Est. 2025 · Austin, Texas
A modern Mediterranean vision, made in Austin.
In 2021, Chef Mert Altug arrived in the United States from Turkey with a vision: to bring the rich traditions of his homeland to Austin, Texas — one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. After more than a decade in acclaimed restaurants across Turkey and Austin, he knew the city was missing something deeply personal to him: truly exceptional baklava.
The partnership
Chef Mert & Rocky.
Everything changed when Mert met his partner, Rocky McDuffie, whose background includes over a decade in fine dining, Michelin-starred hospitality, and bar management. Together, they bonded over their love of Mediterranean cuisine and saw an opportunity to build something Austin had never experienced — a modern Mediterranean dessert brand rooted in Turkish tradition while inspired by their new home in Texas.
In 2025, that vision became Olive & Fire.
The craft
Tradition, pushed somewhere new.
What began with traditional Turkish pistachio baklava quickly evolved into something uniquely their own. They honored Texas with creations like Texas Maple Pecan Baklava, then continued pushing boundaries with flavors such as Nut-Free Brownie Baklava, Tres Leches Baklava, and seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Baklava.
Soon followed handcrafted chocolate bars, imported Turkish tea sets, signature Turkish delights, pistachio cream, and a growing collection of modern Mediterranean specialties.
The market
A line every weekend.
Today, Olive & Fire has become one of the most talked-about vendors in Austin's local farmers market scene, with customers lining up every weekend for the passion, creativity, and craftsmanship behind every product. But Olive & Fire is growing into something even bigger than baklava.
Beyond the bakery
Private chef experiences & elevated catering.
In addition to their signature desserts and specialty goods, Olive & Fire now offers private chef experiences and elevated catering services that go far beyond sweets. Drawing from years of fine dining, culinary, and hospitality experience, Chef Mert and Rocky create customized menus featuring refined Mediterranean-inspired cuisine — from slow-roasted lamb and handcrafted steak dinners to fresh seafood, lobster, vibrant mezze spreads, intimate dinner parties, and fully curated culinary events.
Rocky's experience in bar management and cocktail development also allows Olive & Fire to offer handcrafted cocktail programs, signature drink creation, and thoughtfully selected wine pairings designed to complement each menu and elevate the overall dining experience.
Every event is tailored to the client, blending bold flavor, artistic presentation, and warm hospitality into an experience designed to feel both luxurious and deeply personal.
Follow Olive & Fire as we continue expanding our vision and creating a culinary experience unlike anything else in Austin.