Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
You can feel it - the pools are filling up, Typhoon Texas is cranking back to life on weekends, and the smell of post-oak smoke is drifting a little farther down Highway Blvd. than usual. Summer's not officially here yet, but Katy didn't get the memo.
Big week ahead, so let's get into it.
Now, in today's edition:
A $12M bet on Katy from the auto-repair giant that started here
City Council approves big change to Katy streets
The 58-year story behind a Katy classic
30+ events & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
Christian Brothers Automotive Plants Its Flag with $12M Katy Training Center
Christian Brothers Automotive — the faith-based auto-repair franchise that started in Mission Bend back in 1982 — officially broke ground on May 5 on a nearly 14,000-square-foot training center right here in Katy. And here's the part worth reading twice: this company has 330+ locations in 31 states. They could've built this anywhere. They chose home.
Here's what to know:
The Mark A. Carr Technology & Training Center is going up at 25801 Nelson Way (between H-E-B and Kohl's off I-10) and is expected to open in early 2027. The facility is named for founder Mark Carr, and the total campus investment is around $12 million.
Once open, technicians and service advisors from across the country will fly into Katy for hands-on training — making this a national hub, not just a local office.
Phase 2 is even bigger: a ~100,000-square-foot corporate headquarters on the same 7.5-acre campus, with relocation from their current Katy Freeway offices expected within about five years.
CEO Donnie Carr (Mark's son) called the center "deeply personal" — a tribute to his dad's philosophy of investing in people and doing the right thing, always.
Bottom line: more local jobs, more visitors flying in, and another reason Katy keeps showing up on national maps for the right reasons.
P.S. Know someone who works in the auto industry? Forward this their way — they'll want to hear about this. 🛠️
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City Updates
Golf Carts Now Legal on Katy Streets — But Read the Fine Print
Cane Island residents have been cruising around in golf carts for years. Now the rest of Katy can officially join the club. On April 27, City Council voted 4-1 to legalize golf carts and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles on most city streets - but there's a rulebook.
Here's what to know:
Daylight hours only - from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. You'll need a valid driver's license and motor vehicle liability insurance, just like a regular car.
Every cart needs a county-issued registration plate, visibly displayed. Seatbelts are required for the driver and anyone under 18 (if the cart has them), and you can't carry more passengers than you have seats.
Off-limits zones: sidewalks, trails, pedestrian paths, and — thanks to a last-minute addition from Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris — the Katy Mills Mall parking lot. No towing boats, jet skis, or trailers unless your setup meets DPS standards.
The lone "no" vote came from Ward B's Rory Robertson, who raised serious concerns about distracted, phone-using, and speeding drivers sharing the road with carts. So, whether or not you have a cart, make sure to drive safely out there!
Violations can cost up to $200 per incident.
If you've been eyeing a cart for school drop-offs or Saturday morning farmers market runs, you're cleared for daytime takeoff – license, insurance, and plates required. ⛳
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
Midway BBQ: 58 Years, a Flood, a Fire, and the Family Carrying the Flame
Some Katy restaurants open. Some Katy restaurants last. And then there's Midway, which has survived just about everything this town could throw at it – and kept the smoker going.
Herman Meyer was born in Needville, TX and was raised right here in Katy. He opened Midway Meat Market in 1967 on Highway Blvd., back when Katy was more pasture than pavement. What started as a neighborhood butcher shop grew into a wild-game processing operation, then a BBQ shack out front in the mid-'90s, and eventually an 8,500-square-foot restaurant and banquet hall that became a gathering place for the whole community.
It hasn't been easy. Hurricane Harvey flooded the place. A devastating fire in 2021 gutted the original BBQ building — and while they rebuilt, Herman kept serving out of a borrowed facility down the road. The rebuilt restaurant reopened in 2022.
Herman passed away peacefully at home last fall, at the age of 89. He was Katy High Class of 1954, a UT-Austin grad, and a U.S. Army veteran who served at Fort Knox. Former mayor's widow Paulette Nelson remembered him as the kind of man who "didn't do contracts, just a handshake."
Today, Herman's daughter Trish Cummins runs day-to-day operations across all three businesses — the Meat Market, Deer Processing, and BBQ — with Operations Manager Jason Carlisle overseeing the BBQ and deli side. The legacy is in good hands.
What to order: The post-oak smoked brisket is the standard-bearer, but the Brisket Millionaire Sandwich — brisket, bacon, cheddar, grilled peppers and onions, sriracha mayo on Texas toast — is the move if you want the full experience. The chicken-fried ribeye and loaded baked potato (brisket, sausage, queso, pico) are worth the trip on their own.
Events coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
🎓 Graduation Season
Katy ISD 2026 Graduation Ceremonies | 8 PM nightly, May 13–21 | Details
Location: Legacy Stadium, Katy
Description: Graduation week is HERE, Katy. The full schedule:
Wed., May 13 — Seven Lakes
Thu., May 14 — Tompkins
Fri., May 15 — Jordan
Sat., May 16 — Paetow
Sun., May 17 — Katy
Mon., May 18 — Taylor
Tue., May 19 — Mayde Creek
Wed., May 20 — Cinco Ranch
Thu., May 21 — Morton Ranch
Parking gates open at 6 PM, doors at 7 PM. Clear-bag policy in effect. Each ceremony ends with a 45-second pyrotechnic display around 9:30 PM. If there's bad weather, reschedule is 9 AM the following day at the same venue. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉
🐣 Family & Summer Fun
Houston Greek Fest 2026 (27th Annual) | Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16 | Tickets
Location: St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Pkwy., Houston (Energy Corridor)
Description: Three days of authentic Greek food, pastries, live music, traditional dancing, a Saturday Zembekiko Dance Contest, carnival rides, and church tours. Your $10 ticket (free for kids under 10!) is good for all three days. And, you can get free admission by bringing three canned goods per person which will be donated to Target Hunger to support local families in need. Cashless event, credit/debit only, so come prepared. A little drive to the energy corridor but should be well worth it!
Downtown Disney on the Square | 6–9 PM, Saturday, May 16 | (Free) Details
Location: Historic Town Square, Katy
Description: A Disney-themed evening right on the square. A magical evening of Disney-themed entertainment under Old Katy's lights, hosted by City of Katy Parks & Rec. Bring the kids, bring the costumes, bring your best "Let It Go" voice.
Typhoon Texas Houston — Weekends Now Open | Sat–Sun, May 16–17 & May 23–24 | Tickets
Location: 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd., Katy (next to Katy Mills Mall)
Description: The waterpark is back for weekend operations ahead of the full summer schedule. Make sure to check the calendar on their website as some of the weekends this month are only open one day.
Howey's Water Safety Festival | 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, May 16 | (Free) Details
Location: Sugar Land Town Square Plaza
Description: National Learn to Swim Day event with water-safety education, CPR demos, bounce houses, obstacle courses, and face painting — presented by Houston Swim Club. Great for young families heading into pool season.
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment
La Sombra de Tony Guerrero & FAMA | 8 PM, Friday, May 15 | (Free) Details
Location: Texas Rodeo Saloon, 531 S. Mason Rd., Katy
Description: Another free Friday night at Texas Rodeo Saloon. The Tejano lineup keeps rolling.
Them Dirty Roses | 8 PM, Friday, May 15 | Tickets
Location: The Wildcatter Saloon, 26913 Katy Fwy., Katy
Description: Alabama Southern-rock outfit known for "Cocaine and Whiskey" and "GTO." 15+ event.
Suzanne’s Band | 8:30 PM, Friday, May 15 | (Free) Details
Location: Scotty’s Bar & Grill, 20455 Katy Fwy., Katy
Description: Songs with heart! A great live show with great food too. Suzanne’s Band shows are a blend of music covering the last seven decades, plus some originals woven in, and are usually a mix of classic rock, pop and country.
Eli Young Band | Doors 7:30 PM, Show 9:30 PM, Saturday, May 16 | Details
Location: Mo's Place, 21940 Kingsland Blvd., Katy
Description: You know "Crazy Girl." You know "Even If It Breaks Your Heart." Now see them live at one of Katy's most iconic honky-tonks.
An Evening with Jeff Foxworthy | 8 PM, Sunday, May 17 | Details
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: You might be a redneck if... you already bought tickets. The comedy legend brings his stand-up to Sugar Land for one night only.
Triumph | 8 p.m., Friday, May 22 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Classic Canadian arena rock — "Lay It on the Line," "Magic Power," and "Fight the Good Fight" — plus April Wine opening. If you own a denim vest, this is your night.
🏃 Fitness & Wellness
Get Fit May | Various Dates in May | (Free) Details
Location: Various Katy parks — May 1: Thomas Park; May 8: Katy City Park
Description: Free fitness classes all month long at parks across Katy. No registration needed — just show up and move. A different workout style each week.
Wed., May 13 — Zumba, Woodland Park (Fitness Journey)
Fri., May 22 — HIIT, Thomas Park (Body20)
Fri., May 29 – Pilates, VFW Park (Fitness Journey)
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. OKC Comets | May 26 –May 31 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land
Description: Another six-game homestand! It should be a great time as always. What better way to kick off the summer than great baseball, great food, and affordable tickets? Check the tickets link above for more details on times and more!
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
No Label Brewing Co. — Daily Food Trucks | Monday - Thursday | Details
Little Sprouts Baby Story Time – Tuesdays, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Details
Yoga on the Green — Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
Bird Walk | Thursdays, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Details
Totally Toddler Time | Thursdays, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Details
Adult Watercolor Art Club | Every Other Thursday, Next is May 14 | Details
Tai Chi on the Green — Saturdays, 8:30 AM | Details
Farmers Market at The Dryer — Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
Fulshear Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
Adult Guitar Café | Every Other Saturday 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Next is May 16 | Details
Farmers Market at LaCenterra — Sundays, 11 AM - 3 PM | Details
That's it for today!
Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch this week! See you next Tuesday!
P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].