Houston-based Rustika Café and Bakery, coming off a successful 2021, is preparing to bring its signature Jewish-Mexican fusion flavors to more markets across Texas and an all-new state – Florida.

This year, the brand is set to drive substantial growth, expanding throughout the Houston area, as well as throughout its home state, opening locations in Austin, El Paso, Dallas and San Antonio. In addition, it has its sights set on popular cities in Florida, including Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

“Rustika Café and Bakery is at the perfect stage for long-term sustainable growth in these new markets,” says chief executive officer Marco Reznick. “While we plan to keep building corporate stores, we’re also in search of franchise owners who can be as passionate about Rustika as we are, while upholding integrity, a strong work ethic and a desire to work with people and their community. As a unique concept with attractive incentives – including a reduced franchise fee and tiered royalties – there’s no doubt we’re poised for rapid growth this year and well into the future.”

In addition to its expansion plans, Rustika Café and Bakery is enhancing its online presence with the debut of an all-new, user-friendly website. Set to debut this spring, Rustika will optimize its online ordering and delivery process, allowing customers to order breakfast, lunch, cookies and more for immediate pickup with a preparation time of no more than 15 minutes. Customers will also be able to pre-order all products directly from the website and get them delivered straight to their doorstep through local third-party delivery platforms, including DoorDash and UberEats, or nationwide through Goldbelly. It’s also partnering with ezCater for online catering requests, which will include local delivery scheduling.

Rustika Café and Bakery is launching a gluten-free line of desserts and empanadas this summer at all locations in partnership with Original Sunshine Flour. The menu will begin featuring gluten-free cookies, including chocolate chip, chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, chocolate munchies and Mexican wedding.

“We are committed to creating fresh food made from the highest quality ingredients, as well as all-natural, preservative-free and handmade desserts and pastries,” says Rustika culinary director Justinne Whichard. “That’s why we chose to partner with Original Sunshine Flour. They offer a 100% gluten-free flour made from non-GMO unbleached wheat, whole grains and fiber. We’re currently taste-testing cookies to nail down the perfect recipe, and once we launch our line of gluten-free cookies, our gluten-free empanadas will quickly follow. We can’t wait for our guests to try them!”