The Kurz Group, a property tax consulting firm based in Preston Center, turns 25 this month, and Samantha Kurz, spokesperson for the firm, says they are gearing up for the upcoming tax season.

The group, managed by brothers Rick and Jeff Kurz, currently represents approximately 6,000 properties, and is one of the oldest property tax consulting firms in the neighborhood. With a May tax deadline for commercial property owners, Preston Hollow residents are encouraged to contact the group at kurzgroup.com for consulting help.

Today the Dallas City Council approved a zoning change that will allow Dave and Buster’s to open a new flagship location at the corner of North Central Expressway and Walnut Hill Lane.

The building, formerly the AMC Glen Lakes, is only about a mile away from an existing location, so it is expected that the Dallas-based company will simply move the old location to the more favorable spot.

“This is a very exciting project because it will be the new showcase facility for Dave and Buster’s,” said council member Ann Margolin when announcing the public hearing. After the council approved the measure, Mayor Michael Rawlings said he thought it was a great idea.

Dave and Buster’s public relations department has not been available for comment, but we expect it to be a very long time until the doors open for the new building.

Are you wondering what the twists and turns of 2012 could mean for your financial portfolio? Head to the Doubletree Hotel (8250 N. Central Expressway) at 7:30 a.m. Friday for the North Dallas Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Forum.

Guest speakers Bernard Weinstein, associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute and an adjunct professor of business economics at SMU, and Ted C. Jones, senior vice president and chief economist for Stewart Title Guaranty Company and director of investor relations for Stewart Information Services Corporation, will advise attendees how interest rates, stock prices, and political events could impact investments. Mary Frances Burleson, president and CEO of Ebby Halliday Companies, will moderate the event.

When three people hold seven titles at five companies, it’s a good sign their words are worth your time.

Here’s a little Christmas present to all of the businesses looking to make an impression on our lovely readers in 2012. For the next 24 hours, we’re discounting our advertising rates for the Jan. 6 edition by 50 percent. To take advantage of this offer, you must call me at 214-523-5242 by noon on Friday. Don’t miss out on this chance to take advantage of our holiday spirit!

Looking for family-friendly activities during the break from school? The Norwood Flynn Gallery has extended its holiday exhibit through Jan. 28.

Enjoy the work of Gregory Horndeski, Faith Jessup, and Ray-Mel Cornelius, whose “Winter Berries” painting decorates this post.

The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 5:30 p.m. It will be closed, however, Dec. 21 through Jan. 3.

As a Houston native, I’m somewhat very familiar with the Spec’s chain of gourmet food and liquor stores. They’ve been around as long as I can remember. Oh, and most have an epic humidor.

Which leads me to ask, did anyone check out the new Spec’s at Walnut Hill and North Central Expressway? We all know Teresa Gubbins did, but that’s a given, right?

Thoughts?

Props to Robert Wilonsky at the Dallas Observer for posting an uncensored photo of graffiti lamenting the loss of Blockbuster at Preston Royal Village.

Side note: I realize this is the second post in a row where I link to other media outlets talking about PH.  As I am trapped in a windowless room at Dallas City Hall to report on zoning matters for next week’s edition, this is the best I can do.

While some may drive far to satisfy their Thai food fix, my favorite Thai spot, Best Thai, is hidden in the Hollow. Why are so many Preston Hollow residents missing these yummy Pad Thai moments? Maybe it is because the store is completely hidden in between the Barnes & Noble, Dallas Summer Musicals, and the U.S. Post Office at Preston Royal Village. Until a few weeks ago, Best Thai was merely a small room with a few mismatched chairs and tables. Despite the lack of publicity and atmosphere, the food at Best Thai was superb. Thankfully, the restaurant has recently transformed into a cozy and neighborhood eatery with a modern and chic design. For more pictures of the renovation, click here.

Today’s issue of Preston Hollow People includes a look at how things have changed in the 12 months since voters approved permits for beer and wine sales in stores. The chart accompanying the story said six stores in the area have acquired such permits, while a seventh — the Walgreens on the southeast corner of Preston and Forest — has applied for one.

Make that eight. I just found this on the agenda for Monday’s City Council meeting:

A public hearing to receive comments regarding an application for and a resolution granting a variance to the alcohol spacing requirements from the St. Mark’s School of Texas required by Section 6-4 of the Dallas City Code to allow a wine and beer retailer’s off-premise permit for a general merchandise or food store greater than 30,000 square feet on property on the southeast corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane

I assume the store in question is the new Central Market.