Popeyes reopens in Southeast Texas
A grand opening was held Oct. 22 as Popeyes once again opened for business at 2621 U.S. 69 Access Road in Nederland.
More than a dozen people waited in line before the crew started taking orders at 10 a.m.
A new franchisee, CSM Group of Houston, is also doing renovations at several other Popeyes locations, including those on Interstate 10 near Calder and on Phelan Boulevard in Beaumont, as well as in Bridge City and Lumberton. The next location is set to open in Bridge City this month.
Last year, many Popeyes locations in Southeast Texas closed due to issues with the previous franchise owners, American QSR, not paying employees, which led to temporary closures and staff walkouts.
There are reports that the Popeyes on Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur, the Link Avenue store in Orange, and the Jasper store on Wheeler Street are not reopening at this time.
In Southwest Louisiana, all Popeyes stores remain open in Lake Charles, Westlake, Sulphur, DeRidder, Leesville, DeQuincy, and Moss Bluff. Popeyes is also open in the Baytown area.
Home Instead franchise transitions ownership
After 27 years of service to seniors and their families in Southeast Texas, Charlie and Tara Holder have completed the sale of their Home Instead franchise. The Holders opened the Beaumont location when Charlie was 21 years old and since then have built a legacy of providing in-home care and community support.
Throughout their tenure, the Holders spearheaded initiatives that strengthened the well-being of local seniors, such as launching the widely recognized “Be a Santa to a Senior” program in 2003, along with numerous volunteer and fundraising efforts.
“We are deeply grateful to the Southeast Texas community for your trust and support over the last nearly three decades,” said the Holders. “This has been a blessed journey, and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish in helping seniors live with dignity and independence.”
The franchise will be led by Jonathan Fry, a veteran Home Instead franchise owner from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Fry has retained the Beaumont office’s team of care professionals to maintain the same tandards of service clients and families have come to expect.
For more information about Home Instead Beaumont, contact the local office at (409) 892-7494 or visit HomeInstead.com/Beaumont.
Bealls store returning to Vidor on Main Street
Bealls announced it is returning to the Vidor community with a new location at 1380 North Main St., the former site of Brookshire Brothers.
The new store, set to open in April 2026, will be part of the Bealls brand, which recently acquired the national name rights to “Bealls” from Stage Stores Inc.
Construction is underway on the transformed shopping center, a project led by the Joe Aref Group.
After 35 years, Brookshire Brothers closed its Vidor store at the end of August 2024.
The new Bealls store will offer “a modern shopping experience,” and the remainder of the center’s retail space is also in development, with additional tenant announcements forthcoming.
The previous Bealls store was located at 730 North Main St., but it has closed.
ExxonMobil hosts cook-off to kick off UW campaign
Last month, ExxonMobil Beaumont Complex hosted a cook-off to kick-start its annual United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County employees giving campaign and raised nearly $31,000.
More than 40 teams cooked their favorite one-pot dishes for personnel and guest judges to taste-test.
First-place winners were:
• People’s Choice — Spiced Squad
• Judge’s Favorite — EMIT Ramen Noodle House
• Best Booth — Beaumont Complex Mechanical Leadership Team
The United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County supports 19 local nonprofit organizations by providing funding and resources to help carry out their missions.
TWC launches Employer Child Care Initiative
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) invites employers to apply for the Employer Child Care Solutions (ECCS) initiative. The ECCS initiative offers technical assistance to help businesses meet the child care needs of their employees.
“At the Texas Workforce Commission, we are committed to keeping Texans working, and high-quality child care expands opportunities for families in the workforce,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Employer Child Care Solutions initiative encourages employers to pursue technical assistance for innovative child care solutions.”
ECCS technical assistance providers will help employers develop child care solutions at or near the workplace. Employers will also gain access to resources and support services such as:
• Employee Needs Assessments
• Employer Feasibility and Cost Analysis Studies
• Options Analysis and Recommendations Reports
• Site Selection Reports
• Business Plan Development
Employers can visit twc.texas.gov/programs/child-care/employer-child-care-solutions to request guidance from a qualified provider. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Technical assistance through ECCS does not include funding for child care financial assistance (subsidies). In addition, employers will not receive any funding through this initiative.
Miller named as Silsbee Chamber executive director
The Silsbee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced Amy Miller as the new executive director Oct. 14.
“Amy brings a wealth of community knowledge and leadership experience to the Chamber, having previously worked at The Silsbee Bee newspaper, where she was deeply involved in sharing the stories that make our community special,” stated Chamber officials on social media. “Her passion for Silsbee and commitment to local growth make her the perfect fit to lead our Chamber into its next chapter. We’re excited for the energy, ideas, and dedication she’ll bring to our local business community.”
Miller takes over the director’s position following the death of Melissa Smart, who, along with three family members, died in a UTV crash in late July.
The board also named Jessica Crain as assistant executive director. John Mable and Kurt Woodard are new board members.
The Chamber’s office is located at 125 South 3rd St., and the phone number is (409) 385-5562.
Longtime Lumberton business owner dies
The Lumberton community lost a longtime business owner with the death of 82-year-old Jackie Lynn Baxter, who died Oct. 13 at his home.
He was born Sept. 6, 1943, in Beaumont to Calvin Jack Baxter and Shirley Meadows Baxter.
Baxter grew up in Beaumont and was a graduate of South Park High School. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Teel, in 1965. After many years of working in the tire business for his father, the couple decided to take a leap of faith and founded Jackie Baxter Tire Co. in 1978 in Lumberton. His shop served Lumberton and surrounding areas for the last 47 years.
Bank recognized as one of “America’s Best Banks”
Hancock Whitney has been recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Banks” for 2025. In its annual review of the largest publicly traded banks and thrifts, Forbes ranked Hancock Whitney 50th among a nationwide group of 100 leading banks. This is the fourth consecutive year Hancock Whitney has earned this recognition.
Forbes’ 16th annual America’s Best Banks list evaluates 10 metrics measuring growth, credit quality, and profitability for the 2024 calendar year, as well as stock performance in the 12 months through Jan. 10.
The 10 equally weighted financial metrics are net interest margin, return on average tangible common equity, return on average assets, CET1 ratio, efficiency ratio, nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets, reserves as a percentage of total assets, risk-based capital ratio, operating revenue growth, and net charge-offs as a percentage of total loans.
DuGood Federal Credit Union opens LIT branch
From Oct. 27–31, DuGood Federal Credit Union held a grand opening for its new Lamar Institute of Technology branch on the first floor of the Cecil Beeson Building, 855 East Lavaca St., in Beaumont.
The branch, DuGood’s 11th, will serve as a resource for students, providing financial access, tools, and education to support them throughout their academic journey and beyond as they prepare for the workforce.
Freddy’s opens Beaumont location near Parkdale Mall
Oct. 28, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opened at 4490 Crow Road in Beaumont, near Parkdale Mall.
In April, the restaurant announced it was beginning construction on the building, which had been vacant since October 2023 when Steak ’n Shake left the Beaumont market.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a fast-casual franchise concept with more than 550 locations across 36 states nationwide. It was founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas.
Local company completes municipal project
SETEX Construction Corp., located in Beaumont, announced in October that it was selected as the contractor for the removal and replacement of deteriorated roadway and installation of new drainage infrastructure along Forsythe Street in Beaumont.
The company noted all work was completed in full compliance with project plans and specifications.
According to a social media post, the scope of work included demolition of existing pavement and utilities; installation of new inlets, manholes, and storm sewer lines; and full roadway reconstruction with concrete curbs, flexible base, and asphalt paving. A key component of the project involved deep excavation — up to 18 feet below the road surface — to install a new 36-inch storm drainage pipe, requiring specialized trench safety measures and equipment.
“The project demanded precise sequencing and close coordination with local traffic and adjacent property owners. This collaboration was essential to maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions throughout construction,” the company reported. “Despite these complexities, the project was completed on time and within budget, successfully restoring vital drainage and roadway systems for the city of Beaumont.”
Entergy Texas spotlights local employee
In celebrating Customer Service Week (Oct. 6–10), Entergy Texas spotlighted a local employee “who works each day to support customers and communities,” according to a news release.
Dashuan Armstrong, a customer service manager in Port Arthur, joined Entergy in 2023 after more than a decade of leadership as a Target store manager and eight years of military service.
“Every day is different,” Armstrong said. “You never know what you’re going to run into, but the goal is always the same — find a solution.”
Armstrong said what he enjoys most is “helping people.”
“The best advice I’ve received is to not take things personally,” Armstrong shared. “When customers reach out, they may be frustrated, but it’s not about you — it’s about their situation. If you listen and show you’re there to help, you can turn that frustration into trust.”
Rotary Club announces upcoming speakers
The Rotary Club of Beaumont announced its speakers for the upcoming meetings.
Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams will speak Nov. 5, followed by a Veterans Day program Nov. 12 featuring Charlie Davis, instructor of history at Lamar University.
Nov. 19 will feature the Vocational Excellence Awards Program. No meeting is scheduled for Nov. 26 during Thanksgiving week.
Dec. 3, Jeffery Richardson, executive director of the McFaddin-Ward House, will speak, and Dec. 10 will be the club’s annual elections. There will be no meetings on Dec. 17, 24, or 31.
The club meets each Wednesday at noon at the MCM Elegante Hotel & Conference Center, 2355 Interstate 10 South in Beaumont. For more information, call (409) 842-1913 or email admin@beaumontrotaryclub.org.
Wetlands Transportation to open new headquarters
A new building for Wetlands Transportation will open in January, reported Capt. Joshua Davis.
According to Davis, the new Wetlands Transportation headquarters is scheduled to open at 18448 Interstate 10 in Vidor. He noted that moving the headquarters to the new location provides better access to the interstate.
The company supports oil and gas operations in Southeast Texas and western Louisiana with amphibious transportation such as airboats, marsh buggies, and crawler carriers.
According to the company’s website, Davis founded a charter fishing and hunting guide service in 1992. At age 12, he was a certified diver and later served in the United States Navy.
He is also a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain, a licensed emergency medical technician, and certified as a marine firefighter, advanced rescue diver, public safety rescue diver, and American Diving Council diver.
Chart wins Port Arthur LNG expansion contract
Chart Industries has been selected by Bechtel Energy Inc. to supply key equipment for Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project in Jefferson County, reported the Pipeline & Gas Journal.
The Atlanta-based company said the award, received in the third quarter of 2025, covers air-cooled heat exchangers, brazed aluminum heat exchangers, and cold boxes for the second phase of Sempra’s Gulf Coast export facility.
Chart previously provided equipment for Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 and will continue its role as a technology supplier for the expansion.
“Chart is proud to provide our LNG equipment to support the Sempra Infrastructure Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 development project,” said Jill Evanko, Chart Industries president and CEO. “We congratulate the Sempra Infrastructure and Bechtel teams on the progress made to date at Port Arthur LNG and their decision to bring more scale to this site.”
The Phase 2 development builds on ongoing construction at the 13.5 MMtpy Port Arthur LNG facility, where Bechtel serves as the EPC contractor. Chart’s equipment will support cryogenic and gas-handling processes integral to LNG production and cooling systems.
Former Port of Port Arthur director dies
Oct. 17, Floyd J. Gaspard, 78, of Port Arthur, died. He was born Oct. 28, 1946, in Port Arthur to the late Lonie Sr. and Elvena Gaspard.
For 53 years, Gaspard worked on the Port Arthur waterfront. He started with a summer job in 1965 that turned into a lifelong career, ending in retirement as port director of the Port of Port Arthur.
Gaspard was actively involved in many service organizations, including the Texas Port Association, Gulf Ports Association, American Association of Port Authorities, Traffic Club of Beaumont, Propeller Club, Seamen’s Center, Pulp & Paper International, and the Kansas City Southern Christmas Train.
Burial was held Oct. 24 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Gaspard’s memory to the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center, the Dominican Sisters of Houston, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Cheniere volunteers help with coastal cleanup
Last month, Cheniere volunteers and their families teamed up with local nonprofits and student organizations to spruce up shorelines in Louisiana and Texas as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
In Texas, volunteers collaborated with the Galveston Bay Foundation to collect more than 2,000 pounds of debris.
In Louisiana, crews joined the Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District and members of Cheniere-sponsored energy clubs from Lamar University and McNeese State University to collect 138 bags of debris.
Ramsey to be honored as 2025 Champion of Justice
Texas Watch will honor Mike Ramsey Sr. as a 2025 Champion of Justice on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The annual award recognizes “exceptional individuals whose unwavering commitment to justice has left an indelible mark on the community.”
According to Texas Watch, Ramsey is its first honoree from Beaumont.
“His outstanding leadership and commitment to safety, accountability, and justice have been phenomenal. His dedication has brought about significant, positive change in countless lives and established a benchmark for excellence in Texas,” said Texas Watch officials.
Ramsey has more than 35 years of experience and established the Ramsey Law Firm in April 2016.
He has served as chair of the Lamar University Board of Regents, a director of CommunityBank of Texas, and in 2001 was elected by his peers as president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
He began his career at Townsley, Bush & Ramsey (1981–88), was a partner at Bush, Lewis, Ramsey & Roebuck (1989–95), served as an equity partner at Provost Umphrey Law Firm (1995–2005), and was of counsel to Mostyn Law, where he managed the firm’s Beaumont office from 2005–15.
He attended Lamar University, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and received his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
YMBL makes donations to JCLTRG, 100 Club
The Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) donated $20,000 to the Jefferson County Long Term Recovery Group (JCLTRG) helping a local single mother and her three children rebuild their home after years of hardship following Hurricane Harvey.
JCLTRG is the only disaster-centric rebuild program serving Jefferson County, having completed 90 major repair projects and hosting more than 1,000 volunteers since 2021.
Last month, YMBL also donated $10,000 to the 100 Club in support of its annual golf tournament.
All proceeds from the Oct. 13 event go directly to the Survivor Fund, which provides assistance to first responders seriously injured in the line of duty. The fund also helps departments purchase life-saving safety equipment that falls outside regular budgets.
Companies donate TI-Nspire calculators to NISD
Nederland ISD received a donation of TI-Nspire calculators at C.O. Middle School on Oct. 15.
The donation, made possible through the support of OCI, Methanex, and Phillips 66, provided advanced graphing calculators that are essential tools for mathematics education, particularly benefiting students in advanced courses.
The state-of-the-art calculators will enhance students’ ability to visualize complex mathematical concepts and prepare them for success in higher-level coursework.
Motiva: Annual Beach Cleanup a success
Motiva sponsored the fourth annual Beach Cleanup at McFaddin Beach in Sabine Pass, organized by the Coastal Conservation Association Texas Golden Triangle, Sabine-Neches, and Orange County Chapters.
More than 80 volunteers removed over 60 bags of trash, totaling more than 1,200 pounds, from the coastline.
As the title sponsor, Motiva donated $7,500 for the installation of trash barrels along a mile of McFaddin Beach.
Hancock unveils interactive TexStats Dashboard
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the unveiling of a new interactive data dashboard designed to put the latest economic and demographic information directly into the hands of Texans.
The announcement came during a regional event hosted by the Tyler Chamber of Commerce, where Hancock kicked off the Good for Texas Tour: TexStats Dashboard Edition.
The new TexStats Regional Data Dashboard consolidates a wide range of state, county and regional data into a single, user-friendly site. Visitors can explore everything from population growth and job trends to health care access, education levels, industry strength and trade activity.
“In a state as big as Texas, it’s important to understand not only the big picture but also the unique regional economies, people and industries that drive our success,” Hancock said. “This new interactive tool makes that possible by letting Texans filter, download and customize data to meet their specific needs.”
Drawing on trusted sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the dashboard gives state leaders, local governments, researchers and businesses access to the most current, reliable information. Users can also look back at up to 10 years of data to track regional changes over time.
