The Galveston County Daily News

Niche market: For some time, people who have family members buried at Mainland Memorial Cemetery, 6602 O’Brien St., in Hitchcock have confronted managers about the tall grass and other conditions of the grounds.

But the cemetery, which dates back to the 1920s, was not in the business of perpetual care, meaning it did not have a fund for maintenance and mowing.

Mainland Memorial is one of the oldest African-American cemeteries in the county.

The cemetery offers services at low rates, which don’t generate enough money for maintenance, manager Blake Hightower said. Plots cost about $600.

In perpetual care cemeteries, family members typically pay for upkeep or such services are included for much higher pricing.

To resolve the issue, Hightower has formed a separate business — H&D Cemetery and Monument Services. Families can pay H&D $100 per plot, per year for cemetery upkeep, Hightower said. If enough families participate, the cemetery would greatly improve, Hightower said.

“We can mow it, keep it clean, put in statues and make it beautiful,” he said.

For information, call 409-986-8580.

Eggonomics: What is it with the sudden emergence of egg eateries in the Clear Lake area?

A restaurant called Jimmy’s Egg is hatching plans to open in the former Hollywood Video store at Star Plaza, Bay Area and Space Center boulevards. Petco and Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub anchor the shopping center.

Oklahoma City-based Jimmy’s Egg specializes in breakfast and lunch. Earlier this year, the franchise system announced it had signed an agreement for the Houston area.

The 10-store agreement marks the chain’s foray into the Texas market.

No word on an opening date.

Meanwhile, Jimmy’s Egg will compete directly with the freshly opened The Egg and I, 557 W. Bay Area Blvd., also a breakfast and lunch concept this column previously buzzed.

Checking inn: Texas City is about to get a little more hospitable. Candlewood Suites, 1700 state Highway 146 N., opens Thursday.

Bob Patel owns the 83-room property, where extended stays are encouraged. Patel also owns Comfort Inn and Suites, 320 state Highway 146, in Texas City.

Each room at Candlewood Suites includes a kitchenette, dishwasher and full-size refrigerator.

The property also includes a large exercise room, free business center, free high-speed Internet, a gazebo and an outdoor grill.

Gary Hickman is the manager. For information, call 409-945-6500.

The dirt: Island firm Prudential Gary Greene Realtors reports agents Bill Tanner and Georganna Gibson Sage have joined its Pirates’ Beach office.

Tanner was formerly with Realty Associates in Houston. Before becoming a Realtor, Tanner was an officer with the Galveston Police Department.

Sage was, for many years, an English teacher at Ball High School.

Prudential Gary Greene also has offices in Tiki Island and Friends-wood.