Kolache Factory re-closing dining rooms as COVID-19 cases spike

Erin Douglas
June 24, 2020 | Updated: June 24, 2020 5:06 p.m.

Kolache Factory said it would re-close its dining rooms due to spiking COVID-19 cases in the region. Photo: E. Joseph Deering, Staff

Kolache Factory, a popular Texas pastry restaurant chain, said Wednesday it has re-closed dining rooms at 27 corporate locations in Texas, Kansas and Indiana. Theclosed dining rooms at 27 corporate locations in Texas, Kansas and Indiana. Therestaurant on Wednesday moved back to carry-out, curbside or drive-thru services only.

The company attributed the closure to a “dramatic” surge in COVID-19 cases in Texas and Houston in particular.

“We are taking the preemptive step of shutting down dining rooms at all corporate-owned locations, so we can protect our customers and employees,” said Dawn Nielsen, COO of Kolache Factory. “We understand this is a scary time, but we are committed to doing our part to protect one another and our economy.”

Houston employers on Wednesday were encouraged by the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston’s leading business group, to send workers back home from the ofce if possible due to the spike in COVID-19 cases across the region.

Kolache Factory has also closed self-serve beverage stations; instead, employees will service the entire order, including beverages, at the counter. Bathrooms at the restaurants are also closed to the public.

Kolache Factory was founded in Houston in 1982 and is headquartered in Katy, Texas. Its 30 franchise locations would be allowed to make individual decisions on whether to close dining areas, a spokesperson said, and many of them have decided to follow the corporation's lead.