The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

City Pet Life to add veterinary care
A complete renovation is underway on the City Pet Life space at Preston and Royal. The store has temporarily moved next door but will reopen in its original location Dec. 15, adding a full-service veterinary clinic with City Vet, the parent company of City Pet Life, says store manager DeOayne Andrews. The expansion will also include a pharmacy, prescription pet food and holistic products. The store will continue to offer grooming services and pet supplies such as crates, carriers, toys, collars and specialty food.

New at NorthPark
Stores are opening, moving and reopening at NorthPark Center, says Kristin Gibbins of media relations. Originally scheduled to open this fall, the Yumilicious fro-yo shop has been delayed to December. La Madeleine has opened in its new space, formerly occupied by Lilly Pulitzer. Helen Ficalora jewelry store has begun construction, relocating to La Madeleine’s old space, says owner Helen Ficalora. An opening date has not been set.

Liberty Burger now open

Liberty Burger is now open on the northeast corner of Forest and Inwood. The concept comes from Mariel Street and her two older brothers — the offspring of Dallas restauranteur Gene Street who started Black Eyed Pea, Cantina Laredo and Good Eats, to name a few. “Our sign is up,” Mariel Street says. “You can see it from Louisiana.” Liberty Burger is a fast-casual yet upscale restaurant where the meat is never frozen. The menu also includes bottled beer, milkshakes, handmade pies and other burger-joint staples — but all with a gourmet twist. This is the first and only Liberty Burger location so far. “It’s the first of many, we hope,” Street says.

Central Market receives alcohol permit
The new Preston Royal Central Market, currently under construction, has been granted its request for a variance to the city’s rule that prohibits stores from selling alcohol within 300 feet of a school. Central Market, located near St. Mark’s School of Texas, can now breathe easy knowing its concept won’t be derailed by the stringent city rule that applies to stores 30,000 square feet or larger. This is the fourth grocer that has applied for a variance to this rule. To date, all have been granted.

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