The Freshest, Highest Quality and Best Tasting Products

Kolache. Klobasnek. Klobasniki. Whatever old world name you call it, the Czech pastry made of semi-sweet dough and sweet and savory fillings can be found at the Kolache Factory.

Founded in 1982, Kolache Factory is celebrating 40 years of bringing the fresh, authentic taste and warmth of the Eastern European pastry to American foodies.

When John Banks and his late wife Jerri founded the first Kolache Factory in Houston, Texas, they saw an opportunity to introduce the Czech pastry as a fresh, high-quality food that could be eaten “on the run.” With a variety of fruit, meat, and cheese fillings, they knew it was the perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack food – and great for parties, too! 

After perfecting the recipe, the Banks’ launched a campaign to educate customers on their own Texas twist to the beloved kolache. Their vision of Kolache Factory was to be a community restaurant that served food that’s not only fresh, delicious, and more nutritious than fast food, but served in an environment that brings back the charm and warmth of the old world.

The Banks’ built the Kolache Factory brand and following from the ground up. It started with deliveries to local churches, schools, and community groups in the Houston area and soon demand for the tasty handheld pastries and legions of kolache lovers grew. Banks added more and more stores, but decided franchising was the best way to bring his delicious and unique products to neighborhoods across the country.

Banks began franchising in 2000, with a dream of taking Kolache Factory coast to coast with 200 stores!

That is exactly what is happening as this family-owned restaurant continues to grow and thrive as a highly sought after bakery-café franchise with locations from California to South Carolina. Banks’ daughter Dawn Nielsen -- who started sweeping floors at the Kolache Factory at nine years old -- serves as Chief Operating Officer, and soon the third generation will step in as Banks’ granddaughter, Sabrina Nielsen, prepares to join the family business. 

Today, Kolache Factory is expanding nationwide through adding franchise units and has received national attention for its concept and product. Although it’s products hearken back to a simpler time, the quick serve restaurant stays on the cutting edge by investing in the latest technology to support its operators and serve its customers with convenience and efficiency – while never sacrificing the taste and values upon which Kolache Factory was built.

Kolache Factory has been recognized across the country as one of the Top 5 Drive-thru’s in America by the Food Network, one of the fastest growing companies in Houston, a top 50 U.S. food service bakery by Modern Baking magazine, and Franchise Times magazine listed Kolache Factory as one of the top 20 bakery-cafés to watch. In addition, Entrepreneur magazine named it the #1 Baked Goods franchise in 2022 and among the top 200+ food-based franchises in 2021. Kolache Factory also engages with local communities through innovative partnerships, including Major League sports franchises.

Kolache Factory is privately owned and operated, and headquartered in Katy, Texas. There are currently more than 60 company-owned and franchise stores primarily located in the Houston, TX area, with additional stores located in San Antonio, TX; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX; McAllen, TX; Carmel and Castleton, IN; Brentwood, MO; Deer Creek & Overland Park, KS; Omaha, NE; Albuquerque, NM; Virginia Beach, VA; Tustin and Huntington Beach, CA; and Powdersville, SC.

Other stores will be opening soon in various cities around the country.

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