Santa Fe becoming a very sweet spot

Sweet dreams: Bakers sure are sweet on Santa Fe. Sherri Lindsey has opened Buttercream Dreams Bakery, 12625 state Highway 6.

The bakery replaces Cakes n More, which opened in September for just a few months. Buttercream Dreams offers cakes, cupcakes, cake balls, some handmade candies and brownies.

The bakery also specializes in custom cakes, including sculpted confections. Look for the shop to soon start baking pies and breakfast pastries.

Call 409-316-9741.

In the vault: By now, most La Marque residents know that Guaranty Bank, which traces its roots back to 1956 in the mainland city, has closed its branch at 1130 First St.

But why is anyone’s guess. Officials are keeping answers in a vault and have not returned phone calls.

Federal regulators in August seized Austin-based Guaranty Bank, selling most of the institution’s operations to BBVA Compass, a subsidiary of a foreign lender.

At the time, BBVA Compass said customers wouldn’t notice the change. But when BBVA unveiled its new signs at branches around the county this month, it closed the La Marque location.

Jimmy Hayley, president of Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce, has fond memories of the bank.

He began working at the bank in 1961 when it was Guaranty Federal Savings and Loan. He worked there for 25 years. There was a time when the La Marque branch was one of the strongest in terms of deposits, Hayley said.

Loans made at the bank helped fuel development on the mainland and in Friendswood. Some of the first astronauts used the bank, Hayley recalls.

It’s a big World: Did anyone else notice that trackhoe next to souvenir shop Dolphin World, 2902 Seawall Blvd.? Contractor Avis Remodeling, owned by Avi Hazan, this week was tearing down an old house next door to make way for a much larger Dolphin World.

Owner Mony Shlomo Hamo and wife, Maria, said they expect the new store be the largest souvenir shop on the island.

Both the house and Dolphin World were severely damaged by an Aug. 31 water spout, which was reported to have packed 90 mph winds.

The 11,800-square-foot store likely will be a $2 million investment, Hamo said. Crews next week will begin tearing down the old Dolphin World building.

Its replacement will include a building that houses an ice-cream parlor, gift shop, coffee shop and Big Amos BBQ restaurant that will serve up barbecue, fish, shrimp, Philly cheesesteaks, hamburgers and more.

The building will be topped with a lighthouse replica, Hamo said. Look for a July or August opening.

More growth: Meanwhile, Hamo, who owns a chain of souvenir shops and other properties, is expanding his Dolphin World shopping center at 8910 Seawall Blvd.

Hamo has purchased a building that formerly housed Royce Builders. Hamo is adding a Big Amos BBQ and also will lease about 2,000 square feet to Kites Unlimited, which has been operating at 3802 Cove View Blvd. on the West End.

Downtown bound: Popular island nightclub 3rd Coast, 3102 Seawall, is making a move. Owner Rodney Seiler confirms his landlord is not renewing his lease when it expires in March.

Word has it that another gay-friendly bar will open at the seawall site.

Meanwhile, 3rd Coast plans to go out with a bash on March 13, Seiler said.

Seiler plans to reopen 3rd Coast six weeks later at 2416 Postoffice St. with an urban chic look that retains a little tropical flair, he said. Want to talk about it? Visit Buzz Blog at galvnews.com.