Happy Tuesday, Katy!
I don't know what's in the water out here, but Katy is on a roll right now. New restaurants opening left and right, a high schooler literally saving lives, a brand-new Costco opening nearby — and that's just this week's newsletter. Oh, and Easter weekend is about to be absolutely loaded with things to do.
Let's get into it.
In today’s edition:
A massive new Costco is coming to Grand Parkway
A Paetow High School senior used her EMT training to save a life
Texas Children's Hospital West just hit a huge milestone
A brand-new business already cracking Yelp’s Top 10
5+ Easter events this weekend & more
— Grant Hamilton
News
A $64.5 Million Costco Is Coming to Grand Parkway — And It's Massive
That giant stretch of dirt along Grand Parkway is (probably) about to become your new favorite weekend destination. A brand-new Costco Wholesale warehouse is under construction in the Cypress area near SH 99, and it's shaping up to be one of the biggest retail projects along Grand Parkway right now. If you live anywhere near Elyson, Marvida, or the northwest side of Katy, this one's for you.
Here's what to know:
We're talking a 160,000-square-foot warehouse — nearly the size of three football fields — backed by a $64.5 million investment
A 16-pump fuel station with its own 11,680 sq ft facility is included (say goodbye to that gas station detour)
This will be the second Costco in the Cypress area, joining the location on Hwy 290 that opened in 2019. It also serves as a midpoint between that store and the existing Katy Costco at I-10 and Grand Parkway
Developer NewQuest Properties is building out the surrounding retail, so expect more announcements from this area soon
Construction was scheduled to begin this month according to state filings, with a target completion of November 2026. Costco — true to form — hasn't officially commented. (They typically stay quiet until a few months before opening day.)
P.S. Know someone who's been waiting for a closer Costco? Forward this to them — they'll thank you later.
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Community Spotlight
Paetow Senior Uses EMT Training to Save a Life
When a community member collapsed in a crowd, most people froze. Olivia Hanawalt didn't. The Paetow High School senior — who studies emergency medicine at Katy ISD's Miller Career & Technology Center — pushed through bystanders, took control of the scene, and provided critical aid until first responders arrived.
Here's why this matters:
MCTC's EMT program gives juniors and seniors from all Katy ISD high schools hands-on medical training — and Olivia proved it works when seconds count
Her quick response is a powerful example of what career and technical education looks like beyond the classroom
Olivia plans to pursue a career in healthcare
It's one thing to learn emergency protocols in a textbook. It's another to apply them with a life on the line. Olivia, you're the definition of a real-life hero — and Katy is proud of you.
Community Update
Texas Children's Hospital West Hits Major Milestone
When Texas Children's Hospital opened its West Campus on the Katy Freeway back in 2011, it made history as the only suburban hospital in Greater Houston built exclusively for kids. Fifteen years and more than 5 million patients later, it's become a lifeline for families across Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties.
By the numbers:
50,000+ emergency room visits every year
370+ employees at the 18200 Katy Freeway campus
Specialties spanning cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and surgical services
Milestones include the region's first pediatric COVID-19 isolation unit (2020) and one of the nation's largest pediatric sleep centers (2019)
Happy 15th and 5 millionth patient, Texas Children's West. Here's to 5 million more. 🎉
Local Business Spotlight 🍽️
Brand New Coffee Shop Already Making Yelp’s Top 10
Husband-and-wife duo Andrew and Misty Vana (Andrew's a Katy native) opened Cowboy Coast Coffee Company in late February, and it's already landing on Yelp's "Top 10 Coffee Shops in Katy" lists. Located near Cane Island, their shop offers specialty coffee from local roasters, rotating pastries from local bakeries, and a breakfast taco situation called "The Texan" that comes in a bun.
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!
Easter & Spring 🐰
Shroud of Turin Exhibit | Now through April 5 (Free — reservations required) Details
Location: Grace Fellowship Church, 2655 S. Mason Road, Katy (new Discipleship Building)
Description: One of only seven authorized replicas of the Shroud of Turin in the world is on display right here in Katy through Easter Sunday. Tours run every 30 minutes, plus special seminars on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime exhibit — but you must reserve a spot in advance. No walk-ins.
Katy Easter Exchange | 10AM–4PM, Saturday, April 4 | Free (Details)
Location: Historic Town Square, 904 Avenue C, Katy
Description: The City of Katy's official Easter celebration on the town square. Local vendors, a petting zoo, egg hunts, train rides, Easter Bunny photos, and shopping. Free admission — just show up and enjoy. Reach out to [email protected] for more details.
Easter at the Ranch — Smith Ranch | 10AM–5PM, Saturday, April 4 ($20/person) Reservations: (281) 371-3318
Location: 25440 Beckendorff Road, Katy
Description: Egg hunts at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM (arrive 30 minutes early — they're age-grouped), plus bounce houses, paddle boats, a petting zoo, Easter Bunny photos, and concessions including beer, wine, and mimosas. Yes, mimosas at an egg hunt. This is Texas.
Easter Egg Hunt at George Ranch Historical Park | 11AM–1PM, Saturday, April 4 (Tickets)
Location: 10215 FM 762 Road, Richmond
Description: 3,000+ eggs across the historic park grounds, plus a wildflower selfie station, games, crafts, and a Children's Entrepreneur Market. This one sells out — grab tickets early.
Easter Egg Hunting with GOATS | April 3, 4, & 5 (Tickets)
Location: ROSE Therapeutic Farm, 1324 Peach Ridge Rd, Brookshire
Description: Exactly what it sounds like — hunt for Easter eggs alongside baby goats at a therapeutic farm. Multiple sessions available Friday through Sunday. Great for families, great for your Instagram.
Dewberry Farm Spring Fest | Weekends through April 26 (Tickets)
Location: Dewberry Farm, Brookshire
Description: Easter Bunny photos, daily egg hunts, 40+ attractions — this is your spring headquarters. Open select Fridays too.
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Nightbird | 7PM, Saturday, April 4 | Free (Details)
Location: Central Green Park (Willow Fork Drainage District)
Description: Get ready, Fleetwood Mac fans! Free outdoor concert to cap off your Easter Saturday. Bring a blanket, grab some food from a nearby spot, and enjoy live music under the stars. Hard to beat free and outdoors.
Food & Drink 🍺
Fort Bend Restaurant Weeks | April 6–19 (Details)
Location: 13 restaurants across Fort Bend County (Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg)
Description: The inaugural Fort Bend Restaurant Weeks kicks off the week after Easter. Thirteen restaurants across the county are participating, with proceeds benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (a food insecurity nonprofit). A great excuse to try somewhere new while supporting a good cause.
Katy Police Officers Association 44th Annual Fish Fry & Auction | Wed, April 1, 5:30–7:30 PM (Details)
Location: Leonard E. Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy
Description: A beloved annual fundraiser supporting local officers. Kids 6 and under eat free. Call Katy PD at 281-391-4848 for more info.
On the Horizon 👀
Mark your calendars — April 11–12 is shaping up to be another stacked weekend:
JesterFest Crawfish Festival | April 11, 11AM–5PM (Details)
Location: Stars Sports Bar, 414 Grand Pkwy.
Description: Katy’s biggest and longest-running outdoor crawfish festival is back for its 13th time.
Katy Spring Market | April 11–12 (Tickets)
Location: Merrell Center
Description: Welcome the Spring season with a one‑of‑a‑kind shopping experience at the 18th Annual Katy Spring Gift Market. Explore TWO FLOORS of shopping filled with creativity from 100+ local and small businesses.
Houston Kids Triathlon | April 11–12 (Tickets)
Location: Typhoon Texas
Description: Join us for the largest kids triathlon in the world. The race is great for athletes of all ages, skill levels, and abilities, with short and long course triathlons, splash & dash, ride & dash, and para and assisted divisions.
Weekly Regulars 📅
Farmers Markets:
LaCenterra Farmers Market | Sundays, 11AM–3PM | Free (Details)
Location: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd (LaCenterra, Heritage Square)
Farmers Market at The Dryer | Saturdays, 9AM–1PM | Free, rain or shine (Details)
Location: 5339 E. Third St., Katy
Fulshear Farmers Market | Saturdays, 9AM–1PM | Free (Details)
Location: 9035 Bois D'Arc Lane, Fulshear
Free at Central Green Park (Willow Fork, LaCenterra):
More Weekly Fun:
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Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch! Happy Easter and see you next Tuesday!
P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].