More than six years ago, Martha Olivares said she noticed there was not a quality Mexican pastry shop in the area despite a growing Hispanic population in Leander. Inspired to start a business, she opened Regia Bakery in February 2011.

“I had no experience,” Olivares said. “It was hard at first, but I’m less stressed now.”

Since then, Olivares said she has strengthened her business savvy. In August, she moved the bakery to another storefront in the same shopping center with an aim to increase her customer base.

“I wanted to face the street so people would know we’re here,” she said. “We redid our logo, too. It was a fresh start for us.”

Customers at Regia can order patries to go or eat at a cafe table in the bakery. 

“Everyone should try Mexican bread at least once,” she said. “Then you can decide whether or not you’ll come back.”

Olivares believes people will. She plans to keep growing the bakery and the menu—the new location has given the shop more space for the 55-plus pastries and breads on the menu, all of which are handmade from scratch in the store.

“It tastes like something your grandmother or aunt might have made,” she said.

The most popular items at Regia include empanadas, conchas—a sweet Mexican bread—and bolillos—a Mexican bread similar to French bread. The kolaches are also a popular choice. Olivares said they are made with Danish dough, which makes them lighter and sweeter than most kolaches. She said she plans to add more savory breakfast items to the menu.

In addition to the pastries on the shelves, Regia Bakery offers catering and custom cakes. 

The bakery also offers seasonal treats and hosts an annual Christmas celebration. In January, Olivares will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Leander Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the new location.

Regia Bakery

1909 S. US 183, Ste. 101, Leander
512-259-2800
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.