A kolache is a baked pastry consisting of pillowy dough filled with sausage, cheese, boudin and other fillings, sweet or savory. Originating in central Europe, kolaches have become a popular breakfast food across Texas, and have now spread to Baton Rouge, thanks to The Kolache Kitchen owner Will Edwards.
A Houston native and University alumnus, Will Edwards set out to bring this Texas favorite to the Big Raggedy in 2013. He opened his first store, The Kolache Kitchen, on Nicholson Drive, changing the breakfast scene around campus and in the Capital City.
In 2015, The Kolache Kitchen expanded to include a second store on Jefferson Highway and The Rolling Pin food truck. In addition to the physical development of his business, Edwards said he has grown as a business owner.
“I feel like we’ve grown in every aspect,” Edwards said. “Been in business now for four years this past January, and each year our sales have gotten better. Our production has gotten better, we’ve become more efficient, and I’ve gotten better at what I’m doing. It’s just been about learning how to be a boss and how to make smart business decisions.”
Throughout his college years, Edwards recognized the lack of quick breakfast options around campus that weren’t from fast food chains. In a bid to patch this hole, he drew on his tradition-rich hometown of Houston for inspiration.
“I just saw the void in Baton Rouge. It’s not only kolaches — there are a lot of things that Baton Rouge doesn’t have that I grew up with in Houston,” Edwards said. “With the large amount of Texas people that go to LSU, I saw the opportunity there to open up my own kolache place. I knew if I could get a good location near campus, it would be a good idea, so I just ran with it.”
As a former general studies student, Edwards attributes much of his success to his time at University and his subsequent connections within the Baton Rouge community.
“[Graduating from the University] had everything to do with my success to be honest,” Edwards said. “I got a lot of exposure with being a recent grad. I had only been out of college a year and a half when I opened the store, and I still had a lot of friends in fraternities and sororities, so I had a large pre-established network. I definitely don’t think I’d be where I am today without my time at LSU.”
As for the future, Edwards said he doesn’t plan on settling in one spot any time soon and looks forward to expanding his business.
“Nothing’s official yet, but we are looking to expand outside of the Baton Rouge market right now,” Edwards said. “Maybe New Orleans or the Gonzales/ Prairieville area.”

Editor’s Note: A previous photo caption incorrectly identified Will Edwards, but the photo features employee Billy Patterson. The Daily Reveille regrets this error. 

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Kim Nguyen

Kolaches are made fresh daily at The Kolache Kitchen on Feb. 12, 2017.