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. To join us and engage with all our guests and events, go to restaurantunstoppable.com/live -OR- to just catch today's guest, head over to restaurantunstoppable.com/cwe and we will get you a link to join that specific event for FREE! 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. Join RULibrary: www.restaurantunstoppable.com/RULibrary Join RULive: www.restaurantunstoppable.com/live Set Up your RUEvolve 1:1: www.restaurantunstoppable.com/evolve Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/restaurantunstoppable Subscribe to our email newsletter: https://www.restaurantunstoppable.com/ Today's sponsors: - Restaurant Technologies — the leader in automated cooking oil management. Their Total Oil Management solution is an end-to-end closed loop automated system that delivers, monitors, filters, collects, and recycles your cooking oil eliminating one of the dirtiest jobs in the kitchen.. Automate your oil and elevate your kitchen by visiting rti-inc.com or call 888-779-5314 to get started! - Restaurant Systems Pro - Lower your prime cost by $1,000, and get paid $1,000 with the Restaurant Systems Pro 30-Day Prime Cost Challenge. If you successfully improve your prime cost by $1,000 or more compared to the same 30-day period last year, Restaurant Systems Pro will pay you $1,000. It's a "reverse guarantee."  Let's make 2026 the year your restaurant thrives. - US Foods®. Running a restaurant takes MORE than great food—it takes reliable deliveries, quality products, and smart tools. US Foods® helps you make it. Ready to level up? Visit: usfoods.com/expectmore. - Guest contact info:  Website Thanks for listening! Rate the podcast, subscribe, and share!