KATY, TX — Kolache Factory, a bakery-cafe chain with an array of traditional European pastries, is putting customers in charge of new product development. The 2026 Create a Kolache Contest invites customers to invent a brand-new kolache variety. All winners receive free food and drink for a limited time, and the grand prize recipient can earn a spot on Kolache Factory menus nationwide.
“Our Create a Kolache Contest has become one of our favorite traditions because our customers never stop surprising us,” said Hermann Gruebler, master baker at Kolache Factory. “Every year we see incredible creativity, and some of those ideas are simply too good to ignore. It’s exciting to watch a customer’s flavor dream come to life.”
Last year’s winning entry, the Birria Kolache, debuted as the April 2026 Kolache of the Month and is expected to hit permanent menus this fall. The global flavor, inspired by the popular Mexican dish featuring dried chilis and spices, brought in new customers and excited longtime patrons, helping the bakery chain expand its reach and explore new R&D avenues.
If this year’s finalist also aligns with today’s trends, it’ll most likely feature either beverage-inspired profiles like mocha and green tea; tastes of sweet coconut and tropical fruits; or the herbal essence of lavender, rosemary and elderflower.
