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.
