Hometown Glory

University of Houston is No. 1 in the country in ...

University of Houston's Melcher Hall, home of the Bauer College of Business
Photo by Brian Reading
Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University

It's not news that Houston is one of the top cities in the country for business — just ask Forbes. But the new rankings by Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine on the best business programs for entrepreneurs showed the commitment of two Houston schools to keeping our city awash in entrepreneurial spirit.

The University of Houston's Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship earned the top spot on the best undergraduate programs list, with 100 percent of the faculty also entrepreneurs and a combination of academics and outside-the-classroom learning opportunities, including partnerships, clubs, competitions and other activities.

It's the second time in four years that the UH program, part of the C.T. Bauer College of Business, has been ranked first in the country.

"It's a pat on the back for the fact that we have extended these types of programs to a very broad range of students, but also in an sense to community of Houston, which is now regularly ranked as the number one entrepreneurial city in the country," Bauer College of Business Dean Arthur Warga told KUHF.

In graduate programs, Rice University's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business also received high marks for its entrepreneurship program, coming in sixth on the list. It's the third time Rice has appeared on the list and its second time in the top 10.

With all faculty also working as entrepreneurs, the Jones School stands out with nearly $1.1 million awarded yearly in business plan competitions, a figure that dwarfs every other program on the list.

As Entrepreneur notes,

"The Rice Alliance program integrates business/science/engineering disciplines in the areas of new technology and entrepreneurship, such as nanotechnology, which is a strong discipline at the school. Among the numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial students is the Wright Fund, a student-run fund valued at more than $850,000."

Looks like business-minded folks can get the bestentrepreneurial education without leaving the city.

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Shopping scene

Eyewear, boys' clothes, and 'splendid' ice cream coming to Rice Village

RIce Village at dusk with shoppers walking around

COurtesy Rice Village

Shoppers in Rice Village will have more options, with three new retailers set to open in the coming weeks.

Shoppers in Rice Village are about to have an even broader selection of boutiques and eateries. The Rice Real Estate Company announced this week the arrival of New Orleans-based eyewear brand KREWE, local boys’ boutique ParkerJoe, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

KREWE offers luxury sunglasses and optical frames that draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. Designs blend classic and contemporary aesthetics, creating unique, fashion-forward frames. The retailer will occupy a 941-square-foot store at 5515 Kelvin Dr. Suite 125, and opens in time for shoppers to find great gifts or get a new look for the holidays. The Rice Village location is the brand's first brick-and-mortar location in Houston. There’s a grand opening fête on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 pm with creative New Orleans fare, live music, and other fun.

In January 2025, shoppers can look forward to ParkerJoe. It’s the second location for the mother-daughter-owned shop, specializIng in apparel for boys from newborns to around 12 years old. Shoppers will find a rich selection of apparel, accessories, shoes, toys, and books, as well as specialty items such as golf and tennis apparel, suits, formalwear, and Texas-themed toys and clothing.The new boutique will occupy a 1,975-square-foot store at 5515 Kelvin Drive, between Vuori and Paper Source.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams also joins the mix, opening a 1,603-square-foot location at 5411 Morningside Drive, across from Torchy's Tacos, in early 2025. Jeni's has gained a cult following for its one-of-a-kind ice creams such as Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Brambleberry Crisp.

The new retailers further cement the Village’s reputation as a shopping destination, offering customers a wide selection of eclectic finds.

"Rice Village continues to attract a dynamic mix of local and national brands," said Kenneth Jett, vice president for facilities and capital planning and president of Rice Real Estate Company. "These new tenants reflect our commitment to providing a vibrant, walkable destination for shopping, dining, and community experiences. We are thrilled to welcome these esteemed brands to our community.”

The new additions complement recently opened stores like The Beaufort Bonnet Company, an upscale children’s lifestyle apparel brand located at 5515 Kelvin Drive Suite 120 and Paper Source, a haven for stationery enthusiasts and craft lovers, located just steps away at 5515 Kelvin Dr. Suite 100. Rice Village is also home to a number of restaurants, including Navy Blue, Hamsa, and Sixty Vines.

Courtesy of Rice Village

Shoppers in Rice Village will have more options, with three new retailers set to open in the coming weeks.

rice village openings shopping ice-cream