Good Energy Café has slipped into Franklinton with a quiet sort of confidence. The woman- and LGBTQ+-owned spot, built around plant-based coffees, teas, and snacks, opened in late March on the first floor of the Idea Foundry, giving owner Clair Joy Farley room to grow beyond the ghost-kitchen life she started in Clintonville.
Now operating as a full sit-down café inside the makerspace at 421 W. State St., Good Energy Café is currently open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farley told Columbus Underground she is planning a Sunday brunch during Pride Month. Delivery orders are still strong, and in-person traffic has been climbing since the move.
The business began under the Layered Brew name. The brand’s site lists Farley as Owner, CEO, and Chef and names Clary Sage as a key member of the team, framing the concept as “a Good Energy cafe” that serves adaptogen-infused refreshers, mocktails, and plant-based pastries, according to Layered Brew.
Farley first launched Layered Brew out of High St. Kitchens in Clintonville, according to a company press release posted to PR Newswire, which also notes a High Street Kitchens opening in August 2023. Earlier coverage from Columbus Underground tracked plans for the brand to expand into Franklinton and reported that Layered Brew was operating out of High St. Kitchens in late 2023 before this move into the Idea Foundry.
Menu, Hours And Community Role
On the menu, customers can expect plant-forward coffees and teas, layered refreshers, and plant-based snacks. The brand highlights adaptogen-infused mocktails and beans from local roasters, according to Layered Brew.
The Idea Foundry, which lists 421 W. State St. as its address, promotes community programming and workspace alongside its resident businesses, including Good Energy Café, according to Idea Foundry.
Farley says the larger storefront lets her host pop-ups, events, and music nights that fit Franklinton’s arts-minded vibe, while offering a daytime gathering spot where neighbors and makers can grab a quick lunch or linger over coffee. For now, the café’s hours and plant-based menu make it a convenient stop for Idea Foundry members and nearby residents as the neighborhood’s retail mix keeps building out.
