The Old-School Ohio Bakery Joint That Locals Keep To Themselves

A supersized glazed donut called The Big Boy sits on the menu of a bakery that has been frying dough since 1912. That name alone deserves a moment of respect.

The same family still runs the place, and they’re now in their sixth generation. Six!

Most of us can’t keep a houseplant alive for six months.

The funny thing is, this Ohio favorite recently packed up and moved after more than 60 years at its old address. The new home, a former Dollar General in Gahanna, is significantly larger than the old shop.

That’s a lot of room for bowtie donuts.

I’ve come to realize that old recipes don’t always survive a move. These came along for the ride, with fritters, pies, cakes, and even chocolate-covered potato chips.

It just feels right to give a bakery like this a closer look. What keeps people coming back for over a century?

A Century Of Donuts Doesn’t Happen By Accident

Back in 1906, a young man named Wilhelm Resch left Neiderwinden, Germany, for a new life in America. Six years later, he and his uncle Frank opened a bakery on East Livingston Avenue in Columbus.

That shop became Resch’s Bakery, and it has stayed in the family ever since. Today, the sixth generation is running things, which is honestly wild to think about.

The bakery moved to 4061 E. Livingston Avenue in 1962.

It stayed there for decades and turned into a true east side landmark.

In 2012, the business hit its 100th birthday. That’s a century of early alarms, flour-dusted aprons, and trays sliding into ovens.

Family businesses rarely make it that long. Recipes get lost, kids pick other careers, and tastes change over time.

Somehow, this crew kept the ovens warm through all of it. The focus has stayed on scratch-made baking and quality ingredients, just like the old days.

So when you grab a donut here, you’re tasting something with deep roots. It’s a little like eating a family photo album, only sweeter.

Not bad for a bakery that started with two relatives and a dream.

The Move That Gave The Ovens Room To Breathe

Big news hit the east side in 2025. What started as plans for a second location turned into a full move.

The longtime Livingston Avenue shop closed for good on September 30, and a brand-new home opened its doors that October.

You’ll now find Resch’s Bakery at 150 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. It’s the only location, so update your GPS before your donut craving kicks in.

The new building, a former Dollar General, is significantly larger than the old Columbus shop.

All that space isn’t just for show. It serves as the main production facility, with room for both retail and a lot more baking.

Extra room also opens the door to new treats down the road. The family has said the bigger space could let them introduce new items to the menu.

Moving a 1912 bakery is a bold step. Plenty of folks loved the old spot, and that kind of change takes guts.

The good news is that the recipes made the trip too. The same family is still behind the counter, just with more elbow room.

Gahanna sits right on the east edge of Columbus, so the drive from the old neighborhood stays pretty manageable.

Good Luck Saying No To The Big Boy

Some donuts are snacks. The Big Boy is more of an event. This supersized glazed donut is one of the most talked-about items at Resch’s Bakery. It takes the classic glazed recipe and blows it up to a size that demands a plan.

Should you share it? That depends on how generous you’re feeling that morning.

Bringing one to the office could make you a hero. Splitting it with the kids in the car might start a friendly argument over the last bite.

Size gets attention, but the regular glazed donut is still the foundation here. If a bakery nails the basic glazed, you know the rest of the case is in good hands.

The Big Boy is also a fun pick for birthdays or small celebrations. It’s not a cake, but it sure acts like one.

Planning a visit just for this giant? Arriving earlier in the day is a smart move, since popular items can sell out at busy bakeries.

Either way, snap a photo before you dig in. Your friends will want proof that a donut this big actually exists in Ohio.

Bowties, Twists, And A Case Full Of Tough Choices

Bowtie donuts might be the unofficial mascot of this place. Folks who grew up near the old Livingston Avenue shop often link them with childhood mornings.

The donut lineup goes way beyond one shape, though. You’ll find regular and deluxe donuts, chocolate glaze, cinnamon, glazed, stick, and twisted options.

Filled fans have plenty to love too. There are cream-filled donuts with chocolate, maple, or white icing, plus custard, jelly, and lemon-filled picks.

Apple fritters bring a chunkier, crunchier option to the table. Donut holes are great for little hands or anyone who likes to pretend they’re eating less.

Here’s a handy tip for groups. Mix a few classic donuts with some specialty styles so everyone gets a favorite.

Specialty donuts can cost more than the basics. Asking about prices before you build a dozen keeps the checkout from feeling like a surprise quiz.

Not sure where to start? A glazed twist and a bowtie make a solid first-timer combo.

Honestly, the hardest part is standing at the case and making decisions while the smell of fresh donuts works against your willpower.

Your Next Birthday Cake Has A 1912 Pedigree

Specialty cakes have been part of the story since 1912. That’s over a hundred years of birthdays, anniversaries, and happy sugar-filled faces.

Resch’s Bakery makes cakes for all kinds of big moments. Birthday cakes are a major draw, and plenty of families have made them a yearly habit.

Wedding cakes are on the list too. If you’re planning a big day, it’s nice to know your cake comes from a bakery with serious history.

Sports fans get some love as well. Game day iced cakes are a fun way to cheer on your team, and Ohio takes its football very seriously.

Ordering ahead is the smart play for custom designs. Bakeries need time to plan, mix, bake, and decorate, especially during busy seasons.

Bring a clear idea of what you want. Colors, themes, size, and the number of guests all help the decorators get it right.

A classic white cake with white icing is never a bad choice. Simple flavors let the baking skill shine.

And let’s be real, candles look better on a cake with a century-old family story behind it.

Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips Are Absolutely A Thing Here

Sweet and salty in one bite? Resch’s Bakery sells chocolate-covered potato chips, and that sentence alone might make your day.

The treat shelves go far past donuts and cake. Popcorn shows up in several flavors, including caramel, cheddar cheese, white cheddar, Chicago style, and rainbow.

Chicago style mixes caramel and cheese popcorn together. It sounds strange until you try it, and then it becomes very hard to stop.

Whoopie pies offer a soft, cakey sandwich with a creamy middle. Gourmet candy rounds out the lineup for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.

These extras make great grab-and-go gifts. A bag of popcorn or a box of candy is an easy thank-you for a teacher, neighbor, or coworker.

Movie nights also get a nice upgrade. Bring home a bag of rainbow popcorn, and suddenly the couch feels a lot more festive.

Rosemary sea salt rolls also appear on the menu. They’re a savory surprise from a place mostly known for sugar.

So if someone in your group isn’t a donut person, don’t worry. There’s a good chance something on these shelves will win them over.

Cookies And Pies That Show Up For Every Holiday

Thanksgiving tables across central Ohio have featured pies from this bakery for years. Pecan pie, in particular, holds a spot in plenty of holiday memories.

Pies are a regular part of the menu at Resch’s Bakery. They’re a smart way to bring something special to dinner without spending your whole day in the kitchen.

Cookies get just as much attention. Holiday iced cookies add color and cheer to parties, school events, and family gatherings.

Game day iced cookies are another fun option. Picture a tray of team-colored treats next to the chips and dip during a big matchup.

Holidays get busy at any bakery. Placing pie or cookie orders early can save you from a stressful last-minute scramble.

Got a picky eater in the family? Cookies are a safe bet, since they’re easy to share and come in friendly, bite-size portions.

A box of iced cookies also makes a sweet hostess gift. It shows up looking cheerful and disappears fast.

Pair one pie with a dozen cookies, and you’ve covered dessert for a crowd. Your relatives will think you planned everything perfectly.

Grab A Number And Make Your Game Plan

Ticket in hand, you wait your turn behind a roped-off line. That’s the system at the new Gahanna shop, and it keeps things moving.

When your number gets called, you step up to the case and order. It’s a classic bakery setup that fits a place with this much history.

A colorful mural decorates one of the walls. Its candy-like look adds a playful touch to the bright, modern space.

The new building also brings a much better parking situation than the old spot. That alone is a small victory on a busy morning.

Here’s a tip that helps a lot. Look at the case and decide on your favorites before your number is called.

Bringing a short list keeps you from freezing up under pressure. Nobody wants to panic and order twelve of the same thing by accident.

Checking your box before you leave is smart too. It only takes a second and gives you peace of mind.

Remember to ask about specialty pricing if you’re mixing styles. A quick question up front makes the whole visit smoother and sweeter.

Set Your Alarm, Because Sunday Isn’t An Option

Sundays are off the table at this bakery. The shop is closed that day, so plan your sweet tooth around it.

Hours have shifted since the move, so it’s wise to check before you head out. Weekdays generally start early in the morning, and Saturdays wrap up in the afternoon.

Early birds get the best look at the full donut case. Popular picks can disappear as the day goes on, especially on weekends.

Don’t think donuts are only for breakfast, though. A lunchtime stop can be just as rewarding when an afternoon craving hits.

The Gahanna location sits on North Hamilton Road. It’s an easy trip from much of the Columbus area, including the old east side neighborhoods.

Planning a party or event? Call ahead for big orders so the bakers have time to prepare everything.

A dozen donuts in the car makes any Ohio errand day better. Just try not to open the box before you get home.

After more than a century, Resch’s Bakery is still doing what it does best. Your only job is showing up hungry on the right day.