Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore 1266: Randy Hines, CEO and Partner at The Kolache Shoppe
Randy Hines joins the Restaurant Unstoppable Network for a live Q+A on May 4th, 2026 at 11AM EST.
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Randy Hines is the CEO and owner of The Kolache Shoppe, a beloved Houston bakery that has been serving made-from-scratch kolaches since 1970. A former CPA and consultant, Randy fell in love with authentic Texas kolaches while growing up in the state's "Czech belt," and later became a devoted customer of the original Kolache Shoppe on Richmond Avenue. In 2006 he approached founder Erwin Ahrens with a simple request—to learn how to bake—sparking an eight-year mentorship that ultimately led Ahrens to pass the business to Randy and his wife, Lucy, in 2014.
Since taking the reins, Randy has honored the shop's Czech roots and all‑butter dough recipe while thoughtfully modernizing the brand, adding new locations, drive‑thru convenience, and collaborations with top Houston chefs. Under his leadership, The Kolache Shoppe has expanded its menu beyond classic fruit and sausage fillings to inventive offerings like brisket, boudin, and seasonal specials, and is now growing through carefully selected franchise partners who share his people‑first, community‑minded vision.
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