Kolache News

Houston's Kolache Shoppe opens first Dallas-area bakery in Celina

Kolaches and coffee at Kolache Shoppe.

Kolache Shoppe

A Texas kolache institution is headed to DFW: Kolache Shoppe, a family-owned bakery from Houston that's served scratch-made Texas-Czech kolaches and coffee since 1970, is opening a bakery in Celina — specifically the Celina Station shopping center at 605 S. Preston Rd., #100.

According to a release, this will be the fourth Kolache Shoppe and the first in the Dallas Metro area. It'll open in fall 2023.

UPDATE 2-12-2024: Kolache Shoppe is now open in Celina, serving kolaches and espresso.
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Kolache Shoppe is a long-time Houston favorite thanks to its sweet and savory kolaches, using an original recipe from 1970.

They have two dozen signature flavors such as apricot, poppy seed, apple, sausage, egg & cheese, brisket, and venison sausage, plus monthly specials on weekends, and a full-service espresso bar with beans from Houston roaster Geva Coffee.

Celina is a franchised location led by husband-and-wife team Jake and Courtney Poulsen, along with Courtney’s parents, Gary and Cindy Mechler of College Station, in partnership with Kolache Shoppe owners Lucy and Randy Hines.

Jake's background includes business leadership and restaurant management, and Courtney is a former middle school teacher. Both are enthusiastic about the opportunity that a Kolache Shoppe franchise provides to invest in themselves, grow something for their family, and serve the community.

“Celina has a great historic square that’s been there for more than a hundred years,” says Courtney. “They have activities all the time, and the community comes out for all of it. Kolache Shoppe is a very community- and family-oriented business, so it fits really well. We love being involved in the community and are excited to play a role in Celina by providing a quick and delicious breakfast option.”

The Celina bakery will comprise 1558 square feet with a fresh, nostalgic feel, featuring signature design elements such as a blue-and-white motif, wood pastry cases and espresso bar, and a Texas mural with iconic Celina landmarks.

In addition to counter service, a drive-thru window will allow for quick grab-and-go ordering and pre-order pickups of pastries and specialty coffee drinks. The bakery will also have a few seats inside and on a small patio.

Randy and Lucy Hines took over the first Kolache Shoppe from founding operator Erwin Ahrens in 2014. They modernized the bakery while honoring its legacy, then launched a franchise program in 2018.

The Hines and Poulsens are long-time acquaintances: Lucy and Courtney have been friends since middle school. Courtney met Jake, who hails from Knoxville, Tenn., while the two attended Texas A&M University. They live in Frisco with their four children and are active community members.

Courtney has childhood memories of eating kolaches while Jake discovered them in college.

"We didn't have kolaches in east Tennessee, but I've always been a fan of pastries and baking, so it was cool to discover something new and distinctly Texan," Jake says. "I've loved them ever since I got here."

breakfast openings

Henderson Avenue News

Dallas bar High Fives will close on Henderson Avenue after 10 years

High Fives/Facebook

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A nightlife staple on Dallas' Henderson Avenue is closing: High Fives, the bar located at 1804 McMillan Ave., will close in early January, after more than 10 years.

According to a release, the actual closing date will be tied to the Texas Tech Red Raiders' game schedule in January.

"To all our neighbors, the Red Raider faithful, and everyone who has made High Fives their home—we are saying goodbye by raising our hands high for one last High Five," says owner Phil Schanbaum. "This establishment was built on community, spirited rivalry, and countless memories. We are deeply thankful to every single patron and, especially, to all of our incredible staff who were the heart and soul of this place."

High Fives opened in mid-2015, part of the portfolio of This & That Hospitality, the company Schanbaum founded with partner Brandon Hays, next door to its sibling bar The Whippersnapper (which was rebranded into a concept called Boogies in October 2025.)

Schanbaum says that they're unsure of what will go in the High Fives space after it closes — but that the closure "paves the way for the ongoing evolution of Henderson Avenue."

The property is owned by Acadia Realty, the New York-based company that is partnered with Dallas development firm Ignite-Rebees on a 161,000-square-foot, creative, mixed-use development currently underway on Henderson Avenue between Glencoe Street and McMillan Avenue at the eastern end of Henderson Avenue.

High Fives' closure is part of that plan to transform the quarter-mile stretch into a walkable destination featuring restaurants, retail, and office space.

"To Henderson Avenue, we look forward to further expansion and to making this street even better. We are excited for the neighborhood's renaissance, which will bring new experiences, retail, and dining concepts to the area," Schanbaum says.

Moving target
The actual closing date will depend on the outcome of the season for Texas Tech's football team the Red Raiders.

"The final chapter for High Fives will be written alongside the almighty Texas Tech Red Raiders. The bar's ultimate closure is tied directly to the team's success," the release says.

The next game day is on January 1, when doors open at 10 am.

If the Red Raiders advance past the game on January 1, High Fives will remain open for subsequent Texas Tech game days until the team's run ends. Meanwhile hours in December will be Thursdays & Fridays from 8 pm-2 am, and Saturdays: from 2 pm– 2 am.