Jack’s Cheesecake Offers Sweets, Shirts & An Incredible Story

Jack and Brent Leach standing in front of the Jack’s Cheesecake truck in Watkinsville, Georgia, on April 10, 2025. (Photo/Brett Stephens)

Located in Watkinsville, Georgia, father-and-son duo, Brent and Jack Leach, sell their wide selection of cheesecakes, alongside other snacks and items. The main star of the show is Jack, who is an integral piece of the business.

“Jack has always liked to cook,” said Brent. “He used to make pizzas, quesadillas and stuff like that. But he really liked making cheesecake with my mom.”

Jack has nonverbal autism, which impacts his ability to communicate with others. Despite this, the 21-year-old is using his business to spread awareness about other people with disabilities.

His mom, Barri Leach, met Brent in Florida at her workplace. The two got married before moving to Georgia and after the couple had Jack, the couple made it a point to support him with his talents in the kitchen.

“I never worked until my husband quit his job and started doing this with Jack. My husband was working from sunup to sundown. He was as involved as he could be,” said Barri.

After Brent had quit his job to pursue Jack’s Cheesecake full time, the family decided to market their product to the Watkinsville community.

Jack’s Cheesecake now offers local products, including Publica Coffee Roasters, to be purchased online or at their store. (Photo/Brett Stephens)

“We set up a little Facebook shop for (Jack), with mostly teachers and friends who would order the cheesecakes. We ended up entering him into the Taste of Oconee competition,” Brent said.

The Taste of Oconee contest is a festival that invites vendors from the Athens area to offer their dishes to residents. The contest also gives out awards to the best food items in various categories. Jack first entered his cheesecake into the “Top Dessert” category five years ago. He has held that title every year since then.

“He gained some instant reputation there,” said Brent. “We just kind of grew step-by-step to what you see now, which we still plan on growing.”

One of Jack’s Cheesecakes offerings is a multi-pack, allowing customers to try different flavors of cheesecake for the price of one. The flavors shown are traditional, white chocolate, cookie dough, and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. (Photo/Brett Stephens)

The story of Jack Leach became known throughout Oconee County and was a big step towards opening Jack’s Cheesecake. Media outlets, like Channel 2 Action News and Fox 5 Atlanta, gave the Leach family a statewide presence that fueled their establishment’s growth into a successful business.

“Now, there are other stores that sell our stuff,” Brent said. “The B&T Food Fresh Chain, Stripling’s General Store, Redstone General Store up in Jefferson, and then there’s a few more restaurants.”

On their website, Jack’s Cheesecake sells several styles of cheesecake that can be purchased for local delivery or pickup. The establishment has recently expanded their catalog by adding local products to their store, including hot sauces, coffee and other refreshments.

“We have about ten different flavors that are always in our rotation. We also do some seasonal ones. Right now, we’re doing a strawberry shortcake cheesecake,” Brent said.

Brent also said that one of their biggest sellers is the “Red & Black Attack” cheesecake. It’s their original cheesecake topped with strawberries mixed in and chocolate sauce drizzled on top.

“That one we ran during the (University of Georgia) football season,” he said. “We also did it on Valentine’s Day since it’s chocolate covered strawberry.”

Since Jack’s Cheesecake is family-owned business, they are responsible for preparing and making their cheesecakes. Currently, they reside in Georgia Square Mall, with hopes for a different place to bake soon.

“Hopefully our next is location is a place where we can cook and sell at the same place,” said Brent. “This place is too small to cook. We could possibly add some kitchen on, but it’s on a septic tank system. There are certain rules and regulations about water disposals, grease traps and stuff like that.”

Jack Leach counting a sale on his phone at Jack’s Cheesecake in Watkinsville, Georgia, on April 10, 2025. (Photo/Brett Stephens)

Missie Rabdau, a friend of the Leach family, was looking to cater an event she was putting for the Homeowners Association (HOA) in her neighborhood. She reached out to Jack’s Cheesecake for the event and ordered many cheesecakes for her neighbors to enjoy.

“I learned about the business through my husband, and he used to work with Brent,” said Rabdau. “We had two events and (Jack) came to both of them and brought all of his flavors. He virtually sold out of everything.”

For Missie, hearing about Jack’s story has made her a repeat customer. She said the events were very successful and even brought in people from outside her neighborhood to the occasion.

“My daughter is a schoolteacher and got her Special Education degree. I feel for people that have disabilities. I’m so excited when they’re able to pursue a passion that makes them shine,” she said.

Jack’s Cheesecake is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers can find Brent and Jack sitting outside on the front porch, adding new items to their store or working the register with two big smiles on their faces.

“I get to work with my best friend every day, so I’ll never retire,” said Brent. “I spend time with my family and doing something that I love, so I’m going to keep doing this until I fall over.”