We've Got Five Years, What A Surprise: Kolache Republic

One of my first blog posts ever was related to Kolache Republic, the cozy little shop lying where German Village and the Brewery District meet, that had by circumstance become our launch spot for special trips to the south.  Their hand-sized kolaches, a pastry of Czech origin that my spouse had first discovered during a stint in Texas, paired up with coffee (brewed from Cafe Brioso beans, in this case) was just about the perfect travel food.

This initial blog post was written right around their first anniversary as a brick-and-mortar operation. And while their celebration of their fifth anniversary this week may not truly be a surprise (I couldn't help toss in the Bowie reference), how they reached it might be a bit surprising.

Back then, Kolache Republic's neighborhood could hardly be called a high-traffic area, but hard work, word-of-mouth, and creativity has proven more than enough to make it through to today. Over the years, owners Dusty Kotchou, Doug Sauer and Rick Jardiolin have added variety to their kolache selections, supplementing their classic sweet kolaches with savory renditions like their Kielbasa and Bierock (pictured below), plus daily specials that creatively stretched traditions with flavors like Buffalo Chicken, Beef Bulgogi, Johnny Marzetti, and Enchilada (their holiday-oriented Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy is especially popular.)

The cafe has been active in the community, with appearances at local events like German Village Lights, and has paired up with local businesses of all types, including Aunt Flow (their menstrual products are available to both the cafe's workers and customers) and Land Grant Brewing for some kolache/beer pairings at their Franklinton taproom.

Good things are on the horizon as the business enters its sixth year of operation. Sandwiches have been just added to the menu (giving you even less of a reason to visit the nearby eatery whose name rhymes with "Whanerra"), and samples of what promises to be some very tasty biscuit creations were previewed with their staple menu items at the cafe's open house anniversary celebration held early Thursday evening.

In another example of outreach to the community, the cafe announced a partnership with the locally-based Children's Hunger Alliance. Starting Tuesday July 31st and for the next following four Tuesdays, Kolache Republic will donate 20% of their sales to the organization to help provide breakfast to food-insecure children

We did confirm that one long shot future development just wouldn't work here. Recent Texas travels allowed us to experience the glory that is a Boudin Kolache. Co-owner Jardiolin confirmed that would indeed be an awesome add to the menu, but just wouldn't be practical for their cafe due to the preparation time needed.

Regardless of whether the boudin ever makes an appearance on their menu, the future looks promising for Kolache Republic, with their block on the verge of becoming a craft beer/dining destination with The Daily Growler, Preston's Burgers, and Seventh Son's sour beer outpost Antiques on High either open or on their way to opening. And we know for certain there are many more visits in store for us to this deliciously unique stop on the Columbus culinary scene, and with that many more glances at what still remains one of my favorite restaurant signs in the area.

Kolache Republic
730 S. High Street (German Village/Brewery District - Google Maps)
Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 928-3151
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