Business Beat: March 2013

Deer Park's "Kake Chick," Ruby Rodriguez, has been a private baker of custom cakes for several years. Her strong following of loyal customers is due to an amazing talent for making fun and unique cakes, cupcakes, cookie-cakes and more. Ruby has now partnered with "the cookie man", Frank Racioppo, and his new bakery, Cookies Express/Regal's Royal Cheesecake at 910 W. Pasadena Blvd. You can call Frank and Ruby at (281) 542-9408 to find something for everyone and they cater, too.

The owners of The Fish Place at 3811 Center St. closed the restaurant as they have decided to make a switch and bring a different franchise to that location. Stay tuned for an exciting unveiling next month. Deer Park's original Fish Place at 9001 Spencer Hwy. will remain open and, most likely, very busy.

Les Ellard Jr. is celebrating 32 years in business. He opened his insurance agency in March of 1981 in a little office on Luella Ave. Fast-forward to today where The Ellard Agency consistently ranks in the top 1 percent for customer loyalty, compared with over 14,000 Farmers Insurance agents nationwide. Located at 418 E. San Augustine, The Ellard Agency offers Homeowners, Auto, Commercial and Life policies to fit your every need.

Dairy Queen, located at 514 Center St., recently remodeled both the interior and exterior as part of a corporate-wide campaign to update all of DQ's 6,000 franchises. Deer Park's owner Manny Memon installed new furniture, flat-screen TVs and more. Manny also owns the building next door known as Rocky's Retail Center and is refashioning the 4,500 square foot building into a banquet hall and conference center. Start booking your upcoming summer meetings and events now by calling Amber at (713) 562-2173.

Deer Park residents, Suzanne and Steve McDaniel, have opened Summit Athletics at 1806-F Battleground Rd. This 5,000 square foot, 24-hour-access gym offers personal training, a wide variety of classes and free tanning with membership. They even offer AdvoCare all-natural supplements, discounts for couples and family-based packages. Call (281) 930-7166 for more information.

Curves Complete, a new weight management system, has transformed Curves at 122 W. San Augustine from a work-out facility for women to a weight management center. For one low monthly price, you now get strength training, Zumba®, weight management, goal training, nutrition counseling and personal coaching. Curves is the global leader in women's fitness with over 7,000 locations in 90 countries, helping women improve their health since 1992.

Active-shooter scenarios, robbery deterrence and in-house theft prevention are just some of the topics addressed by the Business Watch Program. Deer Park's Police Department is helping to deter business-related crime through this educational program, but they want to hear from you. Meetings are being arranged by geographic area and/or business-type. Get your business and employees involved by contacting the program's coordinator, Officer Tina Taylor, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The Economic Alliance will host a Business Update Luncheon on "Complying with the Affordable Care Act". The luncheon takes place Tuesday, March 5th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Republic Grill in Deer Park. To register, contact Marisela Cantu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Year-End Wrap-Up: In 2012, Deer Park issued 54 permits for new single-family homes. The City welcomed 148 new businesses (including 3 corporate headquarters) which brought approximately 900 new employees to our city. There were 17 new commercial buildings constructed in 2012.

Business Beat is a monthly column recognizing Deer Park's newest businesses and giving you other interesting business news from around town. Debbie Westbeld is the Economic Development Administrator for the City of Deer Park, and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 281-478-2042. Visit www.deerparktx.gov/ed for more business information.