Coffee Culture
Pie-Inspired Coffee Haven Opens in Houston's Montrose
2025-04-21

A vibrant new addition to Houston’s coffee scene, Little Dreamer Coffee has brought a unique concept to the Montrose area. Combining high-quality coffee with an extensive pie program, this café is setting itself apart from typical coffee shops. Opened on Pi Day (March 14), the shop occupies a stylish 1,800-square-foot space that was previously home to another local roaster. With its artistic flair, including a striking floral mural and a pastel blue espresso machine, Little Dreamer reflects both creativity and dedication to quality. Founded by Matt Toomey and Anna-Marie Toomey in 2021, the brand initially started as a small kiosk before expanding into its current brick-and-mortar location. The café also collaborates with talented baker Jane Wild for its impressive array of pies, offering customers an unforgettable experience.

Located at 1953 Montrose Boulevard, Little Dreamer Coffee took over a former Greenway Coffee site, seamlessly integrating its own touches while preserving the previous tenant’s improvements. According to co-founder Matt Toomey, who spoke with Daily Coffee News, structural changes were minimal. Instead, they focused on enhancing the aesthetics with thoughtful additions like shelves and their signature La Marzocco GB5 espresso machine adorned with red logos. The entrance greets visitors with a vivid floral mural crafted by instructors from Loveland Yoga, adding a touch of community spirit to the café’s ambiance. This mural not only beautifies the space but also symbolizes collaboration within Houston’s creative arts scene.

Beyond its coffee offerings, Little Dreamer stands out through its partnership with renowned Houston-based baker Jane Wild. For the grand opening coinciding with Pi Day, Wild prepared a diverse selection of pies, ranging from blueberry rhubarb to an espresso-infused chocolate creation. Toomey noted the overwhelming response, selling nearly 500 slices of pie during the event—an unexpected success that underscored the appeal of combining gourmet coffee with delectable desserts. Such collaborations highlight the café’s commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences alongside meticulously roasted beverages.

The journey of Little Dreamer began in 2021 when it launched as a compact retail kiosk inside a converted shipping container at Stomping Grounds in Garden Oaks. Since then, the business has grown significantly, relocating its roasting operations to a larger facility in East Houston. Equipped with a state-of-the-art Mill City Roasters machine capable of handling 10-kilogram batches, the new roastery allows for increased production to meet growing demands. Situated in a historic district once associated with major coffee brands like Maxwell House, the location resonates deeply with the founders’ passion for traditional craftsmanship blended with modern innovation.

As Little Dreamer continues to expand its wholesale presence and refine its offerings, the team remains grounded in their mission to prioritize quality above all else. Though opportunities abound, Toomey emphasizes a measured approach, ensuring each step aligns with their core values. By focusing on gradual growth and maintaining control over their craft, Little Dreamer exemplifies how ambition paired with restraint can lead to sustainable success. Visitors to the Montrose café will find more than just coffee—they’ll encounter a celebration of flavors, artistry, and community spirit that defines this remarkable venture.

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