Upon entering Kennedy’s Kakes, one is met with the sweet aroma of fresh baked goods. Before the senses can fully absorb the scent, they are mesmerized by chandelier light fixtures, beautiful teal painting, and an Instagram ready backdrop of greenery.
It’s not your ordinary bakery; it is elegant and carefully curated for those who appreciate the finer things in life. That was proprietor and chief baker Adrian Jones’ intention when she opened Kennedy’s Kakes in the summer of 2023. Located on the corner of High Street and Main Street in downtown Columbus, the bakery is accessible to patrons via car, public transportation, or walking. With exquisite and tasty wedding cakes, they cater to brides, and the families who love them. When I think about the best bakeries in Columbus, Ohio, Kennedy’s Kakes comes to mind.
I had a chance to catch up with Adrian recently. I’d visited her bakery several times, but on this day, instead of scouring for sweet treats, we talked about her journey and passion for baking. Read on for this light and fluffy Q&A with the visionary behind Kennedy’s Kakes.
How did you come up with the name Kennedy’s Kakes?
The bakery’s namesake is my daughter Kennedy, whom I affectionately call, “my cupcake.” She was 10 when I began baking professionally. As I contemplated opening a physical establishment, I was trying to find something that went with Kakes and thought Kennedy paired nicely. Today, my daughter is grown, but she’s never outgrown watching her mom whip up amazing desserts. When she visited the bakery for our grand opening, she was incredibly proud not just because of the name, but because the physical bakery is the fulfillment of a dream.
When did you begin baking?
I started my business in 2009, but the seeds were planted in first grade. As a child, I loved reading and art. My school had a contest, and the winner could choose a book or two as their prize. I won the contest and chose a cookbook and a book on baking. Once I got home, my mother helped me go through the books. She also allowed me to experiment with different recipes. My love for baking blossomed from there. Initially, I’d bake for friends and over time friends told their friends, and their friends told their friends. I began receiving requests to prepare wedding cakes, and other event cakes. Over time, there was a buzz and demand for my cakes and desserts grew.
What do you enjoy most about baking?
What I love most about baking is pairing different items, creating flavors, taking an old recipe and elevating it, and creating treats that wow my customers.
I enjoy being a part of a bride’s big day and creating wedding cakes that leave the bride and groom, and their guests mesmerized.
When I started baking, I offered traditional dessert cakes. Today, I prepare a host of goodies from finely designed cakes and cookies, to wedding cakes and other treats. In addition to our bakery, we also cater events.
What is the best part about running a bakery?
The best part about running a bakery is the reaction on my customers’ faces when they find a treat they really like. I also think good treats bring people together, and I appreciate it when people gush over the baked goods I prepare. Baking also brings people together. For instance, when I was growing up, my mother was a social butterfly. Our house was always filled with people; it was a convening spot. While entertaining, my mother was always cooking and baking, and our guests enjoyed it. I love being able to deliver that kind of experience to patrons and friends. And over time, I perfected the art of decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Earning money from baking is a bonus.
Where did the love of baking come from?
My mother and grandmother baked. A love for baking was passed down to me. In addition to baking alongside them, they also shared recipes, which I treasure. It’s worth noting that for much of my life, I thought baking was a passion. It wasn’t until recently that I realized baking could be a career as well.
What do you think makes a good bakery?
A good bakery offers a good product that looks amazing. A good bakery is hospitable; the customer service is excellent. When the product, the appearance of the product, and the atmosphere of the bakery align, you’ve found a good bakery. With Kennedy’s Kakes, my customers can count on fine quality ingredients with a touch of love in every bite.
What do you want people to feel when they enter and leave your bakery?
I want people to think, “I can’t wait until I get to come back.” I want customers to have an elevated experience. We forget a lot of things, but we don’t forget memorable experiences. I want my customers to fall in love with the taste, the detail, and the personal touch that is put into every custom designed cake or product.
How can readers find you online?
My website is www.kkakes.com. We are also on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
