HTX-NCP: Impact 10/7/2025

Pat’s Donuts will be opening a new location in Porter.

Breaking it down: The store will be located at the intersection of Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 242 in Porter. Per a company spokesperson, project builder Bazcon is waiting for permits before construction can begin on the new location.

From the oven: The business sells doughnuts, pastries and breakfast foods—such as tacos, kolaches and croissant sandwiches. Iced and hot coffee, cappuccinos and other drinks are also available.

• Opening date TBD
• Intersection of Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 242, Porter (exact address TBD) 

Several businesses are either coming soon, have recently opened or have updates to share in the New Caney and Porter area.
This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Now open
The Golden Laurel Head Spa celebrated a June 29 opening of its location in Rogers Premier Salon Suites in New Caney. The business offers a variety of head spa treatments, including scalp exfoliation and shoulder and neck reflexology.

• Opened June 29
• 22186 Market Place Drive, Ste. 215, New Caney

• Relocated in early September
• 24151 Hwy. 59, Ste. 104-A, Porter

Officials with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo announced in an Oct. 1 news release that Kyle Olsen, a seven-year veteran of the organization, will be the new chief show operations officer. He is the first CSOO of the show in over three decades.

What we know: According to the news release, Olsen brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in managing large-scale, high-profile events and complex public venues. His career background includes:

• Director of events and production at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona
• Event services at NRG Park
• Director of operations for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The University of Houston is launching UH Next, a new transfer program designed to help community college students more easily and affordably complete their bachelor’s degrees, starting in spring 2026.

The details: Housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the pilot will streamline transfers after students complete associate degrees at one of five Houston-area community colleges, reducing the cost of a four-year degree.

UH Next is part of UH’s broader effort to improve affordability, alongside programs like Cougar Promise and various scholarships and financial aid options.

How it works: Enrolled students will follow four-year degree maps, co-created by advisors at both UH and the partner college to ensure they take the right courses in the right order, minimizing credit loss and keeping them on track for graduation, although the program is only available for select majors within each partner community college. 

Next steps: While there is no timeline for expansion to other colleges, officials said several are assessing opportunities to create a UH Next pathway.