Bakery with liquor-infused desserts brings new space to city’s East Side
A bakery known for liquor-infused desserts is bringing its dessert lounge vision to fruition.
Speakeasy Bakery, originally founded in 2015 and relaunched in 2023 after a hiatus during the pandemic, expanded its business in March and is now operating an event venue at 1610 Oak Street, next to the Columbus Brewing Company and just steps from East Market. The bakery continues to operate from 1400 Food Lab in Dublin.
Candi Francisco, co-owner of Speakeasy Bakery, said the space is designed to be flexible and customizable by clients, with a range of events hosted, including tea parties, pop-up dinners, singles mixers and art days. The space can also be rented out for private celebrations, micro weddings, corporate events, and themed experiences, and the bakery assists with decorating and desserts.
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The bakery serves liquor-infused Bundts and cupcakes—with flavors like Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Strawberry Pink Champagne, Caramel Rum, and Chocolate Cherry Brandy—in addition to non-alcoholic, soda pop-infused cakes and candy buffets for events.
Francisco, who runs the business with her mother, Fran, said she more so “fell into business” with the bakery versus setting out to start it. The concept combines her background of marketing in the liquor industry with her creative outlet of baking.
“Seeing it come to fruition—especially building it alongside my mom who luckily is in remission—has been incredibly meaningful. We have had to persevere a pandemic, stage 4 cancer diagnosis, contractor issues, medical bills, car wrecks, and yet we are here,” Francisco said.
Francisco shared the plan is to grow Speakeasy into a full experience-based dessert lounge concept. The sit-down, two-level space will include Speakeasy’s desserts, and offerings from other local dessert makers, coffee, tea, and Italian sodas. It will also be decked out with industrial glam and bring a “moody, elevated atmosphere inspired by classic speakeasies, art deco, and a rotating menu of desserts,” she expressed. The space will continue to host events and be available for private rentals.
“I want people to walk in and feel transported, whether they’re celebrating something special or just taking a moment for themselves,” Francisco said. “It’s about creating an atmosphere, connection, and a little bit of indulgence in a way that feels elevated but still welcoming.”
Francisco said they are currently in the planning and development phase of the dessert lounge and are aiming for its next phase to begin this fall.
In the meantime, customers can call the bakery to place a pickup order. Desserts are made to order, and liquor-infused treats require 72-hour notice, according to their website.
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