The Galveston County Daily News

Going mobile: The Gaido family, which operates the oldest and best known restaurant on the island, is taking its famous fare on the road. Gaido’s Catering plans to debut a 24-foot catering rig Oct. 29 for the Lone Star Rally, a yearly event that brings thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts thundering to the island.

The custom-crafted rig is equipped with the latest food preparation technology and is capable of feeding more than 2,000 people at parties and other events. In the rolling kitchen, cooks can prepare fried, grilled, broiled and steamed menu items from Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, Casey’s and The Pelican Club — all at 3828 Seawall Blvd.

The Pelican Club, a private membership club popular for business meetings and celebrations, also is stirring buzz with changes. In February, Paul Jordan, accepted the executive chef position. He also has progressed to management of the 98-year-old Gaido’s.

While attending the Capital Culinary Institute in Tallahassee, Fla., Jordan worked in his first fine-dining establishment — the University Club at Florida State University. He’s been in the business 26 years now.

Jordan changed the summer menu and plans to roll out a new fall menu, featuring fresh seasonal items available in Galveston.

In July, Abraham Archer was promoted from senior staff server to manager of the Pelican Club. Archer joined the Gaido’s group as a server in 1999, after moving to the island from Oklahoma.

Work of art: Leave it to an art gallery owner to find creative ways to use space and find new sources of revenue. Crews have finished rebuilding the interior walls at Buchanan Gallery, which made its post-Hurricane Ike return to the island this summer after nearly a year exiled to Houston.

With renovations complete, owner Kathi Buchanan is making the 220 25th St. gallery available for special events such as weddings and parties.

She already has booked her first event — a couple from The Woodlands will wed at the gallery the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Considering the economy, art sales aren’t that bad, Buchanan said. But the rental business is meant as a new revenue source.

For information, call 409-763-8683.

Revving sales: Meanwhile, other island businesses are getting creative in efforts to lure customers during the tough economy.

Managers of the 26-unit Excelsior Condominiums, 402 Postoffice St., are running a car giveaway. People touring the property will get a chance to win a 2009 Honda CR-V. The contest lasts until at least Dec. 5.

Houstate Investments began transforming what was an aging apartment complex — circa 1973 — into condominiums. The units start at $121,600. So far, managers have sold 16 units at the Excelsior.

For information, call 409-765-5555.

Sweepstakes: Is the island’s rebuilding boom slowing? Some stores are looking beyond price-slashing to attract consumers.

Traditional Designs Ltd., which specializes in flooring, countertops and cabinets at its 2717 61st St. space in the Galveston Place shopping center, is promoting a holiday sweepstakes.

For every purchase of more than $2,000 before Dec. 17, consumers are entered in a chance to win rebates of up to $1,000 for retail customers and $500 for builders.

For information, call 409-744-5800.

What are you doing to attract customers? Give Buzz a buzz.

Market conditions: Since May, car dealer Allen Samuel Chrysler Jeep in Webster has known it would have to close.

The dealership, 16200 state Highway 3, was one of 789 locations Chrysler LLC said would close as it succumbed to bankruptcy. But the dealership wanted to make sure all 60 employees at the Webster store had jobs at the 12 other Allen Samuel dealerships in Texas, Casey Angelich said.

The dealership, which entered the Clear Lake area in 1994, had to close recently, Angelich said.

“We didn’t have a choice in the matter,” he said. “But we’re adjusting to market conditions.”

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays.