From Texas to the World: Spreading the Word About the Kolache

When I first moved to Houston in 2012, I started working for the Houston Rockets selling sponsorships. Every Friday, our team had a fun tradition called the "Breakfast Club." One person would bring breakfast for the entire department. It was a great Forrest Gump box of chocolates moment, as we never knew what someone was going to bring on any given week. In my early weeks at work, a colleague brought kolaches for our office. Not being familiar with this food, I mistook it for a dinner roll and asked her to explain what it was. She expressed surprise at my lack of knowledge and exclaimed, "You live in Texas now... how do you not know what a kolache is?!" After I took my first bite, I knew that I would be eating kolaches regularly as long as I lived in Texas.

If you're not from Texas, you're probably like I was back then and have never heard of a kolache (pronounced koh-lah-chee). Since my company is hosting our annual Kolache Factory 5K/10K run this weekend, I thought I'd give all my non-Texan connections a little glimpse into kolaches and our awesome title sponsor of the event, Kolache Factory

So, what exactly are kolaches? Originally a Czech pastry, kolaches are a sweet or savory dough pastry typically filled with fruit, cheese, or meat. They are a favorite breakfast item or snack throughout Texas.

The history of kolaches dates back to the Czech Republic, where they were first made in the 1700s. They were traditionally served at weddings and other celebrations, and were a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Czech immigrants brought the recipe to Texas in the late 1800s, and kolaches quickly became a popular food item among Texas' growing Czech community.

Over time, kolaches evolved to include new and unique flavors. Today, you can find kolaches filled with everything from jalapenos and sausage to cream cheese and fruit. My personal favorite is egg and cheese that I often have for breakfast on my way somewhere. I of course buy mine from Kolache Factory , which has 25 different types of kolaches. They're also often sold in bakeries and convenience stores. They are a great breakfast option or on the go snack since they are self contained and neat to eat anywhere from your car, to group meetings or even after a 5K running event, making them extremely popular for Texans on the go.

So why did kolaches become so popular in Texas? First, Texas has a strong Czech heritage, and many communities throughout the state still celebrate Czech traditions and culture. Second, kolaches are simply delicious and easy to eat on the move, unlike other breakfast food.

Despite their popularity in Texas, many people outside of the Lone Star State still have never heard of kolaches. It's strange to me when I mention them and the person hasn't heard of them. However, through social media and other means, these treats are starting to gain national attention. Kolaches have been featured on food blogs, news articles and travel food shows like "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."

Another reason they have started to gain national popularity is Kolache Factory The company celebrated its 40th anniversary this past year and is a beloved institution here in Texas with many locations! It was founded in Houston in 1982 by John Banks and his late wife Jerri, who were inspired by the kolaches they had tried in Czech communities throughout Texas.

John and Jerri saw an opportunity to bring the pastry to a wider audience, and decided to open their own bakery specializing in kolaches. They started with just one store in Houston, but quickly grew their business, and additional locations have opened since throughout Texas and beyond. They're in many states now from Virginia to California. I've been lucky enough to work with John and Jerri's daughter, Dawn Nielsen who is Kolache Factory's COO, helping to spread the love for kolaches throughout Houston with our annual fun run. She will be the "race starter" for the SOLD OUT event this weekend, which will of course feature free kolaches for all participants afterwards! We'll also be lucky enough to have John Banks in attendance this Saturday!

Even if you're not in Texas, you owe it to yourself to experience the deliciousness of a kolache, so don't let geography stand between you and this culinary delight. Seek out a Kolache Factory nearby or add it to your foodie bucket list. Trust me, the experience of indulging in this amazing food is worth the effort.