Speakeasy Bakery, the alcohol-infused dessert brand known for its boozy bundt cakes, is gearing up to open a two-level dessert lounge and event space this month in Columbus' Trolley District near East Market. Moving into the former Leisure Club clubhouse, the new spot aims to mix late-night dessert service with private events. The business is run by mother-daughter duo Fran and Candi Francisco, who have been selling their liquor-infused cakes around the region for several years.
As reported by Columbus Underground, the team broke the news on Instagram, describing the Oak Street address at 1610 Oak St. as a "two level event space" and the brand's "first step" toward a full dessert lounge. Leisure Club's closure last November opened the door for a new tenant, and Columbus Underground noted that the Columbus site is framed as a faster buildout than the previously planned Gahanna shop.
What To Expect
The bakery's own site lists "OPENING March 2026" at 1610 Oak Street and teases a lineup of liquor-infused cakes along with soda-flavored, nonalcoholic options. According to Speakeasy Bakery, flavors on deck include Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Chocolate Martini, Limoncello and a Chocolate Root Beer cake. The site also notes that the venue will host events and that all orders will stay made-to-order until the lounge officially opens.
From Gahanna Plans To East Market
The brand first announced a brick-and-mortar dessert lounge for Creekside Gahanna in 2024, 614NOW reported, before changing course. As Columbus Underground relayed from the business's Instagram, a cancer diagnosis for founder Fran affected both the timeline and the budget, pushing the team to pick a spot that required less construction. The Gahanna concept is still on the company's radar while the East Market location moves ahead first.
Why It Matters For East Market
1610 Oak sits at the edge of the Trolley District's East Market, the adaptive-reuse trolley barn that houses market stalls, vendor kitchens and a lower-level speakeasy, according to East Market. With East Market already balancing daytime vendors and evening crowds, a dessert lounge that stays open late and doubles as a private event venue could plug a sweet little gap in Olde Towne East. The handoff from Leisure Club to a dessert-focused tenant is one more sign that the area is still evolving as a nightlife and food destination.
Opening Details
Speakeasy Bakery's site says cakes are currently available by special order while the lounge finishes its buildout, and it encourages customers to watch Instagram and the website for grand opening news. The business lists a phone number and contact email for orders and events on its site. We will be watching the bakery's channels for a firm opening date and details on the first public events at the East Market space.
