Mainstay Panderia, El Bolillo, is coming closer to opening its newest location, at Highway 6 and Bellaire. The Hispanic Bakery, which first opened its doors across from Canino’s Farmers Market in 1998, has become a popular option for many Houstonians, who compliment the small chain’s selection compared to other Hispanic bakeries around town. This new location is using a former Luby’s for its new outfit. While the Cafeteria ceased operations in the early 2000s, Luby’s used the former location as a central Bake Shop until their 2021 sale. While El Bolillo has not officially announced an opening date, they have begun to tease this location online. This will be El Bolillo’s third location at present. In addition to its original Airline location, El Bolillo has opened a location off Wayside and 45 and one in Pasadena that replaced an older Gulfgate location. Work is also underway to construct a fourth location from scratch at 59 and Fountain View. El Bolillo’s current expansion kick also includes a partnership with well-known Houston bakery, Common Bond.
I have been overly curious over what was moving into that old Luby’s for awhile now. This Luby’s bears the exact same floorplan as the Westheimer and the (former) Sugar Land locations, so it gives you an idea of how large this bakery is going to be. Passing by it recently, I noticed that the back walls have been torn down and the former dining area has been expanded. I am curious over how it will look inside and how they are going to repurpose the interior.