In the pre-RK era, Texan expats in DC cry out for kolaches...
Article: CQ RollcallRepublic Kolache is bringing the 'National Pastry of Texas' (aka the kolache) to DC!
Republic Kolache was founded in 2015 by Chris Svetlik along with fellow Texan expat Brian Stanford. After living in DC for a decade without access to good Texas-style kolaches, we set out to bring them to the District.
Starting from the old Svetlik family recipe, we've put a new spin on the traditional Czech-Texan flavors, as well as introduced some new creations that pay tribute to DC & the Mid-Atlantic (try the Half Smoke kolache, our ode to DC cuisine!).
Our fillings are all homemade, and we put special focus on sourcing fresh ingredients from suppliers who care about quality (such as 13th St. Meats, our provider for half smokes).
We launched in Aug. 2015 with an ongoing series of 'Kolache Saturdays' at our Republic Kolache @ American Ice Co. 'residency'. After sellout crowds confirmed that DC is indeed down with the kolache, we've since expanded to a retail outlet at Union Market in NE DC.
And a permanent brick & mortar Republic Kolache location is coming soon!
The kolache is a Czech pastry with a cult following in Texas, consisting of a light, slightly sweet yeast dough filled with either savory or sweet ingredients (think cream cheese, poppyseed, or jalapeño sausage & cheese).
The kolache's history in the U.S. dates back to the 1840s, when large numbers of Moravian peasants emigrated to Texas, bringing with them their polka, their country-style sausages, and of course their kolaches.
Since then the kolache has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Texans both Czech and non-Czech alike. In a Houston donut shop you're just as likely to find kolaches as you are donuts, and no Texas roadtrip is complete without a stop at one of the iconic kolache bakeries (invariably attached to a giant gas station convenience store, in uniquely Texan fashion) such as Czech Stop, Hruska's, and Weikel's.
These days, the likes of Matt Lauer are calling the kolache the "next cronut" — we don't know about that, but we DO know that it's about time for DC residents to finally experience the deliciousness that is the kolache!
Other fun kolache facts include:
Republic Kolache announces its plans to bring Texas-style kolaches to DC!
Clipping: Washington City PaperOne day later, Matt Lauer & Adam Rappoport (EIC, Bon Appetit) call kolaches the "next cronut". Coincidence??
Video: TODAY ShowOur hometown magazine, Texas Monthly, picks up on the story. Hi, Mom!
Clipping: Texas MonthlyWe find out John Cornyn knows who we are
Congressional briefing: Office of John CornynWe announce a Kickstarter to help us cover startup costs. We eventually raise over $15,000 from nearly 300 hungry kolache fanatics
Republic Kolache on KickstarterWe have the honor of treating Sec. Madeleine Albright (a fellow Czech) to kolaches on her birthday!
Tweet: @MadeleineWe launch our 'Republic Kolache @ American Ice Co.' residency to great public acclaim
Clipping: EaterThe first in our series of Guest Chef kolaches is introduced: the BRISKET KOLACHE (a partnership with Rob Sonderman @ DCity Smokehouse)
Clipping: EaterWe follow up the brisket with the King Cake Kolache, our Mardi Gras themed collaboration with David Guas @ Bayou Bakery. Lines ensue.
Clipping: WashingtonianThe Post spotlights the Saturday 'kolaches & coffee' ritual among some of our favorite customers
Clipping: Washington Post