From a new breakfast chain location to a Mont Belvieu-based Mexican restaurant, check out the most anticipated projects expected to kick off or open this year in the New Caney and Porter areas, based on readership data analyzed by Community Impact. This list is not comprehensive.

1. A Walmart in Porter will be undergoing renovations this summer that are slated to wrap up in September. The store will see possible improvements such as renovated pharmacy and apparel sections, and expansions to the deli and produce sections.2. Marketplace—a new 188-acre shopping and retail center—is coming soon to Valley Ranch. The shopping center will include 850,000 square feet of retail space, and is designed to be a walkable shopping center with outdoor seating at restaurants, and a mix of national retailers and local shops.
  • Construction to begin this year
  • Located in the southwest corner of the intersection between the Grand Parkway and Valley Ranch Parkway in New Caney
  • www.valley-ranch.com
3. Waffle House will be opening a new location at the 35-acre Caney Crossing shopping center. Construction is expected to kick off in April. Waffle House boasts a menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner items including waffles, omelets, hash browns, burgers, pork chops and pies.4. The East Montgomery County Improvement District's convention center is currently under construction. The 210,000-square-foot space will feature a 55,000-square-foot ballroom/exhibit hall, nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting space and more.
  • Opening in late 2026
  • 21714 Valley Ranch Blvd., New Caney
  • www.emctx.com
5. Permits were filed in October for the construction of a new 6,760-square-foot shell building in Valley Ranch Town Center. The project—known as Tract 7W—is located on roughly 1 acre situated between Gringo's Tex-Mex and James Avery Artisan Jewelry.
  • Expected to be completed in March
  • 21580 Market Place Drive, New Caney
  • www.shopvrtc.com
6. Casa Julia Tex Mex is expected to open this month in New Caney. The menu boasts scratch-made dishes ranging from carne guisada and pork tamales to quesabirria tacos and empanadas.7. Captain Crab is opening a 5,600-square-foot restaurant soon in New Caney. The restaurant will offer Cajun seafood, including crawfish, snow crab legs, shrimp po’boys and fried seafood baskets.