BrakeTime acquires 14-store chain
BrakeTime Corner Market has acquired the convenience retail and fuel distribution business of Texas-based competitor FastLane, Rene DaCosta, BrakeTime’s vice president of food, dispensed beverages and QSR, told C-Store Dive on April 13.
The deal includes FastLane’s 14 convenience stores, all located just outside Houston near the Louisiana border. DaCosta said BrakeTime intends to “fully remodel” each location with a food-focused store layout. The stores are in Beaumont, Lumberton, Vidor, Nederland, Winnie and Port Arthur. He said nearly 200 FastLane employees will join BrakeTime’s team.
BrakeTime’s latest purchase underscores the retailer’s goal to expand its store network and build out its foodservice offerings, which CEO Usman Bashir said last year were two of the company’s primary objectives heading into 2026.
DaCosta said that although BrakeTime intends to eventually rebrand all 14 sites to its own banner — which already includes about 300 locations across several states — they will operate as FastLane stores for now. He added that remodels will roll out in phases, introducing “contemporary design, expanded foodservice capabilities and innovative offerings.”
Motiva team receives award
Motiva Enterprises LLC announced its Base Oils team was recently honored with Idemitsu Lubricants America’s Outstanding Supplier Award, highlighting its commitment to excellence in commercial performance, operations, customer service and quality.
The award was presented at the annual Idemitsu Supplier Summit, where hundreds of suppliers gather to exchange business insights, enhance collaboration and recognize top-performing partners.
This is the first time Motiva has received the Outstanding Supplier Award from Idemitsu, reflecting the trust and credibility the organization has built with this strategic global customer. Following the summit, Motiva welcomed Erna Phang, Idemitsu’s global Group II/III procurement manager, to the Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex to showcase base oil production processes and quality management systems.
Turner honored by Rotary Club of Beaumont
The Rotary Club of Beaumont named Robert Turner its Executive of the Year, recognizing his leadership, professional achievements and contributions to the Southeast Texas community, according to Executive Director MiKayla Bourque.
He was honored at the Executive of the Year Banquet on April 16 at the MCM Elegante Ballroom, alongside community leaders, business professionals and Rotarians.
The award recognizes a local leader who demonstrates excellence in business, integrity in leadership and a strong commitment to community service.
Bourque said Turner was selected for advancing economic growth, supporting community initiatives and exemplifying service above self.
“Through his leadership, Turner has made a significant impact both professionally and philanthropically. His work has strengthened organizations, supported local initiatives and helped foster collaboration that benefits the greater Beaumont area,” she said.
New vet at veterinary clinic
Main Street Veterinary Clinic in Lumberton announced a new addition, Dr. Haley Fontenot.
Fontenot is originally from Orange and earned her Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M University in 2020, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M in 2025.
She enjoys all aspects of surgery, with a particular interest in orthopedic procedures.
Fontenot is also Fear Free Certified and is dedicated to making veterinary visits as stress-free and comfortable as possible for patients and their owners.
Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her two cats, Arya and Fig.
New businesses coming to existing locations in Lumberton
Four new businesses are coming to existing locations, according to the city of Lumberton.
Woodstalk Photography, owned by Lauren Helton, will be at 936 South Main St.; Modesty Majesty, a boutique owned by Amber Mansfield, will be at 902 South Main St.; TexasMed Clinic will be at 114 South LHS Drive; and First in Detail will be at 55 West Chance Cut-Off Road, Suite 500.
Motiva team recognized by IPA
Motiva Enterprises announced its Site Capital Projects team has received the “Best Site Award” from Independent Project Analysis for performance at the Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex.
IPA, an authority in capital project benchmarking, ranked the complex first across nearly all categories.
“Our team not only met the rigorous qualification standards set by IPA but also set a new benchmark, placing PAMC among the world’s leading industrial sites for capital project execution,” Motiva officials said.
Christus Health gala unites philanthropy, music
The Christus Southeast Texas Foundation hosted its 43rd annual Christus Gala, highlighted by a performance from Grammy-nominated artist Martina McBride.
The event raised more than $800,000 to support health care services provided by the Christus Southeast Texas Health System. Proceeds will fund medical equipment, patient care programs and services, including SANE and forensic nursing, women’s health, maternal and newborn care, pediatric programs and Children’s Miracle Network initiatives.
“The generosity of our donors and sponsors continues to make a lasting impact,” said Teri Hawthorne, executive director of philanthropy. “Philanthropy plays a vital role in helping us deliver high-quality, integrated care while investing in programs and equipment that will strengthen patient outcomes.”
Guests enjoyed dinner, wine, dessert and live entertainment by McBride, known for hits such as “A Broken Wing,” “Wild Angels,” “I Love You” and “Blessed.”
Two clinics open in Port Arthur
Two clinics opened April 20 in Port Arthur, providing specialized care to a community that has experienced health care shortages.
Premier Women’s Health Clinic and Premier Primary Care Clinic, located at 3717 Royal Meadows Blvd., held a grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The clinics are an extension of the Medical Center of Southeast Texas and aim to serve the community regardless of financial status.
New team at Port Neches Chamber
Donna Cardone is the new executive director of the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, and Krista Dabel is the new chamber assistant.
Cardone will also serve as executive director of RiverFest, while Dabel will assist with the transition and help coordinate the event.
Port Arthur welcomes Hotard with ribbon-cutting
April 12, Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte Moses announced officials visited and celebrated the opening of the new Hotard bus terminal facility.
“I must say,” Moses said, “it represents progress, partnership and investment in our city.”
“It was a pleasure to meet with the team, tour the facility and see firsthand the commitment to quality service. This facility is not just about transportation — it’s about creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure and positioning Port Arthur for growth.”
Hotard officials also hosted a Family Day and grand opening at the Jade location April 12.
“We welcomed friends, family and community members into our new space,” officials said. “Guests toured the facility, enjoyed food, played games and learned more about our work.”
The company’s Port Arthur fleet is designed for high-frequency routes and daily workforce transportation.
Twisted Egg Shack opens in Orange
A new breakfast restaurant has opened in Orange.
The Twisted Egg Shack, 288 Strickland Drive, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 31 hosted by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber also held a ribbon-cutting April 2 at Lava Java, 1012 Green Ave.
Zachry secures 10-year renewal contract with Cheniere
March 27, Zachry Maintenance Services announced it was awarded a contract renewal from Cheniere Energy for maintenance services at LNG facilities in Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi.
Zachry has supported Cheniere for nearly a decade, providing maintenance solutions aligned with the company’s mission and values.
Under the contract, Zachry will continue and expand in-plant services at both sites.
“We appreciate Cheniere’s continued confidence,” said Rob Berra, president of Zachry Services Group.
Company announces scholarship recipients
BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals awarded two Lamar University College of Engineering students scholarships April 6.
The 2026 recipients are Colin Tran and Kearstan Zabel, selected for their work ethic and dedication. The scholarships cover tuition, fees and books.
Girls’ Haven announces Smith as new program director
Girls’ Haven Inc. announced Alexis Smith as its new program director.
Smith will lead program development and implementation supporting the girls’ growth, healing and well-being.
“With a strong focus on trauma-informed care, Alexis works closely with staff to build relationships and create impactful experiences,” according to the organization.
Gardner, Streeter join SETX OBGYN
Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates announced Meryl Gardner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, as a new nurse practitioner.
Gardner earned degrees from Aspen University and United States University and has experience in labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery care.
Also in February, Emily Streeter, MSN, APRN, CNM, joined the practice. She earned her degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Six new EMTs join SETX ranks
Six graduates have completed training at Acadian Ambulance’s National EMS Academy and joined the region’s emergency response workforce.
The 12-week program included medical education, theory and clinical simulations.
Graduates include Victor Bradley of Orange, Stetson Campbell of Kountze, Brian Hunt and Logan Hunter of Beaumont, Jumika Smith of Kountze and Caleb Stephenson of Lumberton.
“These graduates didn’t just pass a course; they answered a calling,” said Director Timothy Dronet.
Registration is open for the next class. Orientation sessions will be held May 19 and 20. Visit www.BecomeAMedic.com for more information.
