Jonas Laughlin is bringing a delicious blend of European and Southern baking to the Italian Village. After a successful Kickstarter funding, the bakery storefront at 15 East 2nd Street will officially open at today’s Holiday Hop.
Laughlin signed on the storefront, a former antique shop, in mid-September. Renovations followed quickly. The cakes, cookies, and candies he bakes are all made from scratch. Menu offerings include lemon madeleines, pistachio honey tea cake, rich layer cakes, and a smattering of traditional European Christmas cookies. More savory options include cheddar dill scones, brioche nanterre bread, and fresh croissants. He plans to add more creations to the menu after the opening, including North Carolina favorite “Moravian sugar cake”.
Laughlin grew up cooking with family in his native North Carolina, which eventually led to his foray into baking. He began as an opera singer, but was forced to quit after losing his singing voice to a bad bout with a cold that killed a vocal cord. Distressed at the loss of his voice, he began to bake therapeutically. He moved to Columbus to pursue a degree from OSU’s music department, while simultaneously operating an in-home bakery. Business flourished, and grew to the point where Laughlin abandoned his degree in May to bake full-time. After hosting successful bake sales and pop-ups, Laughlin decided to organize a Kickstarter to raise funds for a brick and mortar location. The $30,000 goal was raised in a mere 10 days, ultimately totaling just over $43,000.
The bakery’s interior is small, but warm and inviting. Laughlin intends for it to be more of a retail/carryout establishment, rather than a sit-down place. Names of all of his Kickstarter supporters are framed on a large plaque on the bakery’s side wall. Laughlin also has plans to offer free baking classes, for both adults and children. The bakery will be community-centered, with plans to partner with Columbus non-profit BESA to fight hunger with day-end leftovers.
“I want the bakery to be a community cornerstone,” said Laughlin. “I experienced the greatest support with this project, and want to give back as much as I can.”
For more information, visit www.laughlinsbakery.com.
