Hidden gem where diners can feel like family

Hidden away from one of The Woodlands busiest roadways on Hwy. 242, and among a multitude of gift shops, fast food chains and medical offices, sits a cafe where customers are known by their name rather than by the number they are given after they place their order.

Forest Cafe and Bakery, located at 3091 College Park Drive, Ste. 245, opened six years ago and has since become that rare Woodlands gem: a wildly successful restaurant that, other than those in-the-know, many local residents may not know about.

Golam and Britt Muhammad opened the cafe in 2006 after operating a similar restaurant in Riverside, Calif. While living in California, their daughter chose to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and the Golam's decided to move to Texas to stay close by.

That family-first commitment is a concept the Golam's have created at Forest Cafe, as well.

"We basically wanted a place where people come and feel like a part of our family," Britt said.

Before opening Forest Cafe and Bakery, Mohammad had worked for 15 years in the restaurant industry, including as a cook, and knew the business well. Britt was a branch manager for a bank in California, but was the designated baker for family events and office parties.

"One day we were at Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt's and I was in charge of desserts," Britt said. "Our family asked 'Why are you guys cooking for others? You should start your own place.' We thought with our experience, we knew we could do it."

Britt is Forest Cafe's baker and dessert-maker. Her menu features more than a dozen types of cookies and brownies, including a red velvet brownie, as well as bread pudding, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, coffee cakes, 13 different cheesecakes, scones, bundt cakes and 18 different cakes and cupcakes. One of her specialties are the brownie bites, which Britt says have become a favorite.

"Whenever we go out, we see people and the children say 'Mommy, Mommy, that's the Brownie Bite people," she said. "They're a big hit. Almost every school in the area knows about the Brownie Bites. They are teacher suck-up gifts."

But sweet treats are not Forest Cafe's only specialty. Golam is in charge of the extensive deli and breakfast menu offerings. The selections range from hot and cold sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, burgers and salads. For breakfast, customers can choose from a variety of eggs, french toast, scramblers, burritos, omelets and benedicts.

"I have lots of regular customers, people coming in and bringing family, friends and neighbors," Golam said. "A lot of mothers and their children come in and buy our stuff on their way to road trips."

The Muhammads, who have been married for 26 years and have three children, know many of their customers on a first-name basis.

"He recognizes everybody," Britt said. "He knows where they work, where they live."

The Mohammads also adore their hometown. When they left California, Britt and Golam visited several locations throughout the Houston area, such as Pearland and Cypress. But when they first drove into The Woodlands over The Woodlands Parkway flyover, Golam knew they had found their new home.

"When I saw the view, I said 'That's it. I'm staying,'" he said. "When I saw The Woodlands, I knew I couldn't leave here. And I love it. To raise children here is awesome."

Deli menu items

• Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwich - $7.25 On white, wheat, sourdough, or rye bread
• The Forest Club - $7.50 Triple decker sandwich with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato
• Pastrami Sandwich - $7.25 Grilled pastrami, onions, swiss cheese on a French roll

Forest Cafe and Bakery, 3091 College Park Drive, Ste. 245, The Woodlands, 936-271-4518, www.forestcafeandbakery.com

Mon.–Sun., 8 a.m.–3 p.m.