While a number of businesses in The Woodlands area closed only briefly during Hurricane Harvey in late August before reopening, many business owners in South Montgomery County are still struggling to get back to normal following the widespread flooding of the Greater Houston area. Home to several locally owned businesses, the Rayford Road corridor received between 29 and 35 inches of rainfall Aug. 25-29, according to water gauge measurements from the Harris County Flood Control District. Business owners said buildings took on several feet of water, causing many to close for several weeks. Todd Hayden, owner of Hop Scholar Ale House and Rayford Animal Wellness Clinic, said both his businesses on Rayford Road were shut down for three weeks due to flooding. “We took on about 40 inches of water at [Hop Scholar] and the vet’s office,” Hayden said. “We’re still rebuilding. It was the worst time ever. You just worry if you are ever going to open again.” Hayden said he still intends to work on a previously planned expansion of Hop Scholar in the upcoming months despite the flooding setback. “We want to take the opportunity while the time is right,” Hayden said. “We’re going to have a cool whiskey bar and brunch spot in the next three months. We’ve also now elevated some things in the restaurant to get stuff off the ground in case of future flooding.” While Hop Scholar will remain at its location on Rayford Road, Hayden said it is possible Rayford Animal Wellness Clinic will move to a less flood-prone location in the future but did not state when a move may take place. Other businesses on Rayford Road affected due to flooding include Bubba T's Cajun Kitchen and DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, both of which have now reopened, and Mario’s Mexican Restaurant, which has still been closed due to flooding damage. It has not been determined when the restaurant is set to reopen. Amanda Smarrito, manager of Bubba T's Cajun Kitchen—which operates two locations in The Woodlands area—said the Rayford location took on 4 feet of water and was closed for a month. "We were able to salvage some stuff, but we had to replace the walls and tabletops," she said. "It's been really slow for business so far. It's been hard to let people know we're back open." Just down the road, another Rayford Road business affected by Hurricane Harvey was 3B’s Burgers & Beer. Owner Ryan Doerr said the eatery reopened in early October after being closed for over six and a half weeks. “We got 3 feet of water and had to rebuild the bar and rearrange everything,” Doerr said. “If definitely hurt us. We’re doing everything we can to get back. It’s been a stressful adventure.” Doerr said this is the first time the eatery was flooded due to a storm, and he does not have plans to change the location of 3B’s Burgers & Beer. “This place is dear to me and there are a lot of people who like us,” he said. “We’re here to stay, and we’re back to normal hours.”