Los Angeles-based waffle and ice cream shop The Dolly Llama continues to make its way into Texas with two Houston-area locations opening on April 1 in Pearland and Shenandoah. They will each be hosting grand opening celebrations, where the first 100 guests to arrive will receive free The Dolly Llama merchandise. All guests will have the opportunity to enter giveaways and raffles throughout the day for prizes.

The Pearland location will be run by franchise partner Sophea Im, who has been in the food industry for over 25 years operating Shipley Do-Nuts. This location marks The Dolly Llama’s first drive-thru service.

“I was instantly attracted to The Dolly Llama’s fun and delicious-looking photos, so pairing that with my love of ice cream… it was meant to be,” says Sophea Im. “Pearland is one of Texas’ fastest growing cities, and I believe The Dolly Llama will do great, not only in Pearland, but in the greater Houston area due to the joy it brings and the concept’s unique vibes. I can’t wait to bring unique desserts, such as Bubble Waffles, to the Houston locals and introduce the community to the first drive-thru of The Dolly Llama!”

The Shenandoah location will be run by franchise partner and husband and wife duo Jason and Adriana Tanner who have been in the event industry for nine years, owning and operating two different businesses in the greater Shenandoah area.

“We were drawn to The Dolly Llama because of its hip atmosphere and branding style… it truly was the llama at first sight that pulled us in!” says Adriana Tanner. “Providing a fresh concept, a new take on ice cream and offering two different waffle choices is brilliant. Houston is a very diverse town that embraces new and fun concepts, and our store is all of that and more! I’m in love with The Dolly Llama’s Bubble Waffles with just about any flavor of ice cream, and my husband Jason can’t get enough of the cookie monster ice cream! My husband and I are devout Houstonians, and we can’t wait to share our delicious treats and great vibes to the Houston-area!”

“Texas has been a key target market for us and we’re excited to be expanding into Houston with over 15 locations to come,” say The Dolly Llama co-founder Eric Shomof. “Houston, well known for its restaurants, hotels, shopping and nightlife is a perfect destination for The Dolly Llama to thrive. I am very confident that Sophea, our Pearland franchise partner, and Adriana and Jason, our Shenandoah franchise partners, will bring in the Houston crowds. Both Houston-area locations will be celebrating their Grand Opening Celebrations on the same day, April 1st, with a whole day of freebies! We can’t wait to kick off the debut of two new dessert shops and to share our heavenly desserts with more and more guests in Texas!”

Founded in 2017, The Dolly Llama currently operates locations in Los Angeles, Dallas, Ponte Vedra Beach (FL), Las Vegas, Winter Garden (FL), McAllen (TX) and New York City.