Opened in March, German Store is stocked with pantry and snack staples, such as Lorenz, Ritter Sport and Milka, all of which one could find shopping in Berlin, Hamburg or Munich.
Born in Houston, owner Chris Driver grew up in Germany where he was raised by his American service member father and German mother. It was there that he met his German wife, Irene Driver, and, in February 2021, asked her to move with their two children back to Texas.
“When we retire, our kids will be grown and have their own families, so we had to make a decision,” Driver said. “So we made a decision to move and sell everything in Germany.”
As new Pearland residents, the Drivers were constantly looking for familiar German snacks and food items but couldn’t find them anywhere locally. Through social media, they learned others in Pearland were also looking for the same German products, and the dream to open German Store was born.
When it comes to deciding which imported products should stock the shelves, the Drivers rely on their own tastes as well as special requests from the community.
“Milchschnitte is our best seller,” Driver said. “People ask for these all the time.”
Milchschnitte, which translates to “milk slice,” is simply a thick layer of milk cream sandwiched between two thin slices of chocolate cake and has been one of Germany’s most beloved snacks for decades, according to the manufacturer Kinder’s website.
Driver also said customers gravitate towards German candies and sweets since they have less sugar than sweets manufactured in America.
Lovers of German bread are in luck, too. The Drivers order freshly baked kaiser rolls and sweet croissants weekly to sell from Roland’s Swiss Pastry and Bakery in Houston.
