The latest Business has been steady for Cartz, and the owners are hoping to add another line of street-legal cars. It also performs maintenance on the golf carts it sells at the store.

What’s next  Cartz’s owners are one day hoping to expand to Houston, possibly in the Heights.

[caption id="attachment_216709" align="alignright" width="174"] Hashtag Kids Co. offers brand-name clothing and accessories for children.[/caption]

3. Hashtag Kids Co.

What we reported Hashtag Kids Co. opened April 16 in Fulshear. The store specializes in clothing for children and other retail items, such as shoes, accessories and toys. Featured brands include Natives and Under Armour for Kids.

The latest Hashtag Kids Co. added more baby and tween merchandise to the store and has been expanding the activities it has for children in its crafting workshop. Parents who are expecting can now register for gifts at the store.

What’s next  Hashtag Kids Co.’s plans include offering more baby and tween merchandise in 2017. At the end of January, patrons will be able to shop online on the store’s Facebook page.

[caption id="attachment_216710" align="alignright" width="220"] Integrity Bank provides services to small and midsize community businesses.[/caption]

4. Integrity Bank

What we reported Integrity Bank is opening a branch near Katy Mills in late July. The branch will be the bank’s fourth in the state of Texas and its first in the Katy area. A local community bank founded in Houston, Integrity Bank offers services to small and mid-size community businesses.

The latest Integrity is anchored as a full-service, traditional community bank. It has become involved in the Katy Area Economic Development Council, supported the St. Johns XIII College Preparatory Crimson & Gold 10K Race and contributed to Current–A Christian Church’s Current Cupboard which collects donations and nonperishable foods for families in need in the Katy area.

What’s next Integrity does not anticipate another one of its locations in Katy, but perhaps one in the Sugar Land area.

[caption id="attachment_216711" align="alignright" width="186"] Katerra Exotics sells its products at its storefront and at local farmers markets.[/caption]

5. Katerra Exotics

What we reported Katerra Exotics opened a brick-and-mortar location Sept. 28 in downtown Katy to serve as a complement to its farmers market business. The company raises some animals at its ranch in the Katy area, locally sources others and sells the meat at four local farmers markets. Meat options include bison, goat, chicken, beef, lamb and wild boar. In addition to its grass-fed and pasture-raised meat, the business also retails other local foods at its new store, such as produce, salsa, nut mixes, jellies, dried fruit and artisan cheese.

The latest  This month, Katerra is starting a monthly package deal for customers that can be delivered or picked up at the store consisting of meats and other products.

What’s next Katerra Exotics is looking to sell more products from local farmers markets.

[caption id="attachment_216713" align="alignright" width="215"] Katy Hardware has plans to relocate to a new 11,500-square-foot store in March.[/caption]

6. Katy Hardware

What we reported Katy Hardware celebrated 15 years of business in 2016 and was in the process of moving the business from downtown Katy to 625 Pin Oak Road. The new 11,500-square-foot building will also have an adjacent lumberyard and expanded sections. With the change, Katy Hardware would become an Ace Hardware-affiliated store.

The latest  Katy Hardware is setting up to move to the newly constructed building in March. The building has been built, and workers are finalizing building details, including painting and setting up product shelves.

What’s next  A grand opening for the new store is set to take place in April, and it is possible more employees will be hired.

[caption id="attachment_216715" align="alignright" width="198"] The Kingdom and Wheels facility features a 3,000-square-foot skating rink.[/caption]

7. Kingdom and Wheels

What we reported Kingdom and Wheels opened April 19 in southwest Katy among a slew of new commercial growth. The business features a 3,000-square-foot skating rink, and the skate center offers birthday parties, skating classes, Zumba classes, open playtime and snacks. The facility is the business’s first location.

The latest Kingdom and Wheels added an indoor playground and toddler area.

What’s next The business owner wants to franchise Kingdom and Wheels in the future, but in the short term, Kingdom and Wheels plans to add to its activities with summer camps.

[caption id="attachment_216716" align="alignright" width="220"] Potter’s Brush allows customers to select and paint their own pottery.[/caption]

8. Potter’s Brush

What we reported Potter’s Brush, was projected to open by mid-May on the border of Katy and Fulshear. The business lets customers pick pottery and paint it with all of the necessary materials provided, including stencils, pencils and stamps. Store employees provide assistance, and once the ceramic is painted, the studio glazes and fires the pottery.

The latest Potter’s Brush opened July 3 and added clay impressions to its painting activities.

What’s next Potter’s Brush will expand possibly to the LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch area of Katy in a smaller location this year. Its owners are currently looking for locations.

[caption id="attachment_216718" align="alignright" width="207"] Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills is a nontraditional high school.[/caption]

9. Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills

What we reported Classes began Sept. 21 at Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills, located at Entrance 7 of the mall. The roughly 5,000-square-foot space was previously a mall storage area and now serves as a continuing education facility for high school students who wish to pursue diplomas. The academy was built and leased by the Simon Youth Foundation and is operated by Katy ISD. The foundation also added KISD’s Martha Raines High School to its network, giving the company a total of 29 locations in 12 states.

The latest Two students have completed graduation requirements, and 23 people are enrolled in Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills.

What’s next KISD is focused during the first year on building relationships with students to encourage attendance, complete high school and to set goals after high school.

The Simon Youth Foundation is in negotiations to create schools in New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia in 2017.

[caption id="attachment_216719" align="alignright" width="194"] 3five7 Arms sells firearms, related
accessories and cleaning supplies.[/caption]

10. 3five7 Arms

What we reported 3five7 Arms opened its first location March 12 at 406 W. Grand Parkway S., Ste. 320, Katy. The gun store stocks an inventory of firearms, cleaning supplies and accessories.

The latest 3five7 Arms has been adding products to its store, picking up Oakley and Kryptec as well as G2 Precision among other lines. Additional products are on the way.

What’s next   The owners of 3five7 Arms are looking to further expand the store’s inventory. They also intend to partner with an instructor to offer license to carry classes and active shooter training courses.