.3000 | lubbockspineinstitute.com

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ROBERT LANCE JEWELERS BEST JEWELRY REPAIR Company history: Robert Lance Jewelers has been in business 27 years, locally owned and operated. Robert Rogers and Lance McIntosh started the company, and Becky Hardin, who has been an employee for 18 years, was brought on as a partner four years ago. Eddie Chapa, our jeweler, has been our head jeweler the entire 27 years.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career?

Treat your customers better than you would treat yourself. Make everyone feel welcome and like part of our family. Do your best to make everything right, and don’t take work stress home with you.

What products and services do you offer? High-end fashion jewelry, designer collections (including John Hardy, Jude Frances, and Konstantino), engagement rings, wedding bands, loose diamonds, watches (including Michele and Tissot), jewelry repair, watch repair, custom designs, and jewelry appraisals.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Doing more than just the right thing, our loyal staff and their ability to create a warm and welcoming environment, and to be joyful every day.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We utilize social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, mass texts and emails to alert our customers about events, and digital advertising.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? To make every person that walks in the door feel like part of our Robert Lance family and to continue to bring unique pieces to the Lubbock community.

How do you give back to the community? Each year we choose a charity and donate all of the proceeds we make from watch batteries to that charity. We’ve also been involved in Make-A-Wish, Operation Hope, Holiday Happening and the YWCA, and various other community charities for several years.

What makes you the best? Our loyal employees, like Eddie our jeweler, but also our sales people and office staff. We are like a family and we want our customers to feel that. We are a full-service, in-house jeweler and we treat each person that comes our way with absolute love and care.

5217 82nd St., Suite 400 | 794.2938 | robertlancejewelers.com 56

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WENTZ ORTHODONTICS BEST ORTHODONTIST

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Early on, some of the best advice came from my dad. He said there were three important decisions in life: your relationship with God, choosing your spouse, and deciding on a fulfilling career that would allow you to provide for your family and give back to others.

What services do you offer? We create beautiful smiles. We have completed specialized training in early intervention and prevention of orthodontic concerns in children, as well as adult treatment with Invisalign and traditional orthodontic therapy.

What three things are the keys to your daily success?

Prayer is essential, remembering God is in control and we work to please Him (Colossians 3:23). It’s important to always hear and listen to our patients. We have a great team and we are constantly training to not only provide excellent results, but also an experience that is encouraging and uplifting.

How do you use technology to grow your business?

People don’t come to us for braces or Invisalign.

They come for a beautiful smile. Technologies such as 3D X-rays and intraoral scanners give us increased diagnostic abilities. Thermally activated wires, biomodulation, 3D printers, lasers and teledentistry allow us to provide our services faster, more gently, with fewer visits, and often, less expense.

What are your goals for the growth of your business?

We are blessed to have nine locations in the West Texas area. I have found growth comes naturally when we provide excellent service and excellent orthodontic care.

How do you give back to the community? We have enjoyed partnering with agencies such as CASA, the Make-A-Wish foundation, The Children’s Home of Lubbock, Buckner Children’s Home, Charlie’s Coat Drive and several others.

What makes you the best? At Wentz Orthodontics, we will always strive to do our very best. We believe our amazing team and awesome patients make us who we are.

4013 84th St. | 792.7223 | wentzorthodontics.com

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RESA’S K-9 SALON BEST PET GROOMING

Company history: I opened Resa’s K-9 Salon in August 1997.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Barry Ballinger, my banker at Plains Capital, gave me advice about the location of Resa’s. The location for my new business was crucial because Lubbock was growing to the south.

What products and services do you offer? I offer grooming for all breeds, custom pet clothes, Science Diet dog food, dog beds, leads, collars and Tech dog apparel.

We also have several types of shampoos to fit the needs of your pet’s skin conditions. ASAP service is available if needed. And we give lots of love to your fur baby and you.

What three things are the key to your daily success? We strive to ensure our customers are satisfied with their pet’s haircut, make our customers feel comfortable leaving

their pets in our care, and answer all of their questions.

How do you use technology to grow your business? I had a jingle composed, along with commercials, 18 years ago that was a major help to brand my business. Of course, Google and Facebook have started to improve different options for Resa’s K-9 Salon.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? To continue the effort to satisfy my customers with a full staff of experienced groomers, great customer service, and affordable pricing for all services.

How do you give back to the community? Resa’s offers various coupons for old and new customers.

We also help re-home pets to great families as needed.

What makes you the best? My devoted staff! My groomers go out of their way to make sure customers are satisfied. Our motto says it all: “We love dogs!”

8004 Indiana Ave. | 793.9191 | resask-9salon.com 58

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HELTON CHIROPRACTIC FINALIST: BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Company history: Helton Chiropractic began in Seminole in 1998. Since then, we’ve grown to four doctors and 12 staff members, with additional locations in Lamesa and Plainview.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? To become a master at something, find a master of it and do what they do. I am constantly seeking out the best in an area of practice and learning from them to better serve my patients.

What products and services do you offer? Chiropractic care with a variety of techniques to suit all patients. We also offer non-surgical disc decompression for spinal disc problems, laser pain therapy, therapeutic massage and muscle work, acupuncture, dry needling and electronic nerve blocks called electroanalgesia.

What three things are the key to your daily success? A well-trained and dedicated team, constant attention to my personal development and education as a doctor, and focusing on giving our patients the best experience possible.

How do you use technology to grow your business?

I invest in the best non-surgical, non-pharmacological treatments I can find, and then devote time and energy into learning to help my patients.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? I want to reinforce our reputation as the spinal disc and nerve specialist in the region. We want to continue to provide quality care and serve more people. We are looking to expand our clinic hours and days open. We also plan to continue to offer leading-edge technology to serve patient needs.

How do you give back to the community? My wife and I are called to support local children in need and people

with developmental differences. We give annually to the Texas Boys Ranch and High Point Village and are involved in charities like the Special Olympics. In our office, we work to employ people with intellectual disabilities and hope to be an example of the value all people have in our society.

What makes you the best? We’ve built the reputation for digging deep to find the root cause of people’s pain. Secondly, I’ve built the best team of highly trained doctors with the best training in the industry working in the best facility with the best equipment for complex spine conditions.

10611 Quaker Ave. | 797.4000 | 806disc.com

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THE RUFFLED CUP BEST BAKERY

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? To treat your employees as you would want to be treated. Be fair, be consistent, and try to be the best boss they’ve ever had! If you have good people who believe in your vision, you can’t fail.

What products and services do you offer? We offer a wide array of sweet treats, including gourmet cupcakes we bake fresh every day. We also have sugar cookies, custom cakes, cheesecake, banana pudding, French Macarons, brownies, and safe-to-eat cookie dough. We offer gluten-free items as well.

What three things are the key to your daily success?

Use only the best ingredients and the best recipes for the best product. Never take a short cut. Treat all customers/employees with compassion and heart.

You’ll never fail if you put others needs before your own.

How do you use technology to grow your business?

We use social media, exclusively Facebook and Instagram, to grow our customer base. Our point of sale system also keeps track of our sales from the previous years, so we have a good idea how many cupcakes to sell each day, and what our goals are for growth.

What are your goals for the growth of your business?

I would love to offer a cafe side for the Lubbock store soon. We’ve seen great success with the cafe in Amarillo, so I know Lubbock would be a great place for some savory items as well. We would also love to offer more event nights for cake and cookie decorating.

How do you give back to the community? We donate cupcakes to various places, including Meals on Wheels, hospitals, and schools around town, as well as sponsor a few athletes for club sports. We’ve participated in various events thrown by March of Dimes, Make-A-Wish, and Lubbock Moonlight Musicals.

What makes you the best? I think the attention to detail sets us apart from our competition. We use only the best ingredients and go the extra mile to make sure our products stand out. The fact that we truly care about each customer leaving with a smile on their face is important to every team member. We strive to be the best every day, and won’t settle for less.

5109 82nd St., Suite 10 | 687.4083 | theruffledcup.com 60

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ONE GUY FROM ITALY FINALIST: BEST PIZZA

Company history: For more than 40 years, One Guy from Italy has been serving delicious Italian food, pizza and our famous Calzones.

We are family-owned and -operated. We take pride in using the finest ingredients for all our dishes.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? To always have an owner’s mentality. Treat your place of employment as if you owned it yourself.

What products do you offer? Our flagship product is the Calzone.

We also serve pizza and traditional Italian dishes.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Prayer, a grateful heart, and treating everyone with respect.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We use social media to stay top-of-mind with our guests, and we use the latest point of sale technology.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? To love on people and have a Calzone in everybody’s home. And to try to get better every day.

How do you give back to the community? Give Back days for nonprofits, sponsorships, and donations in the community. Serving on nonprofit boards, including Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Texas Workforce Solutions South Plains, Guadalupe-Parkway Sommerville Centers, and The Caprock Foundation.

What makes you the best? We love what we do! We aren’t perfect but try to always serve a product that we can be proud of.

4320 50th St. | 791.1210 | oneguyfromitaly.com

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BLAZING BOUNCERS FINALIST: BEST KIDS’ PARTY PLACE

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Treat others the way you would like to be treated ... simple but so true. We believe in the power of respect and the effect this can have on personal relationships with our employees and our customers.

What products and services do you offer? We offer many ways for families to come together and enjoy their time together. From inflatables, pretend city, and games, we wish to create an environment where memories can be made. We provide the environment to play in and our customers bring their imaginations.

What three things are the key to your daily success? A clean environment, friendly crew members, and affordable products.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We use social media to reach our customers directly with updates as well as opportunities for them to save money. Our booking software enables our customers to view and book events on their own time without the need for our employees to answer directly.

What are your goals for the growth of your business?

To provide an exciting environment for the imagination of the young and young at heart! We are planning two great additions to our current location within the next year. First, will be our indoor section called Air Games.

We intend to fill 10,000 square feet of indoor space with additional inflatable games and an exclusive toddler park.

Second is our 15,000-square-foot outdoor dinosaur park and golf.

How do you give back to the community? We love seeing the young and young at heart enjoying our facility. We donate parties, and open play passes to many local nonprofits for their own use or to use in their fundraising events.

What makes you the best? Our desire to ensure every guest experiences the best we have to offer, at a price that leaves you wanting to come back again and again. We believe that if you treat your customers like they are No. 1, then your customers will treat you like you are No. 1.

11401 Hwy. 87 | 412.0014 | blazingbouncers.com 62

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CAPROCK BAIL BONDS FINALIST: BEST BAIL BOND COMPANY

Company history: I have been in the bail bond business for 26 years. Caprock Bail Bonds began in 2011, when I decided to go out on my own.

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? Treat others as you want to be treated.

What products and services do you offer? We are a family-run business and cover Lubbock and surrounding counties bonding people out of jail.

What three things are the key to your daily success? To help people to the best of our ability, be fair and honest, and not judge.

We help our clients through the process of going to court. We notify our clients, meet with them, and take them to the proper court. We also work with many attorneys. We try to make a stressful situation as easy as possible.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We try to stay up with new technology in our field with easier apps and programs to make the bail process as easy and fast as possible.

How do you give back to the community? I have many ties to the community and surrounding communities. I am a member of Southcrest Baptist Church, member of the Better Business Bureau, on the board of the MK Charity Foundation, and served as little league president and coach in Post, Texas, for many years. I support Texas Tech, donate to community organizations such as cheerleaders, baseball, basketball, and soccer teams and various other groups.

What makes you the best? I love helping people and believe in customer service. I believe this is what sets us apart from other companies. I believe the training my staff has also sets us apart. We are members of Professional Bondsmen of Texas and Professional Bondsmen of the United States. We stay up to date on the laws and rules to keep you informed.

We thank you for voting for us in the Best of Lubbock!

1211 Crickets Ave. | 722.2120 | caprockbailtx.com

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TEGA KIDS SUPERPLEX BEST GYMNASTICS STUDIO Company history: In business since 1995 What is the best advice you received when you began your career? “Don’t do it!” We did our homework before deciding to build TEGA in 1995, but there were many naysayers. The doubters provided extra motivation to build a lasting and successful business that added value to the Lubbock area.

What products and services do you offer? TEGA offers instruction to children in gymnastics, ninja, dance and swimming, as well as our educational preschool and Mother’s Day Out, after school care, summer camp, birthday parties, and parents’ night out.

What three things are the keys to your daily success? The quality of our staff is intentional, as we hire experienced people who love children and want to share their love for physical activity, education and fun. TEGA’s undivided focus on the overall well-being of the children under our care. And our culture of “excellence with fun” that permeates our programs.

How do you use technology to grow your business? The TEGA

website is central to disseminating information to potential customers, but Facebook has become a huge tool for us.

What are your goals for the growth of your business? Meeting the needs of our community. We never want to deny a family access to quality instruction, childcare or recreation. Since 1995, we have expanded our facility five times, based on the demand of our customers. In 2020, we will move into a new facility, where we can accommodate more students in both current and new programs.

How do you give back to the community? We love donating to a variety of local charities, schools and community causes every year.

We also try to give back through the way we care for, teach and entertain the children of Lubbock.

What makes you the best? TEGA’s unrivaled instruction and nurturing family atmosphere over the past 24 years are driven by our energetic and caring staff. Our motto is “We do it all for KIDS,” and the unified mission at TEGA is helping our community’s children grow into happy, healthy, responsible adults.

7621 82nd St. | 866.9765 | tegakids.com 64

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CRUNCH FITNESS BEST FITNESS CENTER

What is the best advice you received when you began your career? In this business, have a passion to help people.

What services do you offer? Our facility offers state-of-the-art equipment, degreed/certified personal trainers, tanning, spray tanning, hydromassage chairs, Kids Crunch, and the best group fitness program in the industry in a judgement-free atmosphere.

What three things are the key to your daily success? Ensuring excellent customer service and having a clean, well-maintained facility that is welcoming for every age group and fitness level.

Having a genuine desire to help every person achieve their fitness goals. We want to give people all of the tools necessary to achieve the goals they have set. Providing a truly judgement-free atmosphere that caters to every person. Whether it is muscle gain, fat loss, looking better, feeling better, or for health reasons, we are welcoming to everyone.

How do you use technology to grow your business? We have state-of-the-art strength training and cardio/conditioning equipment and use the latest advanced technology to track your progress. We also have an incredible marketing team that ensures all of our members and prospective members are well informed on club activities and promotions.

How do you give back to the community? Crunch loves to get involved with charitable causes, such as runs to benefit nonprofit organizations.

We run events in October for breast cancer, and in November to raise awareness of cancers that affect men. We also get involved with local businesses with a perks partnership. This allows local businesses to get information about what they can offer to our members.

What makes you the best? The experience we offer every time a person walks through our front doors. We expect outstanding customer service from all our employees. We have a clean, wellmaintained facility and genuinely care about each person’s fitness journey. We offer something for everyone. Our judgement-free philosophy includes an atmosphere of positivity, inclusivity for every person, and we strive to make fitness fun.

6205 Slide Road | 686.0075 | crunch.com

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[ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ]

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Holiday Gift Guide

Find something for every Texas Tech fan!

Shop our two convenient locations: 2424 Broadway Ave. 368.9030 4505 98th St. 771.2614

SHOPTHEMATADOR.COM

Holiday Gift Guide

1305 University Ave. • 763.9368 • varsitybookstore.com

Holiday Guide Holiday Gift Gift Guide

14012 Slide Road 798.9677

Calendar OF EVENTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERISTY

December 2019

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THE CAROL OF LIGHTS

he 61st Annual Carol of Lights will be held on Dec. 3, 2019, at Texas Tech University. More than 25,000 lights will illuminate the 18 buildings around Memorial Circle, the Engineering Key, and Broadway entrance on the campus.

Festivities begin with the Carillon Concert at 6:30 p.m., with the Carol of Lights ceremony following at 7 p.m. The Masked Rider, Saddle Tramps Light Processional, and High Riders will follow a luminara lighted route from the University Seal on Broadway, around Memorial Circle, to the Science Quad. The Texas Tech University Combined Choirs will perform and be accompanied by the Tech Trombone Choir.

The lights shine from dusk to midnight every evening in December until Jan. 2, 2020.

To have an event listed on the calendar, email details to mmcaffrey@lubbockonline.com.

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DECEMBER 2019 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Dec. 1 Lubbock Moonlight Musicals and Broadway Series presents “Elf: The Musical” 2 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, 775.2242

Dec. 17 Lubbock Community Theatre presents “Blood and Holly” 2:30 p.m. 4232 Boston Ave., 749.2416

Holiday Chamber Concert with the LSO Brass Quintet 7:30 p.m. St. John’s United Methodist Church, 1501 University Ave., 762.1688

Dec. 12-14

BENEFITS & FUNDRAISERS

Lubbock Community Theatre presents “Blood and Holly” 7:30 p.m. 4232 Boston Ave., 749.2416

Dec. 3 61st Annual Texas Tech Carol Concert 8 p.m.

Hemmle Recital Hall, 2624 W. 18th St., 742.2270

Dec. 5 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 6 p.m. United Supermarkets Arena, 1701 Indiana Ave., 742.7362

Dec. 5-7 Lubbock Community Theatre presents “Blood and Holly” 7:30 p.m.

4232 Boston Ave., 749.2416

Dec. 6 First Friday Art Trail 6 p.m. LHUCA, 511 Avenue K, 762.8606

Dec. 6-7 Lubbock Moonlight Musicals and Broadway Series Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” 7:30 p.m. 413 E. Broadway St., 775.2242

Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” 7:30 p.m. Firehouse Theatre at LHUCA, 511 Avenue K, 762.8606

Dec. 6-8 C.A.T.S. presents “The Year Without a Santa Claus” 7:30 p.m. 2257 34th St., 503.4036

Dec. 7 “Nevermore,” “Almost Maine,” and “Ordinary People” one-act plays 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Presented by LCU Arts. 5601 19th St., 796.8800

Dec. 8 Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” 2 p.m. Firehouse Theatre at LHUCA, 511 Avenue K, 762.8606

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Dec. 12-15 Ballet Lubbock presents “The Nutcracker” 6 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, 775.2242

Dec. 13 C.A.T.S. presents “The Year Without a Santa Claus” 7:30 p.m. 2257 34th St., 503.4036

The Lubbock Chorale Holiday Concert: Vivaldi Gloria and Messiah Singalong 7:30 p.m.

McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center Ballroom, 2521 17th St., 778.4980

Dec. 13-14

Dec. 2-6 Food Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Benefitting South Plains Food Bank. Prosperity Bank, 1401 Avenue Q, 767.7000

Dec. 6 Polar Express Party TBA Games, crafts and more as Barnes & Noble partners with Literacy Lubbock. A portion of your purchase will be donated to Literacy Lubbock. Barnes & Noble, 6002 Slide Road, 793.1061

Dec. 7 Hub City Cabaret 7:30 p.m. Benefitting YWCA of Lubbock. The Legacy Event Center, 1500 14th St., 687.8854

Dec. 31

Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” 7:30 p.m. Firehouse Theatre at LHUCA, 511 Avenue K, 762.8606

Overton New Year’s Eve Bash 7 p.m. A portion of proceeds will benefit Texas Boys Ranch. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane, 776.7000

Dec. 14

MUSIC

Ballet Lubbock presents “The Nutcracker” – Sensory-Friendly Performance 10.30 a.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, 775.2242

It’s a Dance Gallery Christmas 5 p.m. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, 775.2242

Dec. 15

Dec. 1 First Sunday Jazz Brunch 11 a.m.

La Diosa Cellars, 901 17th St., 744.3600

Dec. 5 Above the Empire 5 p.m. Art Bar at J’s, 2605 19th St., 743.5400

Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” 2 p.m. Firehouse Theatre at LHUCA, 511 Avenue K, 762.8606

Dee White 7:30 p.m. The Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave., 762.3233

Lubbock Community Theatre presents “Blood and Holly” 2:30 p.m. 4232 Boston Ave., 749.2416

Dec. 6

C.A.T.S. presents “The Year Without a Santa Claus” 7:30 p.m. 2257 34th St., 503.4036

Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • DECEMBER 2019

Above the Empire 5-8 p.m. All American Eatery, 8901 Hwy. 87, Building 101, 368.6304

Rome Performance Live 6 p.m. Koko Palace, 5101 Avenue Q, 744.0400

Bluegrass Jam 6 p.m. Carillon Lifecare Community, 1717 Norfolk Ave., 281.6200

Dec. 21

Luke Combs 7 p.m. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, 775.2242

Slyngblayde 9 p.m. Obar, 3040 34th St., 796.0101

Thrift Store Cowboys 9 p.m. The Blue Light Live, 1806 Buddy Holly Ave., 762.1185

Dec. 27 Dec. 7 Josh Ward 6 p.m. Charley B’s, 5402 Fourth St., 781.0151

All Falls Down 7 p.m. Jake’s Sports Cafe and Backroom, 5025 50th St., Suite A, 687.5253

Dec. 7-8 Cowboy Christmas with Michael Martin Murphy 7:30 p.m. The Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave., 762.3233

Dec. 8

Above the Empire 6-9 p.m. E&J Smokehouse, 701 Regis St., 762.6201

Carol of Lights Run 6:45-9 p.m. Registration required. Memorial Circle, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway St., 742.2011

SPECIAL EVENTS Dec. 3 Lubbock Area United Way Victory Report Luncheon 1:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lubbock Area United Way, 1655 Main St., Suite 101, 747.2711

Dec. 9 Christmas at Carillon 6:30 p.m. Carillon Lifecare Community, 1717 Norfolk Ave., 281.6200

Dec. 9 Tanner Lane 7 p.m. World of Beer, 2910 W. Loop 289, 785.1386

Dec. 10 Randall King 8 p.m. The Blue Light Live, 1806 Buddy Holly Ave., 762.1185

LCU’s Big Blue Christmas 5 p.m. Lubbock Christian University, 5601 19th St., 796.8800

Carol of Lights 6:30 p.m. After the celebration on Dec. 3, the lights will be illuminated every evening until Jan. 2. Memorial Circle, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway St., 742.2011

Dec. 11 Read Southall Band 10 a.m. The Blue Light Live, 1806 Buddy Holly Ave., 762.1185

Dec. 13 Above the Empire 1-4 p.m. Sugar Brown’s Coffee, 1947 19th St., 701.5013

Three Bad Jacks 8 p.m. Jake’s Sports Cafe and Backroom, 5025 50th St., Suite A, 687.5253

Dec. 14 Above the Empire 12:30 p.m. TOVA Coffeehouse, 6023 82nd St., Suite 1, 368.7218

Dec. 17 Diamonte 7 p.m. Jake’s Sports Cafe and Backroom, 5025 50th St., Suite A, 687.5253

Dec. 5

Dec. 10 Santa Land 6 p.m. Mackenzie State Park, 301 I-27, 775.2673

Dec. 13-14 Third Annual Polar Express Carnival Night 6 p.m.

Mae Simmons Community Center, 2004 Oak Ave., 767.2700

Cookies and Cocoa at Santa’s Workshop 6 p.m. Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research, 2902 18th St., 742.4561

41st Annual Candlelight at the Ranch 6:30-9 p.m.

National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St., 742.0498

Dec. 6

Dec. 14

GAC Holiday Craft Fair 6 p.m. Lubbock Municipal Garden & Arts Center, 4215 University Ave., 767.3724

Breakfast with Santa 10 a.m. Maxey Community Center, 4020 30th St., 767.3796

Dec. 7

Reading Fair 10 a.m. Science Spectrum, 2579 S. Loop 289, 745.2525

Breakfast with Santa: Pancakes and Pajamas 8 a.m. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane, 776.7000

Dec. 15 Pancho Clos 2-5 p.m. Hosted by Lubbock Parks and Recreation. Maggie Trejo Center, 3200 Amherst St., 776.2673

Santa Paws 9 a.m. Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave., 767.3706

Dec. 31 Dec. 20 Above the Empire 5-8 p.m. All American Eatery, 8901 Hwy. 87, Building 101, 368.6304

Brunch with Frozen’s Elsa, Anna and Olaf 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. Adventure Park, 5110 29th St., 793.7275

New Year’s Party 8 p.m. 4ORE Golf, 6909 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 368.8334

Miracles Christmas Parade 6-8 p.m. Parade will begin at 34th Street and Avenue Q and run west to Indiana Avenue, 741.7271

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At Work

STEVE AND STEPHANIE MASSENGALE, THE MATADOR AND ADVANCED GRAPHIX

The Matador has a local production facility for all of its custom orders.

The Matador’s exclusive designs are created in house in Lubbock.

PHOTO BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

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W The Matador sells exclusive Texas Tech designs.

Fans can find officially licensed Red Raider gear for a variety of sports.

hen Stephanie Massengale graduated from Texas Tech University, she put her degree in hotel and restaurant management to work in that industry.

Meanwhile, Stephanie’s husband, Steve, opened Advanced Graphix, a shop specializing in screen printing, embroidery and sign production. As Steve’s business grew, eventually he recruited his wife to join the team.

It was a good decision for both of them. Because today, the Tech alums co-own both Advanced Graphix and The Matador, which retails licensed Texas Tech merchandise from two Lubbock stores (Broadway and University and 98th and Quaker) and at virtually all Texas Tech athletic events.

Today, Stephanie serves as the company’s president.

“Our business was already Tech-licensed, so when the opportunity presented itself to start the Texas Tech retail store in 2012, it was a very good fit with Advanced Graphix,” she says. “We just dug our feet in and went to work.” Named the official retailer for Texas Tech athletics in 2015, The Matador sells exclusive designs throughout the year. “It’s a fast and furious business because it’s event-related. Any time there’s an athletic game, the stores are busy, and then we’re actually out there selling at the events. Sometimes we even take our stores out on the road.”

Fans can find The Matador selling officially licensed Red Raider gear at football, basketball, baseball, soccer and softball games, as well as the occasional track event.

Massengale says the overlap between the football and basketball seasons – i.e. late November into December – represents the busiest part of her year. “But Texas Tech athletics has become so great, across all their sports, that we really don’t have much downtime any more. We keep rocking and rolling,” she says.

During the Tech men’s basketball team’s rise through the NCAA tournament last year, The Matador’s online storefront (shoptthematador.com) caught the attention of Red Raider fans around the world. “Our website blew up,” says Stephanie.

“It was insane. I was working until midnight almost every night for three to four weeks straight. We had orders all over the country. It was really fun to see all the Tech supporters.”

She says having a screen printing and embroidery operation and a popular storefront is the ideal combination of businesses. “They mesh well together,” she says on a hectic Monday morning while assembling orders for an upcoming Lady Raiders basketball game. Having a local home for production means quick turnarounds are possible whenever a certain design sells out – especially when other retailers may be using vendors from out of state and can’t execute orders as quickly. Between the two companies, Massengale manages around 50 employees.

While her team of designers has a lot of leeway when it comes to products and messaging, ultimately every design must be approved by Texas Tech’s licensing arm. “That’s what’s really fun about The Matador. We have exclusive designs that are created right here in Lubbock, Texas. We submit them, and sometimes licensing makes us tweak them, but for the most part our designs get approved,” she says. “Our designs fluctuate. We’re always turning out new designs and bringing in something new all the time.”

She loves the creativity of her work and the fact that it requires her to “shop” all day for new products and styles. “It’s fast-paced but I tend to be high energy, which works well in this business,” she says. L DECEMBER 2019 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Yesteryear

COURTESY OF TEXAS TECH’S SOUTHWEST COLLECTION/SPECIAL COLLECTION LIBRARY

LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

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he Lubbock Avalanche began in 1900 and, by 1922, was publishing almost daily. Its competitor, the Lubbock Daily Journal, bought the newspaper in 1926 to form the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Its current headquarters are at 710 Avenue J, which the publication moved into in 1959.

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the newspaper was known for its elaborate Christmas decorations on the exterior of its building on the block of Texas Avenue between Broadway and 13th. This photo is undated, but the body styles of the vehicles parked in front indicate this is likely from the early 1950s.

Today, this location is occupied by the George H. Mahon Federal Building. L