Ambitious New Bakery Café Opens in Memorial

Cinnamon Rolls

Covid shutdowns haven’t stopped the owners of the Memorial area’s new White Elm Bakery from throwing open the doors of a bold new eat-in bakery café. The new spot — channeling old-world charm with bricks accents and gilded mirrors — opened last week.


A joint effort of Chico Ramirez of Dinner Table Investments, Bread Man Baking owner Tasos Katsaounis, and Chez Nous owners Scott and Stacy Simonson, White Elm is a nearly 3,500-square-foot space with a patio that offers walk-up coffee and pastries in the morning and lunch and dinner daily. They also do weekend brunch.

Interior Dining

“We look forward to becoming an integral part of the community by not only offering a chef-driven, dine-in menu,” says Ramirez, “but also a grocery aspect for quality baked goods and the perfect place to grab a pastry and coffee on-the-go.”

Led by Katsaounis, White Elm’s bakery program will feature multiple type of fresh bread everyday, as well as such staples as croissants, scones, tarts and muffins. Also expect Greek specialties nodding to Katsaounis’ Greek upbringing, and recipes learned at his mom’s apron strings growing up on White Elm Street in Dallas.

Elsewhere the kitchen, the Simonsons with make dishes like charred octopus with Muhammara pepper sauce, sandwiches such as curry chicken, duck confit pizza and filet mignon with bone marrow butter. Expect also vegan and vegetarian options, as well as cold-pressed juices.

AT TOP: Cinnamon Rolls

Food+Travel
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

Keep Reading Show less