A new European cafe will bring a new experience this year to Highside Market in Columbus. Patisserie and neighborhood cafe Bloom is currently under construction and will open in early fall around Labor Day weekend, owner Ritesh Mali told What Now Atlanta.
Mali and his wife Dr. Manisha Jakkidi moved to Columbus in 2021 and saw the opportunity to bring some favorite aspects of their European travels to the area through a new concept.
“Columbus is a nice town very rooted in community, and it’s also aspirational in the sense that they want to try new experiences and cuisines,” Mali said. “When we went to Europe, we noticed that the concept of having pastries and cakes with wine and champagne was very normal, but we felt like that was uncharted territory here in the States.”
Mali will spotlight the European “cakes and bubbles” concept at Bloom, offering wines and champagnes alongside pastries. Expect to see French and Italian pastries such as Paris-Brest, tiramisu and frutti di bosco alongside light lunch offerings. There will also be an afternoon tea served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday offering loose-leaf teas, nonalcoholic spritzes, wine and champagne. To make the space inclusive for families, Mali will also include a “petite tea” option for children 12 and under.
Bloom will reflect the European inspiration of the concept in its atmosphere, featuring sage green and cream coloring and a floral aesthetic.
“We want it to be very approachable, comforting and in tune with Southern hospitality,” Mali said.
Bloom will be joining other tenants at Highside Market, including Parlour Doughnuts, Nonic Kitchen & Bar, Flying Biscuit Café and Ray’s. As Bloom grows closer to opening, Mali is hoping that the new cafe will help build community in Columbus.
“I want this to resonate with the locals here and be a place they can go to all day, every day, whether it’s for a cup of coffee or a celebration,” Mali said.
