About Us | Our Story

One night in 2010 while having drinks, Rick Jardiolin and Dusty Kotchou were craving kolache but couldn’t find anywhere in Columbus that was selling this tasty treat. It was then, they envisioned the idea of introducing Columbus to this Czech pastry and opening Kolache Republic.

Rick, a Texas native, sought the help and advice of his sister-in-law, whose family owned a kolache shop in Texas, as well as the late Crazy kolache lady from Caldwell, TX (also known as the Kolache capital of Texas). After months of learning how to perfect the dough, the friends began creating a variety of gourmet kolache using fresh and local ingredients and selling their pastry at farmer’s markets.

In 2013, the guys opened their kolache bakery in German Village. Since opening their doors, they continue to create unique flavors like their famous Thanksgiving kolache. Stop in and visit Columbus’ original kolache shop in the historic German Village.

What is a kolache?

A kolache is a Czech pastry made of slightly sweet dough baked with a variety of fruit, nut, sweet cheese and meat fillings and are popular in areas with large Czech populations such as Texas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

Our mission

We want to introduce Ohioans and non-Ohioans to the Czech style kolache and we are committed to making the most amazing kolache that you will find anywhere using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. We want to be there when you take your first bite, sharing that moment of joy the second you taste a slice of heaven. We’ve built a community around our food and we are committed to building our community outside our doors. That’s why we’ve partnered with Children’s Hunger Alliance to helping end childhood hunger in Ohio. We want to spread joy through our food and through our community service.