Kolache, a beloved pastry with Czech origins, comes in both sweet and savory varieties, making it a favorite for breakfast or a snack. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying one for the first time, this is a perfect chance to enjoy a free bite.

Stop by and grab your kolache while supplies last!

February 22, 2024 // Franchising.com // KATY, Tex. - Kolache Factory is gearing up to celebrate its namesake delicacy by giving away thousands of FREE kolaches on National Kolache Day! That means prepping thousands of pounds of its signature semi-sweet yeast dough.

On Friday, March 1, every customer at every store nationwide can celebrate National Kolache Day with a free fruit or cream cheese kolache from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

The Czech-inspired pastry, filled with savory and sweet fruits, meats, and cheeses, has legions of loyal followers who can’t get enough of the handheld pastries that are the perfect breakfast, lunch, or on-the-go snack. But others have yet to discover one of Texas’s favorite food icons.

“Believe it or not, we still have people coming in and trying a kolache for the first time every day,” says Kolache Factory COO Dawn Nielsen. “Of course, we also have regulars who stop in every morning. National Kolache Day is for everyone! We want to share our passion for kolaches by giving away free kolaches to thank our loyal customers and introduce our traditional Czech pastry to new folks.”

Here’s how to get your FREE kolache:

Walk up (or drive-thru) to any Kolache Factory location and say “National Kolache Day” for a FREE fruit or cream cheese kolache! This festive offer is only good on Friday, March 1, 2024, so mark your calendars to start your day with a free kolache! One per customer. No substitutions. No purchase necessary. While supplies last.

Kolaches, pronounced kuh-lah-chees, were born in Czechoslovakia centuries ago when a young girl nabbed some soft, sweet bread dough from her mom, added plums (NOT prunes, that's a tall tale!), and tossed it in the oven. Her dad grabbed one for a snack, and when he took a bite, the hot plum juice made him circle like a wheel in delight. The Czech word for wheel is “kola” — so the kolache was born. It became a tasty and beloved treat throughout Eastern Europe and arrived in America in the 1850s when Czech settlers came to Texas. By the 1900s, the Czech immigrants were holding yearly celebrations to honor their beloved culinary treat — the kolache.

It didn’t take long for kolaches to get a Texan twist, so now the sweet pastries are filled with savory meats, cheeses, and spices, perfect as an on-the-go snack for any meal. Kolache Factory has taken the iconic Texan delicacy and made it available from coast to coast.

SOURCE Kolache Factory

By John Unrein

Kolache Factory, a unique and fast-growing bakery-café franchise based in Katy, Texas, celebrates its namesake delicacy by giving away thousands of free kolaches on National Kolache Day.

On Friday, March 1, every customer at every store nationwide celebrates National Kolache Day with a free fruit or cream cheese kolache, while supplies last.

The Czech-inspired pastry, filled with savory and sweet fruits, meats, and cheeses, has legions of loyal followers who can’t get enough of the handheld pastries that are the perfect breakfast, lunch, or on-the-go snack. But others have yet to discover one of Texas’s favorite food icons.

“Believe it or not, we still have people coming in and trying a kolache for the first time every day,” says Kolache Factory chief operating officer Dawn Nielsen. “Of course, we also have regulars who stop in every morning. National Kolache Day is for everyone! We want to share our passion for kolaches by giving away free kolaches to thank our loyal customers and introduce our traditional Czech pastry to new folks.”

Kolaches, pronounced kuh-lah-chees, were born in Czechoslovakia centuries ago when a young girl nabbed some soft, sweet bread dough from her mom, added plums (NOT prunes), and tossed it in the oven. Her dad grabbed one for a snack, and when he took a bite, the hot plum juice made him circle like a wheel in delight. The Czech word for wheel is “kola” — so the kolache was born. It became a tasty and beloved treat throughout Eastern Europe and arrived in America in the 1850s when Czech settlers came to Texas. By the 1900s, the Czech immigrants were holding yearly celebrations to honor their beloved culinary treat — the kolache.

It didn’t take long for kolaches to get a Texan twist, so now the sweet pastries are filled with savory meats, cheeses, and spices, perfect as an on-the-go snack for any meal. Kolache Factory has taken the iconic Texan delicacy and made it available from coast to coast.

Kolache Factory was founded in 1982 by John and Jerri Banks, who identified a need for a fresh, high-quality breakfast that could be eaten “on the run.” The Bankses encouraged consumers to try the high-quality, fresh pastries filled with fruits, meat, and cheeses, and soon they were in high demand for business meetings, family breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, and afternoon snacks.

Kolache Factory has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Drive-Thrus in America by Food Network, one of the fastest-growing companies in Houston, and one of the top 50 foodservice bakeries in the United States. In addition, Entrepreneur magazine named it among the top 200+ food-based franchises in 2021 and the #1 Baked Goods franchise in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

https://www.bakemag.com/articles/18633-its-national-kolache-day-at-the-kolache-factory

Thu, February 29, 2024 at 9:08 AM EST·1 min read

ST. LOUIS – Celebrate National Kolache Day with Kolache Factory on Friday and you will score a free kolache from your local Kolache Factory at 2604 South Brentwood.

The bakery is preparing thousands of pounds of soft, sweet dough and gooey fillings to give away as many fruit and cream cheese kolaches to as many people as possible. Everyone gets a free fruit or cream cheese kolache Friday from open to close (6:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) or while supplies last.

They also have more than 20 other varieties, including egg, meat, and cheese options, for purchase.

Houston- CW39 Houston Happens

I had a great conversation with Bobby Marhamat on the QSR Experience Show. We discussed:

- How Kolache Factory has evolved its operations and technology from the 1980s.
- Advice for QSR owners and franchisees to rely on others and not do it all alone.
and more..

Check out the full episode here:
https://raydiantplus.com/kolache-factory-dawn-nielsen-creating-unique-products-satisfied-employees-and-successful-franchises/ 

By Shawn Arrajj | 9:00 AM Nov 21, 2023 CST

Children who have experienced sex trafficking can browse from hundreds of clothing items and shoes—all for free—thanks to a new initiative unveiled Nov. 14 by the nonprofit Children's Assessment Center with help from the Kolache Factory. (Courtesy Children's Assessment Center)

Children who have experienced sex trafficking can browse from hundreds of clothing items and shoes—all for free—thanks to a new initiative unveiled Nov. 14 by the nonprofit Children's Assessment Center with help from the Kolache Factory.

Now open

Called the Rainbow Room, the concept is meant to provide children and their families with a safe and fun "shopping" experience, CAC Development Manager Cassie Donovan said. Children can pick from gently used clothes, shoes, toiletries and other items.

“Supporting basic needs enables families to focus on healing from the trauma of child sexual abuse without worrying about financial burdens and provides normalizing experiences during this challenging time,” Donovan said in a statement.

Zooming in

A Katy-based location of the Kolache Factory was central to the effort to stock shoes and socks, Donovan said. The business collected $21,000 in donations from customers over the course of the summer, which was used to purchase 360 pairs of new Vans shoes, according to a Nov. 13 news release.

What else

Located at 2500 Bolsover St., Houston, the CAC advocates for the health and well being of children who have been sexually abused, offering a range of services that includes forensic interviewing, therapy and medical services, all free of charge. More than 900 advocacy center's exist across the U.S., and the CAC is the only one serving Harris County.

HOUSTON – (August 25, 2023) – Demonstrating its commitment to the local community, Kolache Factory, a popular quick-service bakery-café franchise based in Katy, Texas, proudly presented a check for $21,528 to The Children's Assessment Center (CAC) in Houston this week. The funds, raised entirely through customer donations, will be used to purchase shoes and socks for children who have been victims of sexual abuse in Harris County, Texas.

Houston, unfortunately, holds the grim distinction of being ranked the number one city in the United States for sex trafficking. Addressing such a sensitive issue can be challenging, which is why Kolache Factory chose to focus on a tangible need: providing shoes and socks for children in distress. All Kolache Factory stores in the Houston area participated in this initiative, asking customers if they wished to contribute to the shoe drive at checkout. The overwhelming response from the community meant that the small change quickly added up, resulting in a significant donation.

Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer of Kolache Factory, expressed her gratitude to the community, stating, "We genuinely want to thank our customers and employees. This donation was 100% funded by our customers. We couldn't make a difference in these children's lives without our dedicated employees promoting the cause and the generosity of our customers. While it's challenging to address the issue of sexual trafficking directly, focusing on providing a pair of shoes for kids in need is a step in the right direction. It's truly remarkable to witness the ripple effect that occurs when we come together as a community."

In the coming months, children, and their families in need, will be invited to the CAC for a special shopping event where they can pick out new shoes and socks, bringing a bit of comfort and normalcy to their lives.

The Children's Assessment Center in Houston provides essential services to sexually abused children in Harris County. Their holistic approach ensures that children and their families receive the support, counseling, and medical care they need during their healing journey. The recent donation from Kolache Factory will further bolster the center's efforts, ensuring that children not only receive emotional and medical support but also the simple comfort of new shoes and socks.

For more information about Kolache Factory's community initiatives or to learn how you can contribute, please visit Kolache Factory. To learn more about The Children's Assessment Center and their invaluable work, visit https://cachouston.org/community-connections/

About the Kolache Factory

Kolache Factory was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas, by John and Jerri Banks, who identified a need for a fresh, high-quality breakfast that could be eaten “on the run.” The Bankses encouraged consumers to try the high-quality, fresh pastries filled with fruits, meat, and cheeses, and soon they were in high demand for business meetings, family breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, and afternoon snacks. Kolache Factory has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Drive-Thrus in America by Food Network, one of the fastest-growing companies in Houston, and one of the top 50 foodservice bakeries in the United States by Modern Baking magazine. In addition, Entrepreneur magazine named it among the top 200+ food-based franchises and the #1 Baked Goods franchise in 2022 and 2023. Kolache Factory is privately owned and operated and headquartered in Katy, Texas. For more information, please visit https://kolachefactory.com/.

KATY, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 2023 / Kolache Factory, a unique and fast-growing national pastry chain based in Katy, Texas, ranks No. 1 in the Baked Goods category as Entrepreneur recognizes the company as one of the Best of the Best Franchises in 2023.

The ranking, featured in the July/August issue of Entrepreneur magazine and on Entrepreneur.com, highlights the standout brands from the publication's 2023 Franchise 500 ranking that ranked at the top of their industry categories. This is the second year in a row Kolache Factory sits at the top of the Baked Goods category. The brand also ranks 459 on the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500® list.

"Not only is being recognized as a Best of the Best Franchise by Entrepreneur a tremendous honor, but we are absolutely thrilled to secure the number one spot in our category for the second year in a row," says Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer at Kolache Factory. "Entrepreneur carefully evaluates numerous factors to determine the strength and performance of franchises for these highly competitive lists. This achievement is a resounding testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the exceptional individuals within our system."

The Kolache Factory is built around the kolache, a Czechoslovakian pastry filled with fruits, meats, and cheeses. The first location opened more than 40 years ago in Houston. In 2000, the brand opened its first franchise and currently has 30 franchise locations in addition to its 30 corporate stores across nine states.

Entrepreneur's Best of the Best Franchises ranking is based on information submitted for its annual Franchise 500 and is part of the brand's continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace. The franchises selected as 2023's Best of the Best are ranked not only in the increasingly competitive Franchise 500 list this year but also at the top of their respective industry categories, based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. There are 152 categories represented this year, a testament to the ever-growing diversity of industries represented in the franchise world.

"Everyone wants to join a winning team, and that's why we love making this annual Best of the Best Franchises list," says Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine. "The companies on this list exemplify what it takes to thrive in franchising: They are innovative and nimble but also stable and growing. They are truly the best of the best."

To learn more about Kolache Factory franchise opportunities, visit www.kolachefactory.com/franchise.

For more information on a Kolache Factory near you, visit www.kolachefactory.com.

About the Kolache Factory

Kolache Factory was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas, by John and Jerri Banks, who identified a need for a fresh, high-quality breakfast that could be eaten "on the run." The Bankses encouraged consumers to try the high-quality, fresh pastries filled with fruits, meat, and cheeses, and soon they were in high demand for business meetings, family breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, and afternoon snacks. Kolache Factory has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Drive-Thrus in America by Food Network, one of the fastest-growing companies in Houston, and one of the top 50 foodservice bakeries in the United States by Modern Baking magazine. In addition, Entrepreneur magazine named it among the top 200+ food-based franchises in 2021 and the #1 Baked Goods franchise in 2022 and 2023. Kolache Factory is privately owned and operated and headquartered in Katy, Texas. For more information, please visit https://kolachefactory.com/

Media Contact:

Jennifer Williams 919.459.3592
jwilliams@919marketing.com

SOURCE: Kolache Factory

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/770727/Kolache-Factory-Ranks-No-1-in-2023-Entrepreneur-Best-of-the-Best-Franchises-Category

March 1, 2023

Kolache Factory is excited for National Kolache Day on Wednesday, March 1 when they will be giving away FREE fruit or cream cheese kolaches from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. or while supplies last!

Local Bakery-Café Opens New Store in Hedwig Village

Kolache Factory, a unique and fast-growing national pastry franchise chain based in Katy, Texas, opened it’s newest storefront in Hedwig Village at 9079-C Katy Freeway at Campbell Road on Wednesday, January 18, marking its much awaited return to the Memorial area.  

Kolache Factory’s popular Memorial City location closed last April due to new development plans in the shopping center across the street from Memorial Herman Memorial City Medical Center, and the Kolache Factory team has been diligently looking for the perfect place to re-open in the area to serve its many loyal fans!

“We have generations of families in the Memorial area that have grown up coming to Kolache Factory and we want that to continue,” says Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer. “We are so excited to have found a wonderful new home in Hedwig Village – just a few miles from our former store – which will be the perfect spot to serve up our fresh made kolaches to the entire Memorial area every day.”  

The newest store will feature some design changes for the bakery franchise, including testing a smaller footprint, approx.1,400 square feet, in response to a post-pandemic world.

The bakery-café chain is a Texas favorite and specializes in the savory and sweet Czech-inspired kolache pastry filled with fruits, meats, and cheeses. They also offer coffee from Houston coffee roaster, Katz Coffee, as well as hot chocolate, croissants, and muffins. 

This is the 61st Kolache Factory store for the Katy-based national franchise

 To learn more about Kolache Factory franchising, please visit https://kolachefactory.com/franchise 

January 10, 2023

Texas-based chain ranks No. 1 in the Baked Goods Category

KATY, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2023 / Kolache Factory, a unique and fast-growing national pastry chain based in Katy, Texas, was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. The 44th annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry.

Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the 2023 Franchise 500 ranked Kolache Factory for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. The 40-year-old bakery brand was also ranked #1 in the Baked Goods Category!

Kolache Factory’s hand-held, easy-to-eat pastries stuffed with a variety of fruits, veggies, meats, and cheeses have become a favorite go-to snack or meal for its legions of loyal followers around the country. The company recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and posted yet another year of record-breaking growth with sales up systemwide in 2022.

“We are proud to once again be named to the Franchise 500 and ranked #1 in the Baked Goods category! Anyone who has taken a bite of Kolache Factory’s Czech pastries with a Texas twist understands why people get addicted to kolaches,” said Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer. “We couldn’t achieve this kind of success without a wonderful corporate team and franchise family that is vigilant about providing quality, freshness, and safe service to local communities across the country. We look forward to continuing this growth in 2023!”

A total of 1,321 brands applied for this year’s Franchise 500 listing, that’s used as a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability, determine the ranking.

“The past year underscores the extraordinary opportunities that the franchise industry presents for entrepreneurs of all levels,” says Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer. “The companies named to our 44th annual Franchise 500 list represent some of the most innovative, creative, and trusted brands across many industries and highlight what it takes to build the kind of momentum that drives long-lasting success.”

Over its 44 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors. Kolache Factory’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view Kolache Factory in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2023 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 17th.

To learn more about Kolache Factory franchise opportunities, visit www.kolachefactory.com/franchise.

For more information on a Kolache Factory near you, visit www.kolachefactory.com.

About the Kolache Factory

Kolache Factory was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas, by John and Jerri Banks, who identified a need for a fresh, high-quality breakfast that could be eaten “on the run.” The Bankses encouraged consumers to try the high-quality, fresh pastries filled with fruits, meat and cheeses, and soon they were in high demand for business meetings, family breakfasts, on-the-go lunches and afternoon snacks. Kolache Factory has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Drive-Thrus in America by Food Network, one of the fastest-growing companies in Houston, and one of the top 50 foodservice bakeries in the United States by Modern Baking magazine. In addition, Entrepreneur magazine named it among the top 200+ food-based franchises in 2021 and the #1 Baked Goods franchise in 2022 and 2023. Kolache Factory is privately owned and operated and headquartered in Katy, Texas. For more information, please visit https://kolachefactory.com/

Media Contact:

Jennifer Williams

919-459-3592

jwilliams@919marketing.com

SOURCE: Kolache Factory

View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/734539/Kolache-Factory-Ranked-Among-Top-Franchises-in-Entrepreneurs-Highly-Competitive-Franchise-500R

October 06, 2022 // Franchising.com // PEARLAND, Texas - Kolache Factory has opened its newest storefront in Pearland at 1439 East Broadway at the intersection of Broadway and Longwood Drives.

The bakery-café chain is a Texas favorite and specializes in the savory and sweet Czech-inspired kolache pastry filled with fruits, meats, and cheeses. They also offer coffee from Houston coffee roaster, Katz Coffee, as well as hot chocolate, croissants, and muffins.

The latest Kolache Factory store is a testament to the chain’s loyal following as the Pearland store was purchased by a longtime fan of the brand. Tony Palomin, owner and operator of Kolache Factory in Pearland, remembers falling in love with the brand as a regular customer.

“I always loved their food! I never thought I would own a Kolache Factory franchise, but it all seemed to fall into place as I started to rewrite a new chapter for my career,” says Palomin. “I was always surrounded by baked goods working for a large grocery chain, so I’m quite familiar with what makes a quality product, and Kolache Factory has all the ingredients of a high-quality product!”

Palomin worked in retail for H-E-B Grocery for decades. Growing up in New Mexico and learning the meaning of hard work at a very young age, the thought of opening his own business didn’t scare him. Palomin and his business partner/wife, Cristina, are thrilled to own a bakery that was founded on family-centered principles and deep-rooted in old-world European culture.

“We are a very tight-knit family in my shop. We have a small team who are dedicated to their craft and contribute to our relaxed and safe environment”, says Palomin. “Our kids will be helping as well, so that will just add to the family feel of our storefront.”

Palomin and Cristina have two children, ages 14 and 12. Daughter Isabella loves to bake and will likely take over the family business one day.

Kolache Factory Chief Operating Officer Dawn Nielsen is thrilled to see Palomin and his family add to the family business her parents founded more than 40 years ago.

“We couldn’t be happier that such a warm and hardworking family is expanding our own Kolache family right here in Pearland. We have such a deep respect for owners who love our products as much as we do, and we know they’ll be very successful in this town and other future locations,” says Nielsen.

Palomin says he’s focused on making his first an outstanding experience for all who come through Kolache Factory’s doors.

SOURCE the Kolache Factory

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