Already dreaming about pan dulce, tres leches, and other delicious desserts for the holidays? Then, why not try this Houston staple El Bolillo Bakery? The delightful Mexican bakery has been a fixture in Houston since opening as a small shop in the Greater Heights in 1998. Now, it has five locations across the Houston area! Here’s more on the rich history of El Bolillo.
The Start of a Dream
Kirk Michaelis, the founder of El Bolillo Bakery, grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. The Galveston Island native dreamed of starting his own venture after graduating from Texas State with a degree in business. After several failed attempts, including a donut shop and an oyster bar, Michaelis put all of his savings into opening a small Mexican panadería. During those early days, Michaelis would pick up three bakers, drive them to work and take them home everyday. He also took marketing into his own hands, showing up at radio stations with free pan dulce.
The Bakery Expands
Despite the early success of his bakery, Michaelis was going through hard times personally. He was diagnosed with lymphoma and only given a 20% chance to survive. However, he continued to push through and became business partners with his wife’s father, Bud Harmon. By 2001, the bakery needed a larger location to keep up with the bakery’s growing demands. They bought the property across the street and built a store. After five years of chemotherapy, Michaelis also became cancer free.
The Legacy Lives On
The restaurant is beloved by many Houstonians, known just as much for its baked goods as its kindness to neighbors during tough times. During Hurricane Harvey, after bakers were trapped inside the shop because of flood waters, some of them stayed up for 20 hours straight and baked bread for the community. The bakery delivered baked bread to local shelters and other Houstonians in need. After the storm, former Mayor Sylvester Turner honored the bakery with their own special day on Sept. 14, “El Bolillo Day.” Earlier this year, El Bollio opened their fifth location on Fountain View Drive, continuing its legacy in Houston. The bakery also has a partnership with Common Bond, a popular restaurant and coffee shop chain in Houston.
For the holidays, we recommend stopping by their new Fountain View location and ordering one of their custom decorated cakes. They also are selling new large to-go cartons for your champurrado, café de olla, and other hot drinks. Finally, try their Christmas-themed conchas, peppermint Tres Leches, and more.
Related: Here are other places to find mouthwatering desserts in Houston 🎂
