Page Kimzey
Contributing Writer
With the first factory founded in 1982 in Houston, TX, there are now over 20 total locations, 28 franchises and 23 company owned stores, but there is only one Kolache Factory anywhere near Missouri, and it just so happens to be right here in St. Louis.
Owned by locals Jenni and Ryan Smith, the Kolache factory is located in Brentwood, off of Brentwood Boulevard, which is an ideal location for customers to quickly stop in and out on the way to work or school.
A kolache is a type of pastry filled with different types of fruit, cheeses, meat, eggs and more. Kolaches are about the same size as a doughnut, almost as if it is a healthier option to a doughnut. Keep an eye out for the most sold
kolaches, the sausage and gravy; bacon, egg and cheese; and the potato, egg and cheese. Don’t forget about the monthly featured kolache. There are also options of cinnamon rolls, croissants, the famous Katz coffee and many other delicious treats!
The factory is the perfect family-friendly place to go for a quick breakfast, brunch or lunch. The usual customers are families with younger children and couples; the factory has options, various drinks and the choice between dinner rolls, croissants and kolaches to please even the pickiest of children.
Also, a group of high school or college students could be found sitting around the table with a dozen kolaches in the middle of them being shared by the group.
The store makes the customers feel at home with the feeling of being at an old family diner or mom’s kitchen with white and black checkered flooring with dark wooden tables and chairs that could fit the whole family. With two of the four walls being completely windows, the seating area feels very open and roomy.
All the kolaches are handmade every morning right in the store and are on display right as the customers walk in. As customers take a walk over to the coffee dispensers, they can see the 10 awards the factory has recieved hanging on the wall behind, the first being awarded in 2009 for reaching the “Double Digit Club” for achieving a double digit increase in sales for four consecutive quarters.
It is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday thru Saturday and 7 a.m. through 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Customers can buy individual kolaches or by the dozen; prices range from $1.45-$4.25 individually and $15.66-$29.16 for the dozen.
There are also offers for party trays with prices ranging from $25-$39 and catering opportunities.
