The cake was moist, flavorful and simply divine.
If you live in the central Ohio area and haven’t tried Mrs. Goodman’s Baking Co., it’s time you planned your visit. Inviting and charming with a dose of positivity, this bakery feels like your grandmother’s kitchen. The floral wall-paper, lime-colored credenza’s, light green cabinetry, and adorable mugs and wooden signs with affirming messages, mimic a home worth talking about. In addition to the cozy atmosphere, complete with a barn door that shields the bakery portion of the business, Mrs. Goodman’s boasts delectable treats and friendly staff. It’s no wonder patrons return week after week, year after year, and in some cases, decade after decade. This business easily makes my list for being among the best bakeries in the central Ohio region.
I will never forget when I first discovered this gem. I was driving down North High Street and spotted a bakery out of my peripheral. Partly surprised I had not previously noticed the bakery; I quickly pulled into the parking lot and did my best to curb my excitement. When I entered the business, there were so many options I wasn’t sure where to start. I decided to opt for something safe and bought a chocolate chip cookie and an iced shortbread cookie. Both were great choices, though I haven’t been able to stop thinking about their chocolate chip cookie. It was thick yet mildly soft in the center. The edges were golden brown which is exactly how I like them.
Rich But Not Overwhelming
The entire treat was rich without being overwhelming. That was enough for me; I reached out to the owner, Michele Tackett, to request an interview for this blog.
Between my request and the actual interview, I attended my daughter’s classmate’s birthday party and was delighted to learn the cake was from Mrs. Goodman’s. It was a royal blue, round cake with mermaid tails and reef (It was meant to mimic a cartoon, though I can’t recall which one).
Nonetheless, the cake was absolutely amazing. It was flavorful, moist and simply divine. And yet, the design stood out. It was pristine and carefully curated, suggesting skilled hands and a passion for baking. It was obvious that the cake decorator had significant experience. Don’t take my word for it; see the bakery’s gallery. While I typically limit myself to one slice of cake at outings, especially at a child’s birthday party, I returned for seconds. Don’t tell my doctor.
Catching Up with the Owner
After this experience, I was more delighted than ever to interview Michele. On an unseasonably warm day in Jan. 2024, a photographer (Jehan Daugherty of Jehan LLC) and I stopped over for photos and a chat about all things Mrs. Goodman’s. It was exciting to learn the bakery’s back story while watching patrons come in and out.
In our brief chat, I learned Mrs. Goodman’s was started by the Goodman’s Family in 1986. It’s had three owners since that time. The Tackett family purchased the bakery in 2018, and immediately launched a renovation project. By November 2018, the renovation was complete and the Tackett family’s goal of recreating the warmth of grandma’s kitchen had been accomplished. I appreciate the intention because my grandmother was a phenomenal baker. I loved being in her kitchen or home as she whipped up, seemingly effortlessly, delicious treats.
I’ve said before that a good bakery often has a good story, and as I chatted with Michele, it was clear this bakery has an awesome story. But what sealed the deal was she and her team prepared two boxes of baked goods – scones and cookies for me and Jehan. It was a kind and thoughtful gesture.
Good Neighbors
When I asked Michele what she enjoyed most about owning the bakery, she shared: “The people in Worthington have been so good to us. People come in and tell us that they’ve been getting they’re cakes from us for generations.” I could see her affection for the bakery as well as the customers’ love of the bakery. And I understand why. There is a sense of pride of purchasing products from the same place a person’s parents, grandparents or caregivers purchased baked goods.
It’s Time to Plan Your Visit
If you’ve never visited Mrs. Goodman’s, it’s time to plan a visit. And if you have visited, it’s time to return home. The community treasure has been recognized by City Scene Columbus on at least three occasions (in 2013, 2014, and 2015) for being among the “Best of the Bus.” They also won the “Taste of Worthington, People’s Choice Award” in 2018 and 2019. Clearly, they’re doing something right.
Although they have so much to offer, Mrs. Goodman’s is known for their custom cakes. They make wedding cakes and cakes for every occasion. Busy or distracted patrons will be excited that Mrs. Goodman’s offers “grab and go” cakes. Consumers can also opt for cake slices, which allow one to satisfy an unsatiable craving in one bite. The cake slices are fully coated in the cake’s frosting. Other popular products include their iced shortbread cookies, scones and fudgy brownies.
Located at 901 High Street in Worthington, Mrs. Goodman’s is a staple of the community. More than anything, for me, this bakery offers a reminder that it’s okay to celebrate daily and you can honor family and familial traditions while doing so.
