Donut Lovers Across Ohio Are Obsessed With This Iconic Bakeshop (Not A Surprise At All)

You know that feeling when you bite into a donut, and it tastes exactly like the ones your grandparents used to bring home on Saturday mornings? That nostalgic, yeasty, perfectly sweet experience is getting harder to find these days.

But there’s one spot that’s been perfecting the art of donut-making for over a century, and people are driving from all corners of Ohio just to get their hands on a box. This place isn’t following trends or trying to reinvent the wheel.

They’re simply doing what they’ve always done best, creating traditional baked goods that make you understand why some recipes never need updating. The lines out the door tell you everything you need to know.

A Legacy That Started in 1912

The bakeshop we are talking about today is Resch’s Bakery. It has been around since 1912, which means this place was baking donuts before your great-grandparents were even born.

The bakery started as a small neighborhood spot on the south side of Columbus, serving the local German community with traditional recipes passed down through generations.

What makes this history even more impressive is that the same family recipes are still being used today. The yeast-based dough that creates those impossibly light and fluffy donuts hasn’t changed in over 110 years.

That kind of consistency is almost unheard of in today’s fast-paced food industry.

The bakery recently moved to a new location at 150 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, but the commitment to quality remains unchanged. Walking into the bright, spacious shop, you can still smell that same distinctive aroma that’s been drawing customers in for generations.

The new space allows them to serve more people while maintaining the traditional methods that made them famous across Ohio.

The Glazed Donut That Sets The Standard

When I want to judge any bakery’s quality, I always order their plain glazed donut first. It’s the ultimate test because there’s nowhere to hide when you strip away fancy toppings and fillings.

Resch’s glazed donut passes this test with flying colors every single time.

The texture is what gets me. These aren’t dense cake donuts or greasy fried rings.

They’re impossibly light and airy, with a delicate crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue. The glaze is applied at just the right temperature, creating a thin, crackly shell that gives way to the soft interior.

Multiple reviewers specifically mention the glazed donuts, with one calling them “as amazing as always” and another saying they’re “the best I’ve ever had.” That’s not marketing hype. That’s people who’ve tasted enough donuts to know when they’ve found something special.

The giant glazed donut option is particularly popular if you’re feeling extra hungry or want to share.

Those Legendary Bowties Everyone Talks About

Bowties might sound like an unusual bakery item, but they’re one of the most mentioned treats in customer reviews. These twisted pastries have a cult following among regular customers who grew up eating them.

The shape is distinctive, resembling an actual bowtie when you look at it from above. What makes them special is the way the dough puffs up during frying, creating layers of crispy exterior and tender interior.

Some versions come dusted with powdered sugar, while others get a light glaze.

I watched several people specifically ask for bowties when I visited, and the staff knew exactly what they meant without needing clarification. That tells you these are a signature item that locals have been ordering for years.

The texture is different from a standard donut, more like a cross between a donut and a fritter, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to soft, yeasted dough underneath.

They’re substantial enough to feel like a real breakfast.

Pretzels That Prove They’re Not Just About Sweets

Not everyone wants something sweet for breakfast, and Resch’s understands that perfectly. Their soft pretzels are mentioned almost as often as their donuts in customer reviews, which tells you they’re doing something right in the savory department.

These aren’t the hard, crunchy pretzels you find in a bag. They’re soft, pillowy, and generously sized, with that distinctive pretzel flavor that comes from the traditional boiling-before-baking method.

The exterior has that characteristic dark golden color and slight chewiness, while the inside stays tender and bread-like.

I grabbed one to balance out all the sweet stuff I was buying, and it was exactly what I needed. The coarse salt on top provides just enough seasoning without being overwhelming.

They’re perfect if you’re picking up breakfast for a group and want to include something for the person who doesn’t have a sweet tooth.

The Parker House rolls also fall into this category and are highly praised.

Fritters That Are Almost Too Big To Handle

The fritters at Resch’s are not for the faint of heart. Multiple reviews describe them as “huge” and “amazing,” and I can confirm both descriptions are accurate.

These things are massive, easily the size of a small plate.

Apple fritters seem to be the most popular variety, loaded with actual chunks of apple throughout the dough. The exterior gets wonderfully crispy during frying, while the inside stays moist and cake-like.

A light glaze over the top adds sweetness without making them cloying.

One reviewer mentioned the fritters specifically when talking about their office order, saying everyone was impressed by the size and quality. These are definitely meant for sharing, or for those mornings when you skipped dinner the night before.

The fruit-to-dough ratio is generous, so you’re getting real apple flavor in every bite, not just a vaguely fruity cake.

They’re messy to eat but worth every sticky finger.

Cinnamon Rolls Worth Thinking About All Week

One reviewer admitted to thinking about Resch’s cinnamon rolls “like 5 days a week,” and after trying one myself, I completely understand the obsession. These aren’t your average mall cinnamon rolls.

The dough is what sets them apart. It’s the same yeast-based recipe they use for their donuts, which means you get that incredible light and fluffy texture instead of the dense, heavy rolls you find elsewhere.

The layers pull apart easily, revealing swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout.

The frosting situation is generous without being excessive. Some places drown their cinnamon rolls in so much icing that you can’t taste anything else.

Resch’s applies just enough cream cheese frosting to complement the roll without overwhelming it. One reviewer mentioned wishing there was more cinnamon flavor, which is fair if you like an intense cinnamon punch.

But the balance works for most people, judging by how quickly they sell out.

These are particularly popular for weekend mornings in Ohio.

The Ordering System That Keeps Things Moving

When you first enter Resch’s, grab a number from the ticket dispenser near the door. This system might seem old-fashioned, but it’s actually genius for managing the crowds that pack this place, especially on Saturday mornings.

The staff calls out numbers clearly, and you step forward to the counter when yours is announced. Multiple employees work simultaneously, so the line moves faster than you’d expect.

The bakery cases are arranged so you can see everything while you wait, giving you time to decide what you want.

One thing to note is that it can get loud in there when it’s busy. Several reviews mention having trouble hearing their number called or feeling rushed when ordering.

My advice is to have your order mostly planned before you get to the counter. Take photos of what you want if that helps you remember.

Also, double-check your box before you leave, as a few customers mentioned getting items they didn’t order during the chaos.

Jelly-Filled Donuts Packed With Real Preserves

Jelly donuts are tricky to get right. Too little filling and you’re basically eating a plain donut.

Too much and it squirts everywhere when you take a bite. Resch’s has figured out the sweet spot, literally.

One reviewer specifically praised the jelly-filled donuts for being “packed with real preserves,” not the weird, artificially-flavored gel you find in cheaper versions. You can taste the difference immediately.

The raspberry variety seems to be particularly popular, with that perfect balance of tart and sweet.

The filling goes almost all the way through the donut, so you’re getting fruit flavor in every bite. The exterior is the same light, fluffy yeast dough they use for all their donuts, providing a neutral canvas that lets the filling shine.

I did see one negative review about minimal filling, but that seems to be an outlier. Most people rave about the generous amount of preserves inside.

These are messy in the best possible way.

Custom Cakes That Become Family Traditions

While the donuts get most of the attention, Resch’s has been making celebration cakes for Ohio families for generations. One reviewer mentioned getting the same white cake with white icing for their birthday every single year, calling it “such a highlight.”

That kind of loyalty tells you everything about the quality and consistency of their cake program. These aren’t trendy, Instagram-worthy creations with fondant sculptures and elaborate designs.

They’re classic American layer cakes with buttercream frosting, made the way cakes used to be made before everything got complicated.

The red velvet cake gets specific mentions in reviews, and several people talk about pre-ordering cakes for holidays and special occasions. You can call ahead or stop in to discuss custom orders.

The staff is patient and helpful with special requests.

I saw the whimsical mural on the wall, which one reviewer compared to the edible wall from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it perfectly captures the playful spirit of the place.

Getting There Early Matters More Than You Think

Here’s something important that several reviews mention but don’t always emphasize enough. Resch’s sells out regularly, sometimes before noon.

One frustrated reviewer drove 40 minutes twice, arriving before noon both times, only to find a “sold out” sign even though posted hours say they close at 6 PM.

The bakery is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM. They’re closed on Sundays.

But those closing times don’t mean much if they run out of inventory earlier in the day. This is especially true on weekends.

My recommendation is to arrive as close to opening time as possible, particularly if you’re making a special trip or want specific items like bowties or fritters. You can also call ahead to ask what’s still available if you’re coming later in the day.

The phone number is 614-237-7421.

The popularity of this place means you’re competing with every other donut lover in the area, so plan accordingly and arrive early for the best selection.