Tucked into East Valley neighborhoods and quickly expanding across the metro area, Kolache Café is redefining what breakfast (and lunch) can look like—one fluffy, flavor-packed pastry at a time. Owned by Arizona native Jose, alongside his talented team including Jessica, who heads guest satisfaction, and Mesa store manager Abby, Kolache Café brings a Texas twist to a Czech classic with a warm, welcoming vibe that leaves you wondering why you haven’t been eating these your whole life.
What’s a Kolache, Anyway?
That’s the million-dollar question. “Imagine if a pretzel and a bagel had a baby, and it was sweet,” says Abby with a grin. Jose has his own spin: “It’s like a cloud of dough.” Truth is, a Kolache defies easy description—but the moment you bite into one, the appeal is undeniable.
Traditionally, Kolaches are a Czech sweet bread, slightly dense and gently sweet, pressed in the center to cradle rich fillings like cherry, lemon, apple, poppyseed, and Bavarian chocolate. Some varieties come with or without a creamy cheesecake filling—though after sampling several, we’d argue the cheesecake is a must. It adds just the right balance of richness to the already-perfect pastry.
And while the sweets are what started it all, it’s the Texas influence that helped the Kolache evolve. After spending time in Houston—where Czech heritage runs deep—Jose discovered the savory version. Using the same dough, these savory Kolaches are filled with hearty combinations like jalapeño sausage and cheese, bacon and eggs, brisket, sausage and gravy, and even mashed potatoes.
These are not your average breakfast sandwiches. They’re warm, handheld comfort food, baked fresh and built to hold together without being messy. Whether you’re on your way to work or packing something filling for the kids, Kolache Café has you covered.
The Journey from Pandemic Startup to Local Favorite
The first Kolache Café opened in Ahwatukee in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic—a bold move, but one that paid off. Despite the challenges of the time, Jose and his team found a loyal following, fueled by curiosity, comfort food, and a whole lot of hustle. That original location has now grown into four across the Valley, with a fifth on the way.
Each café offers a cozy dine-in experience, online pre-ordering, and—except for one location—a convenient drive-thru. The setup feels familiar, like a polished donut shop, but don’t let that fool you. The quality, cleanliness, and curated décor elevate the experience from casual to something special. The scent alone—warm bread with just a hint of sweetness—is enough to bring you back.
Abby notes that customers usually fall into one of three groups: newcomers who’ve never heard of a Kolache, loyal Texans who know exactly what they’re after, and repeat visitors who quickly become hooked. “Educating people on what a Kolache is—honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of the job,” she says.
More Than Kolaches
To round out the menu, Kolache Café also offers a full coffee bar, smoothies, and cold brew on tap thanks to their partnership with local favorite Buzzed Goat Coffee Co. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet roll with a latte or a hearty sausage-and-gravy Kolache paired with a frosty smoothie, there’s something for every craving.
Jessica, who focuses on guest experience, says it best: “It’s fast, it’s filling, it’s affordable—and it just makes people happy.” With prices that make it easy to take a few extra home, it’s the perfect grab-and-go for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
All items are baked fresh in-house throughout the day, and everything—sweet or savory—can be refrigerated and reheated within two days. That means breakfast today, lunch tomorrow, and maybe even a midnight snack in between.
Visit and Discover for Yourself
If you’ve never tried a Kolache before, now’s the time. This is one of those rare food experiences that manages to feel both new and nostalgic, indulgent yet practical. Swing by for a hot coffee, take home a box of mixed flavors, and see what all the buzz is about.
With a fifth location opening soon and a steady stream of new fans discovering their pastries daily, Kolache Café isn’t just growing—it’s becoming a local staple.
Kolache Café Locations:
Visit www.kolachecafe.com for store hours, locations, and online ordering. Don’t forget to ask about their rotating flavors and seasonal specials.
Pro tip: Get the jalapeño sausage and cheese. You’ll thank us later.
