Our Story

Local Business

Chapinlandia is a family-run bakery rooted in tradition, resilience, and a dream.

Before coming to the U.S., our founder, Mariola Rodas, ran a small diner in the town of Quiché, Guatemala—a town of just under 30,000 people. But even then, her dreams were bigger. After immigrating to Houston, she worked as a nanny and line cook while raising three children, all while saving every penny she could. She later attended the University of St. Thomas, and with an eduacation, dedication, and grit, began operating Chapinlandia—a space to share a little piece of Guatemala with her new home in Texas.

Our bakery is built on love and legacy. The sweet bread we serve today comes from a recipe passed down through generations, tracing back to Mariola’s grandfather, who ran a bakery in the 1940s . Since opening, every one of Mariola’s children has worked behind the counter or helped bake bread—ensuring that everything we serve carries that personal, homemade touch.

Why the name “Chapinlandia”?

In Guatemala, chapín is a word used to describe someone proudly Guatemalan. So Chapinlandia means “land of the Guatemalans”—a home away from home for anyone longing for the flavors they grew up with, and an open invitation for everyone to experience the warmth, food, and identity of our culture.

Whether you’re here for a quick bite, a cold drink, or a concha baked with care—you’re welcome here. Sit down, take a moment, and be transported to Guatemala—right here in Houston.