Generations-old Montgomery County land to become residential community Homeplace
A family that has owned land in Montgomery County for generations has started development on a new community in the county, according to a Sept. 23 news release.
What's happening: The 2,000-acre parcel of land is owned by the Randall family, who decided they want to share their experience living in the area with other families.
The community, called Homeplace, holds the same name as the family homestead that the land has been a part of for three generations, according to the release.
The details: The beginning stages of development will focus on 446 acres of the 2,000-acre property owned by the Randalls, according to the release. The development sits next to Montgomery ISD’s Lake Creek High School and Creekside Elementary and can be reached from FM 2854.
Plans for the site include biking and hiking trails, according to the release.
Looking ahead: Rochester Development Founder Chad Rochester said he expects to break ground in early 2026, with lots in the first phase completed and going to builders in 2027.
Texas First to open full-service financial center in Montgomery early 2026
Texas First will open a new full-service financial center in Montgomery in early 2026, according to a Sept. 23 news release. Texas First invites the public to a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct. 7 at the new location.
What we know: The 2,385-square-foot facility will combine Texas First Bank, Texas First Insurance and Texas First Wealth Management in one building.
The Montgomery location marks the company’s third in Montgomery County, alongside branches in Conroe and The Woodlands, per the release.
The local team will include AVP Banking Center manager Dirk Strouse, wealth management advisor Kate Bierschwale and personal and commercial insurance agents. The company is also hiring a loan production officer.
Diving in deeper: Chris Doyle, president and CEO of Texas First Bank, said the new center will give residents access to comprehensive financial services in their own community.
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Texas City, Texas First operates 26 locations across seven counties along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Check out 6 events happening this weekend in Conroe, Montgomery, Sept. 27-28
Need something to do this weekend? See this list of events going on throughout the Conroe and Montgomery area this weekend. This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.
18th Annual Duck Race: Raise funds with the Community Assistance Center to support neighbors in need across Montgomery County while watching 10,000 rubber ducks race down a lazy river.
Sept 27, 8-10:30 a.m.
Free (admission)
600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery
Community Garage Sale: Sift through deals and hidden treasures at the Grand Central Park Garage Sale. Shoppers can look through clothes, household goods, electronics and toys at homes throughout the community.
Thousands of Texas businesses barred from selling THC to customers under 21
Many Texas retailers can no longer sell consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved two emergency rules Sept. 23.
The overview: The new rules, which were drafted after Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order requesting tighter THC regulations, apply only to retailers that sell alcohol. The rules state that businesses may not sell, serve or deliver consumable hemp products to minors and must check all customers' IDs before selling them THC products.
Zooming in: About 60,000 Texas businesses hold TABC licenses and will be prohibited from selling THC products to minors. Those businesses include bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores and some convenience stores.
However, the rule does not apply to THC retailers that do not sell alcohol or have a TABC license, such as smoke shops, gas stations or online sellers. The TABC and the Texas Department of State Health Services are working to determine how to best enforce age restrictions for THC retailers that do not sell alcohol, agency spokespeople said.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.
Aki Sushi and Asian Fusion opened its doors in Manvel in September. Nestled in Manvel Town Center, the family-owned restaurant serves steak and sushi that is made fresh daily, as previously reported by Community Impact. At the restaurant, customers can choose from a variety of sushi, including popular items such as spicy tuna rolls, shaggy dog rolls and California rolls. Additionally, Aki Sushi and Asain Fusion offers bento boxes, rice and noodle dishes, hibachi, nigiri and sashimi.
🥩 New Brazilian steakhouse coming to Webster in 2026 (Read more)
🍔 Smalls Sliders opens fourth Texas location near Hwy. 249, Grand Parkway (Read more)
😋 Newly opened boba cafe serves authentic Japanese food, fresh boba (Read more)
🆕 New Mediterranean restaurant opens in Pearland (Read more)
Owner Letty Martinez said she has plans to open The Taco Shop in Humble this fall.
Martinez said The Taco Shop will offer authentic Mexican breakfast options and will be located two doors away from her other restaurant, Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina.
“Letty’s usually opens at 11 a.m. so I wanted to open a restaurant to offer breakfast,” Martinez said.
