Mayor Declares September 29 as Tookie’s Day
Area Leaders and Officials Celebrate Re-opening of Iconic Seabrook Restaurant
SEABROOK, TX – October 3, 2011
Last week, you could find many of the Bay Area Houston region’s top community leaders enjoying the fresh taste of grilled cheeseburgers and cold cherry colas at the newly-restored Tookie’s restaurant in Seabrook. The lunch served as a celebration of disaster recovery, economic development and business confidence.
“Three years ago, hurricane Ike damaged 76% of our city’s homes and destroyed eleven businesses,” stated Ernie Davis, President of the Seabrook Economic Development Corporation. “However, with a partnership between a quality proprietor and city personnel, our organization was able to help a treasured dining establishment re-open its doors to area citizens.”
“I remember many great times at Tookie’s when I was a child,” said Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX). “Coming here was the highlight of the day after our little league baseball games.” Originally opened in 1975, Tookie’s sustained more than three feet of water during the hurricane in 2008. Restaurateur, Barry Terrell, rebuilt the infamous eatery and began operating again this August.
Photo: Seabrook Economic Development Summit celebration includes (L to R) Port Commissioner Jimmy Burke, Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, Congressman Pete Olson, Seabrook EDC President Ernie Davis, Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, and Tookie’s Owner Barry Terrell.
Leading the celebration was Seabrook Mayor, Glenn Royal, who presented a formal proclamation to Terrell. “Today, I declare September 29 as Tookie’s Day,” stated Royal. A self-proclaimed cheerleader for the region, the mayor is excited to see the entire Clear Lake area bounce back from the storm and withstand the more recent tough economic times. “What is good for one city is good for the whole area,” said Royal. “We must work together to develop and grow the vitality of our entire community.”
Also in attendance at the gathering were State Senator Mike Jackson; Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark; leaders from the Houston Port Authority, Bay Tran, the Economic Alliance and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; and Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman. “Those of us in Precinct Two look forward to helping this region thrive,” said Morman.
Patrons can visit Tookie’s at its original spot, located at 1202 Bayport Blvd. The City of Seabrook and the Seabrook EDC are also working on many other development projects, including the revitalization of The Point, a waterfront district primed for fresh seafood markets, restaurants and businesses.
