The shopping center at 1500 and 1644 Research Forest Drive in Shenandoah features a variety of chain stores and independent businesses. The corridor features Lenny’s Sub Shop, Vic’s Liquor and Timeless Dental, and includes a mix of retail, service and dining options.
Owner Veronica Kearney uses 72-percent cocoa in her chocolates.[/caption]
Spotlight - Schakolad Chocolate Factory
Schakolad Chocolate Factory has offered The Woodlands residents handmade, high-quality chocolate for 10 years.
Owner Veronica Kearney said the chocolate made at the shop is distinctive because of its delicate and natural flavor.
“We have very high-grade chocolate,” Kearney said. “It’s 72 percent cocoa. We don’t use paraffin—a wax that keeps chocolate hard [so that it] lasts longer—and we don’t use artificial flavors. You can really taste the cocoa.”
Kearney said she came into owning the chocolate factory after she quit her corporate job and came to the realization she wanted to put a smile on people’s faces. She said the shop has continued to see more customers as new shoppers continue to discover the store’s chocolate.
“Word of mouth spreads,” she said. “People tell others about us. Our customer base increases every year.”
Chocolate packages and orders can be picked up at the shop or delivered to customers, with custom-made orders available for special occasions and company events as well. Kearney said the shop also provides chocolate fountain rentals for events, such as birthday parties, baby showers and business socials.
1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 130 The Woodlands, 281-292-9900
Hours: Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Deliveries in under two hours are standard at the shop, owner Jane Galvan said.[/caption]
Spotlight - The Woodlands Flowers Too
The Woodlands Flowers Too is one of the oldest flower shops in The Woodlands area, first opening its doors in the ’80s on Grogan’s Mill Road.
With three locations serving Montgomery County, owner Jane Galvan said the flower shop has continued to see loyal customers and provides one of the largest assortment of flowers in The Woodlands.
“We serve all occasions with everyday flowers, both contemporary and traditional,” Galvan said. “We deliver throughout all of Montgomery County, can ship out to other states anywhere in the country and even to other countries, such as England.”
The shop provides arrangements for anniversaries, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, baby showers and weddings. It also prepares homecoming mums.
Galvan said the goal at the flower shop is for an order to be placed and delivered less than two hours after it was placed. Orders are custom-made with no premade arrangements.
“It’s such an outlet for creativity,” Galvan said. “I try to match the flowers to the character and the occasion that it’s going to be used for.”
To ensure on-time deliveries during the holiday seasons, customers are required to place their orders at least one day prior to the holiday.
1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 120 Shenandoah, 281-363-4747 www.thewoodlandsflowers.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon
Additional businesses in Research Pines Plaza
Beauty
Annie’s Hair Salon 1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 110, Shenandoah 281-203-5139, www.annieshairsalon.com
Forest Nails Spa 1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 110, Shenandoah 281-465-9007
Health care
Fresnius Medical Care Woodlands Home Therapies 1644 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 150, Shenandoah 281-367-0046, www.ultracare-dialysis.com
Timeless Dental 1644 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 130, Shenandoah 281-681-3300, www.timelessdental.com
Woodlands Modern Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics 1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 220, Shenandoah 281-859-4624, www.woodlandsmodernsmilesdentistry.com
Resturants
Lama’s Mediterranean Cafe 1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 100, Shenandoah 281-292-5262, www.lamacafe.com
Lenny’s Sub Shop 1500 Research Forest Drive, Shenandoah 281-298-2997, www.lennys.com
Ploy Thai Cuisine 1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 240, Shenandoah www.ploythaicuisine.com
Retail
Vic’s Liquor 1500 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 170, Shenandoah 832-585-1462, www.vicsliquor.com
Service
Veritas Title Partners 1644 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 140, Shenandoah 281-364-1500, www.veritastitlepartners.com
