September brought news of several new business openings, announcements and relocations in the heart of The Woodlands area. These developments include:

• Varley, a women's clothing store, is opening at Market Street, with construction expected to begin in November.

• Sprouts Farmers Market, a grocery store, opened Sept. 10.

• Golden Gray Boutique relocated within Market Street on Sept. 12.

• Yonutz Donuts and Ice Cream held its grand opening on Sept. 14 in Grogan's Mill Village Center.

• Williams Sonoma opened on Sept. 18 at Hughes Landing, offering premium cookware, small appliances, table linens and gourmet food.

• Bari Ristorante, a 9,000-square-foot Italian restaurant, will open Sept. 30 and begin offering weekend brunch Oct. 4.

• Bar Bludorn, an American bistro-inspired restaurant, will hold its grand opening on Oct. 2.

The gist: A new Whataburger location is scheduled to open by Oct. 5 in Shenandoah at 8800 Six Pines Drive. The opening follows a $1.4 million renovation that was completed on Aug. 3, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.

The new restaurant will feature:

• Local iconography
• Digital menu boards
• A staff of 65 employees

The Texas-based fast-food chain specializes in hamburgers, including its eponymous Whataburger, and also offers chicken strips, chicken sandwiches and salads. Additionally, the restaurant serves breakfast from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.

Three candidates are competing for the Texas House of Representatives District 15 seat in the November election. The candidates running for the seat are:

• Republican Brad Bailey

• Democrat Moniqua' S. Scott

• Libertarian Jessi Cowart

What to know: None of the candidates are incumbents. The current seat holder, Representative Steve Toth, did not seek reelection as he is running in another race.

District 15 includes part of Montgomery County, including The Woodlands, Conroe, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North.

Also of note: The final day to register to vote is Oct. 5. Early voting for the election runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.