Landhaus Nikodemus

Although it is a customer favorite now, Nikodemus said she was originally apprehensive about adding schnitzel, a pan-fried pork chop, to the menu because it was a dish she had not regularly prepared while living in Germany.

“Once we got [the dish] mastered, we really get a lot of people [who] say it’s the best schnitzel ever,” Nikodemus said. “A lot of German [customers] say it tastes just like [their] mom’s.” 

The menu has since expanded to include bratwurst, pretzel buns, stuffed pork loin, red cabbage and spaetzle, a type of egg noodle typically served as a side dish with butter, sauce or gravy.

The restaurant and shop see large crowds of customers during the city’s many annual festivals, including the Tomball German Heritage Festival and the Tomball German Christmas Market, she said.

Looking back on her first year in business, Nikodemus said she has received a lot of support from the Tomball community.

“[My customers] really have been my heroes—all of them,” Nikodemus said. “They just embraced me from the minute I started and haven’t stopped since.”