hello, dolly
LA-based waffle and ice cream shop chills out with 2 new Houston-area outposts full of sweet treats and llama love
A Los Angeles-based dessert shop is bringing its waffles and ice cream to Houston. The Dolly Llama will open its first two Houston-area stores next month in Shenandoah (8920 Metropark #800) and Pearland (3589 Business Center Dr #110).
Founded in 2017 by real estate investor Eric Shomof and restaurateur Samuel Baroux, the Dolly Llama has earned a devoted following for its Hong Kong-style bubble waffles that have a crispy exterior and a custard-like texture. Named for an actual llama that Baroux encountered while traveling in France, the concept has grown to three Los Angeles stores as well as locations in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Florida.
In addition to bubble waffles, the Dolly Llama serves Belgian-style liege waffles. Diners can “build their own” waffles with a range of ice cream flavors (vanilla, chocolate, ube, green tea, etc), sauces (nutella, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, etc), and a wide array of fruit, candy, cereals, and other sweets. They also offer ice cream by-the-scoop and creative milkshakes.
Adding to the appeal is an eye-catching interior with llama prints, signage, and other photo-worthy elements. That combination of sweet treats and creative branding has allowed the brand to sign franchise agreements for growth its existing states as well as Utah, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
“2022 was a great year for us as we built a foundation of opening franchises in new markets, but 2023 is shaping up to bring even more growth for The Dolly Llama brand,” Shomof said in a statement. “The popularity of the concept has exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have over 50 signed deals across the country. We’re thankful to our new and loyal guests who continue to support each opening.”