Czech Stop: Half Bakery, Half Gas Station, Halfway Between Dallas and Austin

Halfway between Dallas and Austin off Interstate 35 sits Czech Stop: a bakery and gas station. Founded in 1983 as just a gas station and convenience store, founder Bill Polk shifted the business model to include an in-house bakery after seeing demand for locally made kolache. These Czech pastries consist of soft dough paired with a filling—connects the West, Texas, community to its Czech immigrant heritage.

Anissa Adamson, store manager and West native, recalls Czech Stop opening as a teenager and has worked at the establishment since 2005. “Czech Stop has always been a central part of my life,” Adamson says.

Since its opening, Czech Stop has grown in popularity and become a well-known stop for travelers.

Inside, you’ll find a steady flow of customers picking up convenience store staples, grabbing a coffee refill, and selecting fresh pastries. Weekends and holidays are the busiest, with lines often stretching through the aisles. The most popular items are kolache, usually fruit-filled, but savory versions known as klobasniky are just as beloved at about $2 each.

Both locals and travelers enjoy the recipes and ambience that haven’t changed much over the years, according to Adamson. “If someone’s never been here before, I say try one of each: a savory and a sweet and see what you like best.”