Bread News

Artisan breads from popular Houston baker are coming to Dallas stores

Bread Man Baking Company Whole Foods breads

Four Bread Man loaves will be available at Whole Foods statewide.

Photo by Shawn Chippendale

Dallas-Fort Worth will get their first taste of artisan breads by Houston's beloved Bread Man Baking Company, as the company expands its partnership with Whole Foods Market throughout the state.

Beginning Tuesday, October 27, four of the famous bakery's signature loaves will be available at Whole Foods stores in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, as well as locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

These four seasonal loaves will be exclusive to Whole Foods:

Pumpkin Spice Brioche
White Chocolate Orange Challah
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough
Chocolate Cherry Sourdough

Like all of Bread Man's products, they're made with locally-sourced ingredients and without any artificial additives, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup.

"The expansion within Whole Foods is a dream come true, and we're overjoyed with the growth of this relationship," says Tasos Katsaounis, CEO and founder of Bread Man Baking Company, in a statement. "The ability to showcase our products to a new audience is exciting. Whole Foods gave us the creative liberty to create seasonal flavors so we came together as a team and immediately explored our own favorite holiday flavor combinations."

Founded in 2018, Bread Man has been growing quickly. Initially, Katsaounis started as a hobbyist who rekindled his childhood interest in baking for friends and family. An enthusiastic response to pictures of his breads on social media — along with some encouragement from his wife, Houston radio legend Roula Christie — inspired him to leave his corporate consulting job and become an entrepreneur.

Katsaounis started selling his breads to Houston restaurants. Over time, Bread Man expanded to selling at farmers markets across the Houston area, Whole Foods, and select H-E-B stores. In addition, Katsaounis partnered with a team of Houston restaurant veterans to open White Elm Cafe Bakery, an establishment in the Memorial area that features an expanded selection of Bread Man breads and pastries.

"Six months into Bread Man Baking Company’s existence, Whole Food contacted us, and that was a dream come true. Now, to be able to expand our reach not only to the entire state of Texas but also to neighboring states, well, I never would’ve imagined this to come from fulfilling a passion that began in my home kitchen," Katsaounis added. "I get to tell my family and friends in Dallas that they can go to their local Whole Foods Market and buy our breads."

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Putting into Plano

New Plano restaurant Sip'Stroke tees up golf with chef-driven fare

Saffron salmon skewers, one of the featured seafood offerings on Chef Madan Oli’s menu at Sip’Stroke.

Photo courtesy of Sip'Stroke.

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It's tee time for a new restaurant featuring a private Full Swing golf simulator and an indoor putt-putt course in Plano: Called Sip’Stroke, the new "eatertainment" spot is opening Saturday, August 1 at 5969 Dallas Pkwy.

The concept comes from Kushal Raj Bastakoti, a cityscape artist and interior designer from Nepal who moved to Dallas in 2013 to attend the University of North Texas. Bastakoti also owns Skyline Lounge in downtown Dallas, which opened earlier this year, and is a franchisee of the Asian beverage and dessert chain Feng Cha Café.

He says he chose the location due to the rapid growth of businesses and residences in the nearby Legacy area.

“At Sip’Stroke we created a space that is entirely unique — it feels like you're on a 9-hole golf course, but paired with exceptional dining,” he says.

Although built around golf, the restaurant is also chef-driven. Bastakoti recruited chef Madan Oli, who launched his culinary career in Copenhagen, where he developed a focus on high-quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and presentation.

“My goal is to bring people together through modern American cuisine with bold flavors and global inspiration,” says Oli. “Every dish is crafted with care, balance, and a true passion for hospitality.”

$Sip\u2019Stroke$ At Sip’Stroke, you can catch the game, play a round of putt-putt, and enjoy a high-end meal.Photo courtesy of Sip'Stroke.

Oli designed a menu featuring shared boards, fresh seafood, premium steaks, elevated bar staples, and desserts. Highlights include prime ribeye frites, saffron salmon, maple leaf duck breast, Cabernet-braised short ribs, Wagyu sliders, and a selection of tacos and wings, with prices ranging from $20 to $35.

The full bar serves classic and signature cocktails, along with shots, wine, beer, and zero-proof drinks.

The venue includes a private golf simulator that accommodates up to eight guests, a custom nine-hole mini-golf course integrated into the dining room, seating for 60 indoors, and an additional 15 seats on the patio.

While Sip’Stroke has been operating with limited hours during a soft opening over the past several days, regular business hours begin Saturday, August 1, from 12 noon to 12 midnight daily. A grand opening celebration is planned for late August.

A second Sip’Stroke location is also in the works next to Skyline Lounge at 2012 Commerce St. in downtown Dallas and is expected to open before the end of the year. The owners say restoring the historic 100-year-old building has taken longer than anticipated.

eatertainment golf plano