the shoppe heads south

Piping-hot Houston kolache bakery opens fourth location in bustling 'burb

Kolache Shoppe is coming to Pearland

Photo by Carla Gomez

One of Houston’s favorite kolache bakeries is coming to Pearland. Kolache Shoppe will open its fourth Houston-area location this summer in Pearland’s Broadway Plaza shopping center at 11940 Broadway St.

As with the bakery’s Kingwood location that opened last year, owners Lucy and Randy Hines have partnered with a franchisee to expand their footprint. Franchisees Cecilia and Luis Rey describe themselves as loyal customers of the bakery’s Heights locations who wanted to own a business.

Kolache Shoppe Pearland franchisees Kolache Shoppe owners Randy and Lucy Hines with Pearland franchisees Cecilia and Luis Rey.Photo by Dragana Harris

“We love Kolache Shoppe’s warm atmosphere and have always felt welcomed as soon as we walk through the door,” Cecilia Rey said in a statement. “We want to bring that to Pearland. Not just a place to grab a quick breakfast but where our customers feel like they are a part of the family and look forward to coming to our bakery.”

Like the Heights location that Rey patronizes, the Pearland Kolache Shoppe will feature a drive-thru window for expedited service. Customers who walk-in will find the bakery’s signature white subway tile and blue-and-white wallpaper. The location's proximity to Shadow Creek High School should help keep it busy.

Open since 1970, Kolache Shoppe is known for its Czech-inspired, sweet and savory pastries that come with both traditional fruit toppings and a wide array of meat fillings. Seasonal specials — including regular collaborations with chefs from top Houston restaurants — keep things fresh.

“We are thrilled to have the Reys share our time-tested kolaches with the residents of Pearland, one of the fastest-growing towns in Texas and the community they call home,” Randy Hines said. “Luis and Cecilia are a natural fit for our company culture. We can't wait to cheer them on as they introduce themselves to Pearland’s breakfast scene."

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switcheroo

2-acre Houston patio bar rebrands with new name and family-friendly menu

Photo by Sean Rainer

The bar's patio includes 10,000-square-feet of turf.

A bar in Houston’s Near Northside neighborhood is switching things up with a new name and revised menu. Effectively immediately, Woodland Social is now known as White Oak Social.

Simply put, the new name is designed to end confusion about the bar’s location, which many people assumed was in The Woodlands. In fact, it’s located next to popular concert venue White Oak Music Hall, which is reflected in the new name.

“We wanted a name that truly represented where we are and the community we serve,” the bar’s owners said in a statement. “Many guests thought we were located in The Woodlands, so renaming the business to White Oak Social makes our location clear and aligns our brand with the neighborhood we love.”

Along with the new name comes a few improvements. They include an outdoor playground that’s designed to appeal to area families, many of whom are already regulars.

In addition, the restaurant has broadened its menu. While pizzas still remain, White Oak Social now offers burgers, chicken tenders, more entrees, and a kids menu. An all-new brunch menu includes updated cocktails and more options for kids.

Piper’s Hospitality Group (Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery) opened Woodland Social in 2024. Originally named for the Woodland Heights neighborhood, the two-acre property has an 8,000-square-foot main bar area, a 15,000-square-foot outdoor patio that includes 10,000-square-feet of turf, and more than 100 parking spaces.

“We’re excited for this next chapter,” the group said. “The new name, the expanded menu, and the playground show our commitment to being a neighborhood gathering place for all ages.”

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