Summer is in full swing, and Galveston’s business scene is growing as quickly as the seasonal crowds. New openings are popping up across the island - from east to west and everywhere in between.
As visitor numbers rise and the full-time population continues to grow on the island, so do the options for decorating, shopping, and dining out.
Each month, Galveston Monthly rounds up the latest additions to keep readers in the loop on what’s new and noteworthy. Here’s a look at the businesses that have recently opened their doors.
Art lovers will enjoy a new downtown gallery, while another expanded its presence. A sprawling, 8,000-square-foot décor store is now open for those updating a home or on the hunt for standout pieces.
And when it’s time to unwind over a comforting meal, Galveston’s newest Italian bistro is serving up elevated classics in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Palmetto Osteria
Island restaurateur Dennis Byrd has expanded local dining options with his latest venture, Palmetto Osteria - an Italian eatery with elevated classics located in the West End subdivision of Evia, where he also launched Basin Bistro earlier this year.
Situated at 12 Evia Main, the former home of 1817 Steak & Seafare, the restaurant has been completely refreshed with vibrant décor and updated interiors. Much of the patio is now enclosed in clear glass, offering scenic lake views year-round, while a few open-air tables remain for fair-weather dining.
Inside, guests will find fresh paint, cheerful colors, and added soundproofing for a more relaxed experience.
General Manager Eric Nelson said there was a need for Italian dining on the West End - and Palmetto Osteria delivers with elevated comfort food in a relaxed bistro setting and sunset views that are social-media favorites.
Joe Gerardi, head corporate chef for Byrd’s parent company Island Famous, crafted a menu of regional Italian classics with a modern, upscale twist. Highlights include bruschetta with prosciutto, creamy burrata, and Calabrian chili hot honey, and Amalfi mussels in herbed butter broth topped with lemon zest crumble and served with garlic bread.
From north to south, the menu spans Italy: a North Salad with red wine-poached pears and baked Gorgonzola served with Arugula and spiced walnuts in a balsamic vinaigrette, house-made meatballs with veal, pork, and beef, and seafood dishes featuring fresh local catch in traditional sauces.
Palmetto also offers an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, and a dessert menu.
For reservations and more details, call 409.765.1817 or visit palmettogalveston.com.
Global Imports
Global Imports, a long-established name in furniture and décor, has opened a new 8,000-square-foot showroom at 4002 Broadway Avenue on Galveston Island.
Founded over 50 years ago in Humble, Texas, the family-owned business - led by Chris Chapman - specializes in solid wood furniture sourced from nine countries. Mahogany, teak, pine, and mango wood pieces fill the space, alongside eclectic, high-quality designs that blend style and functionality.
The large showroom also features playful home accents, coastal bedding, and seaside décor, creating a globally inspired, island-appropriate shopping experience.
Why Galveston? Owner Chris Chapman says the Gulf Coast’s coastal design and textures have long inspired his family, who’ve considered Galveston a second home for generations.
Kim Rice, store manager and lead designer, brings over a decade of experience and a personal connection to the island - fondly recalling summers spent here as a child.
“I have history here, and I’m excited to build a clientele,” she shared, noting that the showroom will soon stock smaller-scale imported pieces ideal for condos and historic homes.
Custom orders are welcome. “We can source any type of furniture, textiles, art, or drapes. And we’re happy to curate a list just for you,” Rice said.
Follow Global Imports on social media for upcoming open house and networking events for realtors, designers, builders, and local artists. They’re also currently seeking a muralist.
For more information, store hours or appointments, call 832.419.0650.
The Dahlia Woods & Catherine Stroud Gallery
The downtown art scene expanded on Market Street and gained new vibrancy last month with the opening of the Dahlia Woods & Catherine Stroud Gallery at 2328 Market Street, on the corner of 24th. Light-filled and colorful, the space showcases the bold, expressive works of two well-known Galveston artists.
Dahlia Woods holds degrees in art, teaching, and architectural history. A passionate restorer, she’s renovated over 40 historic, turn of the century homes. Her artistic style blends a Fauvist palette with Expressionist energy, painting vivid scenes inspired by Texas and her global travels. Her work can be seen in local homes and public spaces, including Riondo’s Ristorante on the Strand.
Though rooted in Galveston, Woods draws inspiration from places near and far - from Big Bend and the Hill Country to Key West, Italy, Germany, and Galveston’s coast.
Visitors will also find Bad Boy Books, a collection of crime fiction written by her husband, Jonathan Woods, available for purchase in the gallery.
Catherine Stroud, now based in Galveston, grew up in The Woodlands and spent her childhood spring breaks and summer vacations on the island. After living in France for four years, she relocated to Galveston permanently in 2009.
She holds a degree in Fine Arts and European Studies from Vanderbilt University and also studied at the Parsons School of Design in Paris.
Her work reflects a mix of styles, unified by a lyrical line and bold use of color - what she describes as a way to “make the eyes dance.” Influences from Matisse, Picasso, and Chagall are evident in her expressive, color-rich pieces.
Stroud has created several murals around Galveston, including a vibrant geometric design for an architectural firm and a public work funded by the Galveston Cultural Arts Commission on the Boys and Girls Club building.
She currently serves as artist-in-residence at MarMo Lounge, where her rotating exhibit is on view and visitors are encouraged to stop by and watch her artistic process unfold.
For gallery hours, check social media. To schedule a visit or learn more, call Catherine at 713.480.3868 or Dahlia at 214.563.7523.
Local Artist Expands Line of Merchandise
Internationally collected artist Anne Lane made her way to Galveston in the fall of 2022. Last summer, she opened the Anne Lane Gallery at 2111 Postoffice Street, relocating from her previous space on Avenue S.
She recently expanded her in-store and online offerings with a fresh line of merchandise. Her vivid, high-saturation artwork now appears on bags and totes, throw pillows, enamel camp cups, magnets, coasters, notebooks, zip pouches and wearables.
The gallery buzzes with activity on Sunday afternoons, when Lane welcomes the public to browse, mingle, and enjoy live music. For hours or more information, call 202.251.3600.
To shop online, visit annelanearts.com, scroll down, and click the pink Anne Lane Gallery Shop emblem.