A good fellow

German coffee shop in Katy debuts with drive-thru and breakfast sandwiches

A European coffee shop took the next step in establishing a Houston presence this week. Coffee Fellows has opened its second Houston-area location in Katy, at 3329 Grand Parkway N., Suite 700.

Part of a group that includes almost 300 locations in Europe, Asia, and Africa, the new Coffee Fellows is the company’s first with a drive-thru. It joins a Bellaire location that opened in June.

“We are thrilled to open the first ever drive-thru location in Katy, Texas,” Coffee Fellows North America CEO Daniel Ogbonna said in a statement. “We understand that in less walkable areas convenience is key, and that is what Coffee Fellows North America is working to offer with the addition of drive-thru locations, the Coffee Fellows app, and rewards for customers through the Coffee Fellows Rewards program.”

Photo by Andrew Hemingway

Breakfast sandwiches are unique to the company's Houston locations.

Founded in Munch in 1999, Coffee Fellows serves sustainably-sourced coffee and tea. The extensive food menu includes bagel sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Recently, the cafe added breakfast sandwiches that are unique to its Houston-area stores.

“The addition of breakfast sandwiches to the Coffee Fellows menu is also something we felt customers in North America would enjoy starting their day,” Ogbonna added. “We are ecstatic to be a convenient stop for the mom or teacher on the go, person on their lunch break, and guests looking for a place to work over a cup of coffee.”

While the drive-thru does offer convenience, those with more time will find an interior that caters to lingering. Remote workers will find comfortable places to sit, fast wifi, and plenty of electrical outlets.

Joining Ogbonna on the cafe’s leadership team is COO Chris Fannin, who previously worked as president of Common Bond prior to its partnership with Garza Management Group, the local firm behind El Bolillo Bakery and other restaurants. His resume also includes management positions at the Strip House and Capital Grille.

“Houston is a coffee-loving town, and we are excited that Coffee Fellows’ US expansion is starting here,” Fannin said when the Bellaire location opened this summer. “We are pleased that we’ll be roasting our coffee and sourcing our produce locally, to create a fresh, original menu that supports the community.”

Coffee Fellows has big plans for the Texas market. If all goes according to plan, it will 15-30 additional locations in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio in 2024 and 2025.

breakfast coffee european coffee shop katy news-you-can-eat openings

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

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