Business
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Bread shop and bakery Temptation’s Bite makes everything with love For Nora Varela and Melissa Merlina, the mother-and-daughter duo who own Temptation’s Bite in Katy, the bakery was founded on the principle of love. “It’s more than just making food; it’s about sharing joy, memories, and a piece of ourselves with others,” Merlina said. The background The concept began in Varela’s kitchen at home, Merlina said. After moving from Venezuela to Katy in 2018, she decided to help ful ll her mother’s dream of opening a bakery. “My mom is the chef. I always say my mom bakes the bread and I baked the brand,” she said. They opened the brick-and-mortar in November 2022 to cater to a wider range of customers and to nally bring Varela’s dream to life, Merlina said. From the oven Temptation’s Bite o ers a variety of interna- tional baked goods, including Venezuelan breads such as cachitos, a kind of croissant with various llings; golfeados, a sticky bun with sugar and cheese; croissants; cookies; empanadas; chutneys; and lasagna. Each product is crafted daily—in-house, by hand, with natural ingredients, and with love, Merlina said. Customers can stop in for co ee, smoothies and a pastry, or take products to make themselves at home.
Temptation’s Bite’s Nutella bread ($23) is popular among the bakery’s regular customers, co-owner Melissa Merlina said.
ASIA ARMOUR COMMUNITY IMPACT
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19901 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. F, Houston www.temptationsbite.com
From left: mother-and-daughter duo Nora Varela and Melissa Merlina built Temptation’s Bite brand on principles of love, Merlina said.
COURTESY TEMPTATION’S BITE
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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION
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