A popular local name among Houston’s farmers market crowd is about to become a permanent fixture in the city’s dessert scene. Empire Cookies, which has been building a steady fan base through pop-ups and events, is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 9406 Gaylord Dr, Suite 300, confirmed by Co-Owner Guillermo Gurdian.
The new space will house more than just their signature cookies. “We are expanding the business,” Gurdian said. “It’s going to be cookies as our main focus, but it’s going to be more of a dessert bar with baked goods, sweets, ice cream, and coffee.” The move reflects a shift from mobile sales to a full-fledged customer experience, one that includes indoor seating for roughly 15 to 20 guests.
Currently, Empire Cookies offers catering and is also available on third-party delivery apps. But the upcoming storefront gives them a chance to do more than just meet demand. “We’re most excited about getting our product out there, and offering more recipes,” Gurdian also shared, noting that the temporary nature of their current operations has limited their offerings.
Plans are already in the works for potential future locations and even franchising, but the focus for now is on getting this flagship store off the ground. If construction and permitting go smoothly, Empire Cookies is aiming to open sometime between early and late Spring 2026, with the possibility of a sooner debut if progress accelerates.
