Shelby About Town

Sheila Jackson Lee's daughter weds, Clarence Thomas revisits Tony's and acookbook success

Austin Hanson receives his day in Houston proclamation from City CouncilmanSteve Costello at Green Beans & Guacamole event.
Society for the Performing Arts gala chairs set the lively pace at the launchparty.
Photo by © Wilson Parish
Jim and Beverly Postl opened their home for the SPA cocktail party.
Photo by © Wilson Parish

The scene was beyond special at Haven when Austin Hanson and his mother, Belinda Hillhouse, presented a check for $150,000 to the Arc of Greater Houston, proceeds earned from sale of their cookbook Green Beans and Guacamole.

As he was growing up, Hanson benefited the programs for special needs children offered at the Arc. He was inspiration for the cookbook filled with recipes from local chefs.

City Councilman Stephen Costello surprised most in the gathering by presenting the young man with a mayoral proclamation declaring it "Austin Hanson Day in Houston."

Applauding the happenings were Laurie McNay, Corky Hillhouse, Abbas Hussein, Elaine Roberts, Kim Padgett and Soren Pedersen.

Rocking good times

Well in advance of the Society for the Performing Arts gala in April, chairs Rosemary Schatzman and Vanessa Sendukas stirred up the "Red Hot in Rio" fun with a warm-up at the home of gala kick-off chairs Beverly and Jim Postl.

The party crowd sampling fare from City Kitchen included SPA exec June Christensen, Leticia and Steve Trauber, Liz and Tom Glanville, Mary Lou Swift and Joanne and Bill Crassas.

High-profile nuptials

It was a who's who of Democratic politics that were among witnesses to the Sunday afternoon nuptials between Erica S. Lee, newly elected trustee to the Harris County School Board, Dr. Roy L. Carter. They said their "I do's" at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ and celebrated their marriage with a reception at the Hilton Houston-Post Oak.

Headlining the heavy-hitter crowd toasting the newlyweds were the bride's parents, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Elwyn Lee. Among guests were U.S. Rep Al Green, Arthur Schechter, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, City Controller Ronald Green and wife Judge Hillary Green, Judge Zinetta Burney, Carolyn and John Guess, Jewell McGowen, Licia Green Ellis, Dr. Wanda Mott and husband Bill Russell, Algenita Scott Davis and husband Ardie Segars and Rufus Cormier.

Sight 'ems

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas returning to Tony's for dinner after having lunched at the award-winning restaurant that same day with Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack . . .

Historian and acclaimed journalist Tony Perrottet, author of Napoleon’s Privates, bunking at the Royal Sonesta while exploring Houston . . .

L’Olivier chef de cuisine Kevin Bryant treating his pals Sunday afternoon to a tempting tailgate feast of grilled lobster and other goodies at longtime River Oaks area dive McElroy, the food off just in time for the Houston Texans pouncing of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Plastic Container News

Texas-based The Container Store latest retailer to file for bankruptcy

Container Store

The Container Store plans to remain open.

Another seemingly popular retailer has filed for bankruptcy: According to a release, the Container Store has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, effective December 22.

The company is not closing down, says president and CEO Satish Malhotra in a statement.

“The Container Store is here to stay," Malhotra says. "Our strategy is sound, and we believe the steps we are taking today will allow us to continue to advance our business, deepen customer relationships, expand our reach, and strengthen our capabilities."

The Company has filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court that will allow it to make timely payments to vendors, suppliers, and other trade creditors in full.

The stores and website will continue to operate as normal; all customer deposits and orders will be honored and delivered as normal.

At least 90 percent of the company’s loan lenders have pledged their support. A recapitalization will provide millions in new financing as well as debt service relief. This will strengthen their balance sheet and liquidity position, so they can meet commitments to partners and vendors.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Coppell, the Container Store offers organizing solutions and in-home services, with more than 10,000 products to complete any space, sold at more than 100 locations nationwide and a flagship online store.

When they first debuted, they were an utter revelation with all of their various plastic containers and tubs — a market that is now also filled by cheaper knockoffs sold at a much lower price at places like Target.

“We are particularly excited about the future of our custom space offerings, which continue to demonstrate strength," Malhotra says. "We intend to maintain our strong workforce and remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers while we execute this recapitalization and for many years to come.”

The Chapter 11 process does not include the Company’s Elfa business in Sweden, which continues to operate as usual.

There is starting to be a wave of bankruptcy filings of retailers that include Big Lots, which is holding going-out-of-business sales in anticipation of a company-wide closure; and Party City, which is closing its stores at the end of February.

The Container Store has created a dedicated website for stakeholders to get information about the Chapter 11 case at www.futureforcontainerstore.com.

holidays the container store business