At Heritage Society, a Walk Down Memory Lane for Fans of Sakowitz Department Stores

At Heritage Society, a Walk Down Memory Lane for Fans of Sakowitz Department Stores

Steve Wyatt and Joyce Echols, Lynn Wyatt, Robert Sakowitz

A SOPHISTICATED CROWD gathered at the Forest Club in Memorial for the Heritage Society luncheon, celebrating the organization's 67th anniversary and highlighting a bit of Houston retail-biz history.


With his sister Lynn Wyatt looking on adoringly from a front table, Robert T. Sakowitz, longtime executive at his family's Sakowitz department stores, gave a fascinating keynote address that covered the history of the regional retail giant, which was started by his grandfather, an eastern European immigrant, in 1902.

Sakowitz and Wyatt enjoyed some banter during the talk, laughing at how, growing up, everyone always thought Lynn got her beautiful clothes for free — but they actually had to pay. They did get employee discount, they said.

The menu for the luncheon, emceed by Catherine Anspon, was a tribute to the Sky Terrace restaurant at the Downtown Sakowitz store, including vichyssoise, shrimp remoulade salad and a pecan ball with chocolate sauce for dessert. Décor of the affair, including the trio of floral vases on each table, also nodded to the old eatery, a favorite of the ladies-who-lunch set for many years.

Guests included Phoebe Tudor and city officials including Sallie Alcorn, Robert Gallego, Amy Peck and Carolyn M. Johnson.

Linda McReynolds, Phoebe Tudor

Peter Brueggeman, Elizabeth Brueggeman, Eric Brueggeman, Hunter Comiskey

Julie Claussen and Steve Lucchesi

Laura McWilliams, Betty Tutor

Anne Sloan, Peter Weil

Lillian Schindler, Elaine Van Horn

Shay Calhoun, Kirksey Gregg, C. C and Duke Ensell

Elizabeth Brueggeman, Lanie Markham, Mary Carol Markham

Parties
Fall Philanthropy Report: Be An Angel Improves Quality of Life for Children with Special Needs

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back