Fiiz biz: When Dave and Amber Crouse moved from Utah to the area a year ago, they were surprised by the scarcity of soda shops. Soda shops — not your grandfather’s malt shops — had proliferated in Utah, offering carbonated water with add-ins such as flavored syrups and fruit purées.

Coming clean: Look soon for some big changes at and near the Classic Auto Group complex — 8020 Broadway in Galveston — including an automated car wash that would be accessible to the public and a new Honda building and showroom.

Sol patrol: Friendswood attorney and developer Jerome Karam, a principal in JMK5 Holdings, continues to add to his ever-growing portfolio of commercial properties, this time snapping up Marina Del Sol, 1203 Twin Oaks Blvd. in Kemah. The marina features about 300 wet slips and 200 drystack sl…

Market watch: A Michigan-based company is pushing its shopping cart into League City’s very crowded grocery aisle. All that construction activity at the former Palais Royal building, 215 W. Main St., likely is for a GFS Marketplace store, said David Hoover, executive director of development …

On a roll: After months of searching, Galveston Bagel Company, which operates a popular food truck, has found a home to open a full-service restaurant.

Fork in the road: Ever since Alicia Cahill announced last week she would close popular downtown island shop The Kitchen Chick, 2402 Market St., speculation about why has been on a steady simmer.

Taco tattle: Texans who love their tacos and tequila are all abuzz about last week’s opening of Tako N’ Tequila, 220 Gulf Freeway South in League City.

And ... action! For everyone on the edge of their seats for news about the return of a movie theater to Texas City, here’s a sneak preview.

Break point: Look for crews in the next few weeks to begin construction of a 14-lane bowling alley attached to Primetime Cinema, 8902 Seawall Blvd. in Galveston.

Crash course: When bricks last month began crashing down from the vacant Medical Arts Building, 302 21st St. in Galveston’s downtown, inquiring islanders wanted to know whether the city was putting sufficient pressure on owner ITEX Group to repair and redevelop the long-deteriorating histori…

On track? La Marque’s Gulf Greyhound Park no longer is under contract to Houston-based commercial real estate firm Read King, but a prominent local developer is seeking to buy the idled property, city officials confirm.

Wash watch: Recent business disruptions caused by inclement weather and employee shortages have some islanders worried about the status of Island Auto Wash, 2712 61st St.

Panel discussion: Inquiring readers want to know what happened to the 120-foot faux lighthouse that had been a scenic backdrop for visitors to South Shore Harbour Resort and the nearby marina since 1983.

Checkout lane: A vacant island lot formerly home to Gerland’s Food Fair, 2402 45th St., is under contract, and those in the know say another grocery store could rise at the site.

Medical alert: Details are scarce, but Santa Fe Mayor Jason Tabor confirmed to Daily News reporter Keri Heath the city is working to lure a medical facility that could create about 100 jobs.

Setting the table: For all you seeking news about the opening-day status of Lil’ Buffalo Grille on the island, this will whet your appetite. Owners are planning a sip-and-see beginning at noon Feb. 5 in Evia, a neighborhood at 99th Street and Schaper Drive on the island’s West End.

An island restaurant and Galveston Island Brewing have both opened new spaces, which owners say they hope will serve new customers. 

Outside the box: Could shipping containers help solve the affordable housing crisis on the island and elsewhere?

Deep roots: A long-popular island purveyor of plants, garden supplies, outdoor art and landscaping services this week reopened under a new name and owners.