LongHorn Steakhouse to open its Clintonville restaurant next month

 

Clintonville will have a new steakhouse in a few weeks.

 

LongHorn Steakhouse will open its newest Columbus location April 15 at the former Bob Evans space at 5091 N. High St. in the Graceland Shopping Center.

 

The 572-unit chain is owned by Orlando-based Darden Concepts Inc. (NYSE: DRI), also owners of Olive Garden Italian Kitchen, Seasons 52 and the Yard House, among other brands.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/26/longhorn-steakhouse-open-clintonville-restaurant.html

 

Habaneros is taking over the former Old Bag of Nails spot in Clintonville

 

A locally based Mexican brand is adding another location.

 

Habaneros is taking over the former Old Bag of Nails space at 4416 N. High St. in Clintonville, according to building permits filed with the city of Columbus.

 

The restaurant group has not yet responded to questions about its plans, but work is underway at the site now.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/26/habaneros-iformer-old-bag-of-nails-clintonville.html

 

Roaster Royal Flamingo Opening First Location Inside New Bar

 

Award-winning local roaster Royal Flamingo Coffee is spreading its wings and flying a few hundred feet west for its first brick-and-mortar. With a little help from another new business.

 

It will be coffee by day, bar by night as Royal Flamingo nests inside the recently-opened I Like It Like That at Natalie’s Grandview.

 

“We are so excited to partner with Natalie’s and the I Like It Like That team,” says Royal Flamingo Co-owner Bryan Brzozowski, adding their shared visions and energy made it a no-brainer.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/roaster-royal-flamingo-opening-first-location-inside-new-bar-sp1/

 

First Watch adding Lewis Center restaurant to its local footprint

 

First Watch isn’t slowing its renewed expansion in Central Ohio.

 

The Bradenton, Florida-based chain’s 12th area location is under construction now at 6547 Artesian Run in Lewis Center. It's expected to open in August.

 

The company said the restaurant will be 4,500 square feet and seat 175 people between its inside and covered patio spaces. It will have a bar serving the brand’s signature juices and cocktails to accompany its brunch- and lunch-focused menu.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/26/first-watch-adding-lewis-center-restaurant.html

 

Renovation coming to Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails building downtown

 

A change is coming to Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails.

 

The 71-73. E. Gay St. building that has housed the restaurant for 17 years is in line for a potential remodel. But first building owner 2023 Arches LLC and architect Jeff Glavan of Glavan Group need to see what’s underneath its façade, prompting them to request Columbus Downtown Commission approval to tear off the mansard roof that's covered the front of the building since the 1970s.

 

The commission gave that plan the OK Wednesday, during a meeting that featured a full menu of restaurant projects.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/29/renovation-coming-to-tip-top-kitchen-cocktails-b.html

 

Chick-fil-A's Clintonville restaurant will open this week

 

The several-years-in-the-works Chick-fil-A in Clintonville is opening this week.

 

The popular Atlanta-based fast food chain has been plotting a location at 4910 N. High St. for more than three years.

 

The public can start visiting Thursday.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/01/chick-fil-as-clintonville-restaurant-will-open-th.html

 

Mecha Noodle Bar opening in the Short North next week

 

A new Short North noodle shop is opening next week.

 

Connecticut-based Mecha Noodle Bar (pronounced “may-chuh”) will unveil its first-ever Midwest restaurant April 12 at 965 N. High St., a space that previously was a White Castle.

 

The first 100 bowls ordered that day will be free to those customers.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/02/mecha-noodle-bar-opening-in-the-short-north-next-w.html

 

 

Five Guys to open new location across from Children's Hospital 

 

"According to city permits, Five Guys appears to be opening another Columbus location at 491 E. Livingston Ave., right across from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

 

The new 2,500 square foot restaurant will include both indoor and outdoor seating. Neither Five Guys nor the architects on the project could provide an opening date, but the permit says that extensive renovations will take place."

 

https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/popular-national-burger-chain-appears-to-be-opening-a-german-village-area-location

 

11 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

Mecha Noodle Bar opening in the Short North next week

 

A new Short North noodle shop is opening next week.

 

Connecticut-based Mecha Noodle Bar (pronounced “may-chuh”) will unveil its first-ever Midwest restaurant April 12 at 965 N. High St., a space that previously was a White Castle.

 

The first 100 bowls ordered that day will be free to those customers.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/02/mecha-noodle-bar-opening-in-the-short-north-next-w.html

 

 

I wonder if they're keeping the drive-thru.

Crimson to open on West Lane Avenue by Ohio State this spring

 

Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is expanding its showpiece shop.

 

The locally based coffee company plans to open a new Crimson shop at 64 W. Lane Ave. in May.

 

This will be the second shop under the Crimson brand for the company. The first opened at Easton Town Center in 2020. While the traditional Crimson Cup shops are more of a standard coffee house, the Crimson locations put a greater focus on the product and its producers.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/03/crimson-to-open-on-west-lane-avenue-by-ohio-state.html

 

Gravity bringing ice cream and more to Franklinton with Sweetful

 

Gravity is adding an ice cream and dessert shop this summer.

 

Kaufman Development’s Franklinton mixed-use project Thursday announced its next new addition.

 

Sweetful is a locally owned operation that is taking a 1,300-square-foot space in the development.

 

Owned by Hilltop native Jeana Howard, the menu will include ice cream – with flavors like banana pudding and peach cobbler – milkshakes, doughnuts, pie and more. The café component to the business will serve coffee and other beverages as well.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/04/gravity-bringing-ice-cream-franklinton-sweetful.html & https://columbusunderground.com/dessert-cafe-opening-at-gravity-sp1/

 

Three Bites Bakery & Little Cat Boba Teaming Up on New Space Downtown

 

Two local businesses are teaming up on a new location Downtown.

 

East Market’s Little Cat Boba will add its second location, while King-Lincoln Bronzeville’s Three Bites Bakery will relocate to 12 E. Broad St. Downtown. The address was most recently home to Jack & Benny’s, which closed during the first months of the pandemic.

 

The two businesses are making moves as part of the Ground Floor Growth initiative, a collaborative effort between Columbus City Council, the Columbus Empowerment Corporation and Downtown Columbus, Inc. (formerly the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation).

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/three-bites-bakery-little-cat-boba-teaming-up-on-new-space-downtown-sp1/

 

On 4/5/2024 at 8:12 PM, ColDayMan said:

Three Bites Bakery & Little Cat Boba Teaming Up on New Space Downtown

 

Two local businesses are teaming up on a new location Downtown.

 

East Market’s Little Cat Boba will add its second location, while King-Lincoln Bronzeville’s Three Bites Bakery will relocate to 12 E. Broad St. Downtown. The address was most recently home to Jack & Benny’s, which closed during the first months of the pandemic.

 

The two businesses are making moves as part of the Ground Floor Growth initiative, a collaborative effort between Columbus City Council, the Columbus Empowerment Corporation and Downtown Columbus, Inc. (formerly the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation).

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/three-bites-bakery-little-cat-boba-teaming-up-on-new-space-downtown-sp1/

 

I like this program and am excited to see the other locations and businesses. 

Bite This Finds A Permanent Home in Clintonville

 

There’s a novelty in tracking down your favorite treat at the farmers market or hoping it hasn’t sold out from your neighborhood coffee shop. But sometimes you’ve really got a craving and want to go straight to the source for that brownie/cookie/bagel.

 

Fans of Bite This will soon have that luxury. The bakery will open its first brick-and-mortar storefront this spring at 3009 N. High St. The Clintonville address is a familiar one for bakeries, serving as the long-time home of Pattycake Bakery (which moved north in the neighborhood), before a year-and-a-half run as Tudie’s Cookies & Sweets which closed at the end of 2023.

 

It’s been a whirlwind of a journey for Baker & Owner Annie Dickson. A hobby baker and half of a foodie-loving couple, a few years ago Dickson decided to keep herself busy during her husband’s deployment by making charcuterie boards and layer cakes for family and friends. Soon enough she started getting referrals from people she didn’t know, and began looking into a storefront. But she had a realization. Layer cakes and charcuterie boards were celebration items.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/bite-this-finds-a-permanent-home-in-clintonville-sp1/

 

First Look: Mecha Noodle Bar Opens in Short North

 

A new dining option is bringing pho, ramen and more to the Short North. Mecha Noodle Bar opens the doors to its first Ohio location this Friday, April 12 at 965 N. High St. in the Short North.

 

It’s a westward expansion for the Connecticut-based noodle bar, with Columbus marking its eighth location nationwide (nine and 10 are already in the works). It takes over the former home of White Castle, which closed in December 2022.

 

The Noodle Bar name signals a menu which encourages slurping, with a variety of pho and ramen options. The dishes can also be customized with a list of add-ons. Hand rolls and bao buns also earn menu sections, each coming in a handful of variants. Munchies span sharers like edamame, egg rolls and firecracker wings, to more hearty dishes like kimchi fried rice, wonton noodle soup and sweet & sour spareribs.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-mecha-noodle-bar-opens-in-short-north-sp1/

 

Caribou Coffee adding Delaware shop in Ohio expansion

 

Another Caribou Coffee is coming to town.

 

The national coffee brand, which had approximately 10 locations around Central Ohio a decade ago, is in the midst of a local revival.

 

Wooster-based Mike Mariola Restaurants signed on as a franchisee with the Minneapolis-based chain in 2022 with plans to bring Caribou Coffee back to Ohio. Dublin-based Crawford Hoying is also a partner in the local expansion.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/12/caribou-coffee-adding-delaware-shop-in-ohio-expans.html

Red Rabbit Ramen returning to Echo Spirits Distilling

 

A Columbus ramen cart will be back in business soon.

 

Blaine Carr and Xavy Perez are taking on operations of Red Rabbit Ramen, which will remain stationed outside Echo Spirits Distilling at 985 W. 6th Ave. near Grandview Heights.

 

The new operators announced their arrival on Facebook and spoke with NBC4 about taking on the business.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/15/grandview-red-rabbit-ramen-echo-spirits-distilling.html

 

Rollz Rice Indian Kitchen opens new restaurant near Ohio State

 

A fast-casual Indian restaurant has opened its second location.

 

Kailash Chughwani and his wife Seema launched Rollz Rice Indian Kitchen at 724 Polaris Pkwy. in 2019. They’re expanding now with a new restaurant at 16 E. 16th St. across from Ohio State University.

 

“People are familiar with the set up — build your own bowls or wraps,” Chughwani said. “Where we differentiate ourselves is with our flavors. If you want Indian flavors you normally have to go to a sit-down restaurant.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/16/rollz-rice-indian-kitchen-new-restaurant-ohio-stat.html

 

 

I have an inside source at CM Chicken that I have a chance to sit down with from time to time. We usually discuss expansion plans and possible new locations. I saw him again this week on Tuesday, and was able to get a couple small updates on their plans...

 

- The location they were hoping to open on Sawmill Rd (near Hard Rd) is not happening. He did say they are still interested in the Sawmill corridor, but it just won't be in that location near Hard.

 

- They are still pursuing multiple more locations across Central Ohio. The next one they will open will be on 5th Ave in 5xNW "near the BW3". He anticipates the 5th Ave location will open in around four months.

 

That's all I could get this time, as I only had a few minutes with him. 

 

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill bringing new restaurant to Hamilton Quarter

 

A North Carolina-based polished casual restaurant brand is expanding in Central Ohio.

 

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is planning a new restaurant in the market – this one at 6036 N. Hamilton Road in Casto’s Hamilton Quarter development.

 

“We’re so excited to expand our footprint in Ohio,” the company said in an email. “If all stays on track with our development timeline, we’ll open just before the end of the year.”

 

Construction is expected to begin in about a month.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/19/firebirds-wood-fired-grill-bringing-new-restaurant.html

 

Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant now open in Gahanna

 

There’s a new dining destination in Gahanna.

 

Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant now is open at 64 Granville St.

 

It’s the second location for the brand, which also has a restaurant at 9745 Johnstown Road in New Albany.

 

The Gahanna location is a casual spot with a sizeable outdoor patio. That Granville Street space most recently was the Latin American restaurant Nativo614.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/19/blue-agave-mexican-restaurant-now-open-in-gahanna.html

 

DiCarlo's Pizza open again in Short North, Westerville

 

Ohio Valley-style pizza is back on the menu around Central Ohio.

 

DiCarlo’s Pizza, the famed Steubenville-based pizza family and brand, is back to a pair of shops in the Columbus area. It has relocated one spot closer to the Short North and reopened a Westerville location that had been closed.

 

The distinct pizza style, beloved by many natives of the Ohio Valley area, stands out due to the application of cold cheese and toppings after the square crust and sauce have baked in the oven.  

 

DiCarlo’s moved the shop it had at 91 E. 5th Ave. to a new location at 15 E. 2nd Ave., just off High Street.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/22/dicarlos-pizza-open-again-in-short-north-westerv.html

 

The Little Grand Market coming to Grandview Crossing this summer

 

Grandview Crossing’s food hall has a new name and a summer opening planned.

 

The Little Grand Market is targeting an August opening in the mixed-use development from Thrive Cos.

 

Courtney Ingersoll, Thrive’s senior vice president of brand experience, said the market will be a great amenity for residents and tenants. The Grandview Crossing project will include up to 1,500 apartments and BMW Financial Services of North America’s corporate headquarters.

 

But the target market isn’t just those living and working on site. With easy access to Grandview Crossing just outside of downtown, Thrive hopes The Little Grand Market and the adjoining 3-acre park will be an attraction for all.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/22/the-little-grand-market-coming-to-grandview-crossi.html & https://columbusunderground.com/columbus-latest-food-hall-opening-this-summer-sp1/

 

Cameron Mitchell's Butcher & Rose now hiring, opening in July

 

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' new downtown steakhouse will open in July.

 

The Columbus-based restaurant company Monday announced that it expects to begin serving at Butcher & Rose, its new restaurant in the Preston Centre at 155 E. Broad St., this summer.

 

That also means it’s beginning to staff up.

 

The Butcher & Rose hiring office is now open at 155 E. Broad St., Suite 302. The restaurant is hiring for both front-of-house and back-of-house roles including servers, bartenders, guest services, line cooks, dishwashers and more.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/22/cameron-mitchells-butcher-rose-now-hiring-open.html

 

Chick-fil-A purchases Buca di Beppo site in Worthington

 

Worthington is one step closer to a new Chick-fil-A. 

 

The popular Atlanta-based fast food chain officially bought the 60 E. Wilson Bridge Road property home to Buca di Beppo for $2.5 million, according to Franklin County property records. The deal closed April 17. 

 

Chick-fil-A plans to demolish the existing restaurant and build a new location of its own, according to plans first reported by Columbus Business First last year. The new restaurant is not expected to open until 2027. 

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/23/chick-fil-a-buca-di-beppo-worthington.html

 

First Look: Seafood & Raw Bar Hank’s Opens Downtown

 

Columbus has a new seafood restaurant, inspired by the South Carolina coast. Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar is now open at 6 W. Gay St. Downtown. 

 

Playing off the popular Charleston restaurant with a 25-year history, Columbus nabbed the second Hank’s location in the country. 

 

“We are thrilled to bring the spirit of Hank’s Seafood to Columbus,” says Christine Magrann, president & COO of Makeready, the company behind the restaurant. “Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional cuisine, warm service, and a memorable dining experience for all our guests. We can’t wait to welcome the community to Hank’s Columbus and share our passion for low country seafood and hospitality.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-seafood-raw-bar-hanks-opens-downtown-sp1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/24/hanks-seafood-downtown-columbus.html

 

North Market Downtown Lands a New Bakery

 

Omega’s departure left a carb-filled void at the North Market Downtown, 59 Spruce St. That gap will be filled this summer as Littleton’s Market Bakery moves in.

 

The bakery will be an expansion of Upper Arlington’s Littleton’s Market, which opened last December at 2140 Tremont Center. The North Market space will serve as a production facility for the main grocery store, as well as a retail bakery and cafe.

 

“The addition of Littleton’s Market Bakery to North Market Downtown is one of the most exciting and important in our history,” says North Market Executive Director & CEO Rick Harrison Wolfe. “Like all North Market merchants, Littleton’s is a family owned, operated, community/local minded market. They have gathered some of the most talented culinary individuals in town and are allowing them to execute their entrepreneurial vision and talents.” 

 

 More below: 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/25/north-market-downtowns-bakery-littletons-market.html & https://columbusunderground.com/north-market-downtown-lands-a-new-bakery-sp1/

 

Food truck operator Pitabilities planning new Grove City restaurant

 

A longtime Central Ohio food truck operator is getting its first traditional restaurant.

 

Pitabilities expects to open in late summer or early fall at 2167 Stringtown Road in Grove City.

 

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” owner and CEO Joe Pashovich said. “This is the perfect opportunity for us.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/26/food-truck-pitabilities-new-grove-city-restaurant.html

 

Italian market, North Market favorite among The Little Grand Market's tenants

 

Southern-style cooking, an Italian market and a new concept from a North Market favorite will be among The Little Grand Market’s dining choices.

 

The new food hall, which will open this summer in Thrive Cos.’ Grandview Crossing development, Monday announced four of its 12 tenants. Here's the list:

• Taesty’s. North Carolina-native Tae Spell will bring his Southern-style cooking to the project. He currently operates two food trucks and a carryout and delivery location in Circleville. Specialties will include fried chicken wings, Wagyu beef sliders and baked mac and cheese.
• Frascati Market. Owned by Tom Rasmey and Luciana Ramsey, it will have grab-and-go Italian soups, salads, antipasto and sandwiches as well as pre-made meals including lasagna, ravioli and roasted chicken and potatoes. It’ll also sell authentic sauces, pastas, olive oil, cookbooks and more.
• Lan Viet. It’ll be the third location for that Vietnamese eatery, which Khanh Le and his family opened first in the North Market Downtown more than 14 years ago. There's also a unit at North Market Bridge Park. Its menu is traditional Vietnamese dishes including Hanoi-style pho and its banh mi.
• Common Rice. Also owned by Le, the new Vietnamese concept will offer build-your-own rice bowls inspired by com binh dan, a Vietnamese street food. Choices will include braised pork belly, curried chicken and braised lemongrass beef topped with sauteed vegetables, herbs and pickled mustard greens.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/29/north-market-little-grand-market-grandview-crossin.html & https://columbusunderground.com/little-grand-food-hall-announces-first-vendors-sp1/

 

WY Mongolian Grill now open in Lewis Center

 

There’s another new dining option in Lewis Center.

 

WY Mongolian Grill is now open at 8633 Columbus Pike in NorthPointe Plaza. That space previously was the Asian Garden Buffet.

 

It’s a new concept from an experienced local operator.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/29/wy-mongolian-grill-now-open-in-lewis-center.html

 

Dave's Hot Chicken opening on Polaris Parkway this week

 

A fast-casual hot chicken brand is adding another Central Ohio restaurant.

 

Dave’s Hot Chicken this week will open its third area eatery Friday. This one is at 803 Polaris Pkwy. in Westerville.

 

The local franchise group for the California-based brand previously told Columbus Business First they could see as many as 13 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in the market.

 

The first local Dave's Hot Chicken opened at 3590 W. Dublin-Granville Road in 2022. The second opened at University Square late last year.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/30/daves-hot-chicken-opening-on-polaris-parkway-this.html

 

Polaris adding restaurant from Rooh family, new sushi, more

 

Polaris Fashion Place has four new food additions opening in the coming months, including a new restaurant from a Short North operator.

 

Mallory DeLucas, Polaris specialty leasing and advertising manager, said the mall is striving to bring in more interesting and traffic-driving tenants both in food and retail.

 

On the food side, it is adding a new restaurant from an established local operator, a sushi option, a new-to-Ohio concept and an in-mall spot for an expanding local food truck.

 

Flour Modern Pasta Bar is under construction now at 1540 Polaris Pkwy., a space in the development’s lifestyle center addition that previously had been The Brass Tap restaurant and bar.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/30/polaris-restaurant-rooh-panda-pancakes-sushi.html

 

31 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

Polaris adding restaurant from Rooh family, new sushi, more

 

Polaris Fashion Place has four new food additions opening in the coming months, including a new restaurant from a Short North operator.

 

Mallory DeLucas, Polaris specialty leasing and advertising manager, said the mall is striving to bring in more interesting and traffic-driving tenants both in food and retail.

 

On the food side, it is adding a new restaurant from an established local operator, a sushi option, a new-to-Ohio concept and an in-mall spot for an expanding local food truck.

 

Flour Modern Pasta Bar is under construction now at 1540 Polaris Pkwy., a space in the development’s lifestyle center addition that previously had been The Brass Tap restaurant and bar.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/30/polaris-restaurant-rooh-panda-pancakes-sushi.html

 

Very interested to see what the people behind Rooh cook up for pasta. 

Pins Mechanical picks Mikey's Late Night Slice to move into Weenie Wonder spots

 

Rise Brands is bringing in a popular local pizza joint to take over its Weenie Wonder spaces.

 

The Columbus-based owners of Pins Mechancial Co. closed two hot dog eateries earlier this year that were adjacent to the locations at Easton Town Center and at Bridge Park in Dublin.

 

Tuesday the company announced that Mikey’s Late Night Slice will move into those spaces. The pizza shop specializes in New York-style slices of a traditional nature alongside rotating specials.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/30/pins-mechanical-mikeys-late-night-slice-weenie.html & https://columbusunderground.com/mikeys-pins-team-on-up-pair-of-new-locations-sp1/

 

Agapé Mediterranean coming to Grandview Yard, Lewis Center this year

 

Agapé Mediterranean launched in 2021 with hopes to grow quickly.

 

Just past its three-year anniversary, the locally owned restaurant brand has four locations open and at least another two coming before the end of the year.

 

“We’re on track, maybe even a little ahead, to be honest,” co-owner Matt Morrison said.

 

Agapé has restaurants in Westerville, Gahanna, Sunbury and at Dublin Green near Plain City. It’s adding a Lewis Center location near a relocated Panera and it’ll join Grandview Yard in a space next to a Bank of America branch.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/03/agape-mediterranean-grandview-yard-lewis-center.html

 

2 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

Agapé Mediterranean coming to Grandview Yard, Lewis Center this year

 

Agapé Mediterranean launched in 2021 with hopes to grow quickly.

 

Just past its three-year anniversary, the locally owned restaurant brand has four locations open and at least another two coming before the end of the year.

 

“We’re on track, maybe even a little ahead, to be honest,” co-owner Matt Morrison said.

 

Agapé has restaurants in Westerville, Gahanna, Sunbury and at Dublin Green near Plain City. It’s adding a Lewis Center location near a relocated Panera and it’ll join Grandview Yard in a space next to a Bank of America branch.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/03/agape-mediterranean-grandview-yard-lewis-center.html

 

Place is delicious, hopefully they don’t start sacrificing quality the more they grow. 

Potbelly to move into departing Papa Johns space near OSU

 

Ohio State University students will lose a pizza option but regain a sandwich shop that departed almost a decade years ago.

 

Jared Schiff, executive vice president of Schiff Properties, said the Papa Johns at 2108 N. High St. in Schiff’s University Gateway North building will close at some point in the next 60 days.

 

The official date has not been announced and the Louisville, Kentucky-based chain has not responded to questions about that location.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/06/potbelly-to-move-into-departing-papa-johns-space-n.html

Yawning Bear Bread Co. Eyeing Summer Opening for First Brick-and-Mortar

 

As one bakery departs the King-Lincoln District, another is ready to fill the void. After just over two years, Three Bites Bakery is headed for a new Downtown location in partnership with Little Cat Boba, but Yawning Bear Bread Co. is already lined up to take over the space at 999 Mt. Vernon Ave.

 

It will be the first storefront for Yawning Bear, which started as many bakeries do – as a hobby. Though she’s been baking all her life, Liz Brett’s bread journey kicked off in 2018 or so. She was a broke college student trying to bake herself fresh bread in her apartment. Then she caught the sourdough bug during the pandemic and started extending her bread network to friends and neighbors.

 

Brett was also working some odd jobs to keep busy, including helping Ohio Pies at area farmers markets. One of the market organizers heard that Brett did some baking on the side, and in need of a bread vendor, reached out about adding a couple of loaves at the next market. Thinking it would be just for fun, Brett said yes.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/yawning-bear-bread-co-eyeing-summer-opening-for-first-brick-and-mortar-sp1/

 

Restaurant group launches Oh So Fresh mobile food to promote businesses

 

Ashtyn Chen’s specialty is fish and seafood. But when he thinks about his business, he thinks about sausage.

 

The entrepreneur has formed a local restaurant group with four locations across multiple concepts and is building a mobile food fleet to help grow the various brands.

 

“It’s the Schmidt’s model,” Chen said, referencing the venerable German Village restaurant known for its sausage. “They have one restaurant, then their food trucks, then their catering. We want to emulate that.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/07/restaurant-group-launches-oh-so-fresh-mobile-food.html

 

Agave & Rye owner opening brunch, sweets and tiki bar spot in Grandview

 

The owner of Agave & Rye is bringing a new eatery to Grandview Heights.

 

Covington, Kentucky-based Epic Brands announced that it will open Loco Social this month along Grandview Avenue.

 

The new bar and restaurant will be in the space next to the Agave & Rye at 1295 Grandview Ave. That space previously was part of that restaurant and had been the Spagio Wine Lounge.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/07/agave-rye-loco-social-grandview-heights.html & 

https://columbusunderground.com/new-restaurant-from-owners-of-agave-rye-opening-soon-sp1/

 

Braxton Meets Sexton’s at New Burger Bar

 

Here’s a riddle for you: What do you get when you cross a National Championship-winning football star with one of the hottest restaurant names in Columbus?

 

Give up?

 

You get Sexton’s Burger Bar, the new collaboration between Braxton Miller and Jamey and Joey Sexton, owners of Sexton’s Pizza. The Burger Bar, which is located at 921 E. Johnstown Rd. in Gahanna (in the same shopping center as Sexton’s Pizza, it’s worth noting), is now open and slinging smash burgers in partnership with Miller.

 

Miller is, of course, not new to teaming up with local food scene staples, having previously worked with Hot Chicken Takeover. He said he was eager to get another chance to work in the food industry, especially with people who share his values and desire to create and promote food that the whole family can enjoy together.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/braxton-meets-sextons-at-new-burger-bar-pk1/

 

Ace of Cups bringing in Dirty Frank's, Blackened Coffee to join Ray Ray's

 

An Old North music venue and bar is bringing in some new food and drinks.

 

Ace of Cups at 3619 N. High St. has recruited Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace and Blackened Coffee Co. into its space.

 

The Ray Ray’s Hog Pit food truck, which has been stationed outside the venue since 2012, will remain in place as well.

 

“This union of Columbus businesses really resonated with me,” said Ace of Cups Owner Conor Stratton. “There’s strength in numbers, strength in community.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/08/ace-of-cups-dirty-franks-blackened-coffee-ray-ray.html

 

First Look: DraftKings Sports & Social Opens in Short North

 

Short North gains a sports bar this week as DraftKings Sports & Social arrives at 840 N. High St. Taking over the former home of Melt, Sports & Social opens tomorrow, Thursday, May 9.

 

The game – whatever game that might be – will always be on. A sports bar through and through, Sports & Social boasts a 37-foot screen and 20 plus additional TVS.

 

Though DraftKings is in the name, the location is not a sportsbook. Instead all betting takes place online via customers’ mobile devices through the DraftKings app. Sr. Marketing Manager Josiah Smith says that patrons of the bar will have extra opportunities through the app while they are on-site.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-draftkings-sports-social-opens-in-short-north-sp1/

 

I can only imagine what kind of parlays the people on the closed-circuit TV in there are going to be trying to talk people into.

Potbelly franchisee hopes to run as many as 20 restaurants around Central Ohio

 

Expect to see more Potbelly in the coming years.

 

The Chicago-based chain has a new Columbus franchisee that’s already growing the brand in Central Ohio.

 

Royal Restaurant Group acquired the four existing Potbelly restaurants in the market last year, as part of a plan to add another 36 new locations in both Ohio and Florida.

 

The first of those in Ohio is coming to 2108 N. High St. near Ohio State later this year.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/13/potbelly-franchisee-central-ohio-columbus-sandwich.html

Mezzo in Dublin adds The Evergreen Room to meet event demand

 

Another Historic Dublin restaurant is expanding to meet demand.

 

Mezzo, which opened in 2011 at 12 W. Bridge St., has added a new event space called The Evergreen Room next to its Italian eatery.

 

“Our business has been strong but since the opening of Bridge Park we’ve gone through the roof,” said Sheila Trautner, president of Taste Hospitality Group. “Being able to add this is a great business opportunity for us.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/12/mezzo-in-dublin-adds-the-evergreen-room-events.html

 

Budd Dairy Food Hall adding Zaki Mediterranean Grill, losing Cousins Maine Lobster

 

Another temporary tenant in the Budd Dairy Food Hall is becoming permanent.

 

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants announced that Zaki Mediterranean Grill will be graduating from its Hatch incubation space in the Italian Village food hall.

 

It will open in mid-June in the kitchen spot that currently is home to Cousins Maine Lobster.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/16/budd-dairy-food-hall-zaki-cousins-maine-lobster.html

 

Black Kahawa Coffee now open at Broad and High downtown

 

A coffee journey more than a decade in the making now has a home.

 

Black Kahawa Coffee is open at 2 E. Broad St., the former Tim Hortons space at the intersection of Broad and High streets downtown.

 

“This is a celebration of the East African origins of coffee,” said owner Douglas Buckley. “Now is my time to tell that story.”

 

Buckley started Black Kahawa in 2019, but the idea had been percolating in his mind for a while. He had lived in East Africa for more than a decade as a missionary and while there he met coffee growers and learned everything, from cultivation to roasting.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/29/black-kahawa-coffee-now-open-at-broad-and-high.html & https://columbusunderground.com/black-kahawa-debuts-patio-location-sp1/

 

Huey Magoo's now open at Worthington Gateway

 

Huey Magoo’s is expanding in Central Ohio.

 

The Orlando-based fast-casual chicken brand opened its first local eatery last summer in Marysville.

 

It’s second local restaurant now is open at 53 W. Wilson Bridge Road at the Worthington Gateway.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/29/huey-magoos-now-open-at-worthington-gateway.html

 

Local Fast-Casual Mediterranean Chain Up to 6 Area Restaurants

 

At a time when many restaurants were closing, fast-casual spot Agapé Mediterranean was growing. And growing. 

 

Since it opened its first restaurant in Westerville in early 2021, the local mini-chain has added three more locations, with two more in the works. 

 

How has Agapé gone from one restaurant to six in a three-year span? 

 

Matt Morrison, one of the restaurant’s partners, says there are a few factors, but, “The first and most important is obviously our team.” 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/local-fast-casual-mediterranean-chain-up-to-6-area-restaurants-sp1/