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SUMMERTIME FUN, COME SHOP! Flower & Gift Shop
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston
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Saturday, July 5, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 27
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INSIDE.
Heights Area Breweries Are Closing: Is beer over? By ELIZABETH SOSA BAILEY Special to The Leader June marked the end of an era with the closures of two beloved breweries in the Houston Heights area, with Elder Son Brewing and North Shepherd Brewing both closing their doors at the end of last month. Rising prices inspiring more conscientious spending, threats of increasing tariffs, missed marketing opportunities, and changes in drinking habits all contribute to what could be a harbinger not only for breweries but the hospitality in-
dustry in general. Elder Son first opened in October 2021 and acquired a second location in February 2024 as Southern Yankee relinquished their brewhouse and taproom to concentrate on their gastropub in Montrose. Elder Son’s initial intent was to transfer beer production out of their north location and continue to grow both taprooms while increasing distribution designs. Then came the derecho in May 2024, affecting the Heights location which lost power for several days. Soon after, Hurricane Beryl pummeled through the city causing the north location
to also lose power for nearly two weeks. The local disaster-related dips never quite caught back up to recouping lost or even pre-weather event revenue. “Maybe those were just moments that customers had their own moments in their lives,” reflected head brewer and co-owner, Robert Frye. “You really don’t know if that was a starting line - or if it caused it.” Up the road, North Shepherd Brewing opened in April 2024 taking over the facility formerly known as Astral. Sam Wright and his wife, See BEER P. 2
HATS OFF (ERRR...ON)!
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Calling All “Love Island” Fans: Watch parties are coming to the Heights
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713 Day: Celebrate all things uniquely Houston at Karbach Brewing
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Pet of the Week: Meet Orion -- the myth, the legend disguised as an orange ball of fur
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Community Calendar: See what’s happening in and around town
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Drop Shots HTX brings pickleball, cocktails, and community fun to the Heights
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
Heights resident Jimmy Pryor has been marketing and selling responsibly sourced and manufactured palm leaf hats at his Garden Oaks business, Sunbody Hats, for nearly half a century.
From Central America to Garden Oaks, Sunbody Hats produces some of the industry’s finest By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor Housed in a modest Garden Oaks industrial park space off E. TC Jester, there is a very big business with an even bigger heart and a very colorful history. The inspiration for Sunbody Hats was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico over a half century ago. Jimmy Pryor, the creator of Sunbody Hats, was there immersing himself in the culture and mastering the language. He’d witnessed the craftsmanship of the people and then returned stateside only to see the same wares being sold on the streets in Austin. After completing his MBA at University of Texas, he found a way to productively leverage his business and cultural experience. “I had decided I really wanted to assist people in forming something similar to cooperatives and help them
helping them learn organizational and business skills that would benefit many other aspects of their lives.” In the 80s, Pryor was introduced to Pueblo to People, a non-profit organization that connected Latin American artisans with a market for their crafts. Pryor joined forces and was all in. “It went gangbusters,” he said. “In the 80s, we made a couple of million dollars a year, but in the 90s, the distribution models weren’t working as well because of the changing geo-political climate in Central America.” Nevertheless, palm leaf hats had alPhoto by Stephanie Shirley ways been the biggest seller, so that’s When the braided palm leaf hats arrive where Pryor directed his focus. from hatmakers in Guatemala, they are “We had Pueblo to People going to inspected, formed, and garnished with decorative trim, bolos or specialty printing. market center western shows, while market their products,” Pryor said. we were still trying to decide whether it was best to market to individuals or “Marketing their crafts directly to the retailers,” he recalled. U.S. would provide a much greater return for their hard work and effort and See HATS P. 2
Pickleball fans, cocktail lovers, and Heights residents looking for something new to do—meet Drop Shots HTX, the newest pickleball bar bringing glowin-the-dark courts, cheeky drinks, and a family-friendly atmosphere to the Houston Farmers Market. Founded by friends Roveen Abante, Chase Lovullo, and Shawn Outlaw, Drop Shots HTX combines over 65 years of food and beverage industry experience with their newfound love of the country’s fastest growing sport. “Pickleball is multi-generational, accessible, and not too expensive,” said coowner Shawn Outlaw. “I actually started playing several years ago at my mom’s prompting. Both of us had tennis backgrounds. I stepped on a court for the first time with my dad and my son—three generations playing the same game together. There aren’t many sports that allow for that.” Outlaw was instantly hooked. Unlike tennis or golf, pickleball doesn’t require pricey equipment or memberships. “I started with a $20 paddle. At Drop Shots, our courts rent for $20 during the day,” he said. “If you have four people playing, that’s only five bucks a person. There’s not a lot you can do in Houston for five dollars.” See DROP SHOTS P. 2
Submitted photo
Play in air conditioned comfort on one of Drop Shot HTX’s six indoor pickleball courts.
Keep STEM Alive This Summer: Local expert shares why it matters By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Houston Food Bank: Volunteers needed for 713 Day bash
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As school doors remain closed for a few more weeks, Kristen Barley wants parents to know that STEM learning shouldn’t stop when classes end. Barley, executive director of the Energy Education Foundation (EEF), says early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math isn’t just about grades—it’s about shaping confident, capable kids ready for the future. “Early exposure to STEM concepts for young learners is
Submitted photo
EEF’s hands-on STEM education programs reach over 350,000 students annually, covering all sectors of the energy industry.
crucial because it fosters natural curiosity and builds a foundation for lifelong learning,” Barley explained. “It develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and cognitive skills while dismantling stereotypes about who belongs in STEM. That confidence and curiosity can change a child’s trajectory.” EEF’s mission is to ensure students from all backgrounds see themselves in STEM fields, offering programs like Family Days at the Ocean Star Museum and the new EnergyXP mobile experience, which brings 16 hands-
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on STEM activities directly to classrooms. Their programs reach over 350,000 students annually. STEM isn’t just about test scores, Barley says. Engaging children early builds skills like creativity, adaptability, communication, and teamwork— skills that will define success no matter what career path they choose. “It teaches resilience and persistence,” she said. “Kids learn that failure is part of learning, and that grit is what moves you forward.” See STEM P. 2