the kolache crew
Czech tradition and Texas inspiration meets Indianapolis ambition.
Breakfast
Beginnings.
Circle City Kolache began with a simple conversation between three lifelong friends, Brock, Chris and Brant, who share a deep love for breakfast. One day, as they were discussing their favorite morning meals, the topic of kolaches came up. This sparked an exciting exchange of their favorite flavors and a whirlwind of new ideas.
What started as a fun chat soon turned into serious “what ifs” and before they knew it, all three were experimenting in their kitchens.
Creating our Perfect Dough
Alongside Our Esteemed Pastry Chef
Creating the perfect Kolache dough proved more challenging than these three Indianapolis boys anticipated.
In need of some professional guidance, they turned to Hattie Shoemaker, a local pastry chef and former high school classmate of Brock. With Hattie’s expertise, they worked to develop their one-of-a-kind dough recipe.
After months of dedication, countless kolaches willingly consumed, and an inspiring trip to Texas - the birthplace of the American kolache movement - Circle City Kolache was born.
Kolaches, Coffee, and Custard
In 2024, Circle City Kolache found a home in Brownsburg by partnering with Ritter’s Frozen Custard, another of Brock, Brant and Chris’ successful ventures. This collaboration led to the innovative Crossover Menu, combining the best of both worlds.
Savory in the am, Sweets in the pm.
Brock Craig
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Brock is a proud Hoosier. A graduate of Rose-Hulman with a degree in mechanical engineering, Brock balances his passion for baking with a love for sports and the outdoors (and pastries, of course). Married to Abbie and father to Roman and Colette, Brock brings both creativity and precision to Circle City Kolache.
FAVORITE KOLACHE: Jalapeno Popper
chris good
Hailing from Danville, Illinois, Chris is a small-town kid at heart. Another Rose-Hulman graduate, Chris is a huge hockey enthusiast and self-proclaimed #1 fan of the Indianapolis Fuel. He loves cooking (hence the owner of more than one restaurant here in Indy!), and brings his joyful spirit and culinary passion to our team.
FAVORITE KOLACHE: Bacon Steakburger
BRant Stockamp
Growing up in Indianapolis, Brant is a proud IU graduate with a passion for basketball. An ambitious entrepreneur known for his out-of-the-box thinking, Brant is the go-to for all things solving problems and making good businesses better. Nearly a decade after purchasing his first restaurant, he continues to provide exceptional leadership and guidance to the team.
FAVORITE KOLACHE: Ultimate Breakfast Burrito
Hattie Shoemaker
Hattie attended Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis alongside Brock and is the premier pastry chef behind Circle City Kolache’s delicious dough. After studying baking and pastry arts at Johnson and Wales University, she spent time in France learning the art of French pastry. With experience at esteemed restaurants like Vida, Nesso and Croute, Hattie combines her professional powerlifting discipline with culinary artistry. Married with two kiddos, Frankie and Victor, Hattie is the secret ingredient to our delicious kolaches.
FAVORITE KOLACHE: Cinnamon Blossoms
