In a city full of bakeries and sweet shops, I was dying to ask Sugardaddy’s owner Mark Ballard only one question: What sets you apart from everyone else?

Yet the answer is apparent: everything they do sets them apart, down to the smallest detail.

Ballard and Tom Finney didn’t just get lucky with their innovative business model. What seems to be an effortlessly run bakery is really the product of three years of grueling research, experimentation and planning. Launched in early 2005, the company originally started as an online gift store, expanding to physical locations as demand grew.

The owners got their start when Finney (the master baker) came up with an amazing brownie recipe. Ballard stepped in as marketing and branding guru and the two put their heads together to create Sugardaddy’s. After adding new brownie flavors to their lineup, they decided to include the often-overlooked blondie. A unique hand-cut, round shape was developed to produce “The Edgeless Brownie,” which creates the perfect soft texture in every bite.

Each of the 20 different flavors (16 of which are available daily) is hand-crafted from the inside out to highlight the unique flavors with exquisite style.

A small sampling of flavors includes the Auburn Original, American Beauty, Caramel, Drunken Chunky (a bestseller), Nutty, Fiery, Cherry Almond and the Tahiti. Also out for fall is the not-to-be missed pumpkin pie flavored Harvest Blondie. All of these amazing varieties and more are baked fresh every morning. Yes, every morning.

“We want our customers to have an excellent experience every time – we use only premium, natural ingredients. We never want to wonder whether a customer will be getting the best we have to offer, so they’re not sold if they’re not perfect. We founded this company on the four Ps,” Ballard said, ticking each point off on his fingers. “Premium product, presentation, packaging and people.”

The bakery’s fame reaches far beyond Columbus. Sugardaddy’s was declared the winner on Throwdown with Bobby Flay (to air on Food Network, 10 a.m., October 20th), was selected to serve green room amenities on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, named “Best of the Best” brownies and blondies by Food Network, and is recommended by a staggering number of online sources and print magazines. Although brownies and blondies steal the show, they aren’t the only options. The brownie cheesecake, with crust available in every brownie flavor, is to die for. Brownie and Blondie Biscotti inspires die-hard fans, and for patrons who are all about those chewy edges, the cut-away brownie bits are served up as scrumptious ‘Pocket Change.’ Need over-the-top decadence? Pick up some brownie truffles. Multiple taste tests are encouraged.

Find these amazing indulgences at their Polaris, Downtown and Easton locations, or order online any time the craving strikes; they’re guaranteed to arrive from ‘oven to door in 24.’ When you’re in the mood for decadent artisanal sweets, look no further than your Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties.

Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties
Multiple locations
(614) 888-4491
www.sugardaddys.com