New Coffee Shop Coming to Near East Side

 

A new business is brewing in the Franklin Park neighborhood near Olde Towne East.

 

The Light Meeting House Coffee Bar & Cafe is preparing to open in the coming weeks at 1485 Oak St., formerly Addella’s on Oak. The shop will feature indoor and outdoor seating and offer coffee and baked goods like bagels and pastries. 

 

Partners Rick Smith and Prudence Kelly started working on the shop a few months ago, and they hope to open the first week of April. Kelly said they haven’t had to do a lot of renovations to the space and most of the furniture is refurbished. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/new-coffee-shop-coming-to-near-east-side-ak1/

 

Qdoba expects to open 2 new Columbus restaurants in the next year

 

Chipotle’s biggest competitor is growing in Columbus.

 

San Diego-based Qdoba Mexican Eats, which has four restaurants around Central Ohio, wants to take a bigger bite out of the local fast-casual Mexican market.

 

And it isn’t afraid to call out its biggest rival.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/19/qdoba-new-columbus-restaurants.html

Logan's Roadhouse now open in Grove City

 

Logan’s Roadhouse may have been gone from Central Ohio for a few years, but the casual chain wasn’t forgotten.

 

“Part of our thinking in coming (back) here was because we already had good brand awareness,” said Jason Miller, director of operations. “We know we have a customer base here.”

 

Houston-based Logan’s Roadhouse once had three restaurants in the Columbus market, but those locations closed in the past 10 years.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/19/logans-roadhouse-now-open-grove-city.html

Roots Natural Kitchen expanding to Grandview Heights

 

Roots Natural Kitchen is branching out.

 

The Virginia-founded fast-casual chain first arrived in Columbus in 2022 with a restaurant at 10 E. 15th Ave. in Ohio State's University Square development.

 

It’s prepping a second Central Ohio restaurant with plans to open at 808 Grandview Ave. in Grandview Heights.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/18/roots-natural-kitchen-grandview-heights.html

 

 

Sirens set to reopen, include sports bar and restaurant 

 

"Sirens Gentlemen's Club, located at 6190 Cleveland Ave., is in the midst of a soft opening, with a grand opening planned for April.

 

After closing at the start of COVID in March 2020, the club has undergone a "several-million-dollar" renovation, said Greg Flaig, executive director of The Excellence Group, a consultant to the strip club industry who worked with Sirens owner Michael Sharrock to reopen the club.

 

Flaig said the new club will feature four businesses under one roof: a sports bar; a restaurant; a strip club; and "interactive entertainment" that will include male reviews and comedy acts.

 

A new bar, surrounded by TVs, anchors the club, which includes three dance stages and several private lounges."

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2025/03/20/stormy-daniels-sirens-strip-club-columbus-ohio-reopening/82570615007/

 

California-Born Hot Dog and Burger Brand Expanding to Columbus

 

Dog Haus is bringing its burgers, brats and brews to the Buckeye state. 

 

The fast-casual joint known for its hot dogs, sausages and burgers has signed a franchise deal that will bring four locations to Columbus. The opening of the first location is expected to take place before the end of the year. 

 

“Columbus is a thriving city with a diverse and exciting food culture,” Cherokee Rhoda, owner of the Columbus franchise locations, said in a press release. “I’m confident that Dog Haus will resonate with locals, from busy professionals to college students looking for high-quality, flavorful dining options.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/california-born-hot-dog-and-burger-brand-expanding-to-columbus-ak1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/25/columbus-dog-haus-expansion-2025.html

Fogo de Chão Brazilian steakhouse ready to open its first Columbus restaurant

 

A popular Brazilian steakhouse will open its first Columbus restaurant next week.

 

Fogo de Chão will open March 31 at 1425 Polaris Pkwy.

 

The Dallas-based chain began work on that location last year.

 

"We are thrilled to bring the culinary art of churrasco to Columbus with the opening of our first Ohio location," CEO Barry McGowan said in a press release. "Columbus has a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, making it an ideal destination for our continued growth."

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/25/fogo-de-chao-brazilian-steakhouse-columbus.html

 

Short North's Bristol Republic boot scootin' to Bridge Park

 

A Short North entertainment venue, restaurant and bar is moving to Bridge Park.

 

Bristol Republic and the Dublin development announced that the business will relocate from its current space at 1124 N. High St. this year.

 

The restaurant and bar will bring its live music, Southern-style food and whiskey selection to a multi-level, 6,500-square-foot space at 4495 Bridge Park Ave.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/25/short-north-bristol-republic-bridge-park.html & https://columbusunderground.com/short-norths-bristol-republic-to-relocate-to-dublin-ak1/

 

Del Taco opens new Lewis Center-Powell area restaurant

 

A California-based fast-food brand has expanded in Central Ohio.

 

Del Taco is now open at 8787 Owenfield Drive in the Lewis Center and Powell area.

 

The Lewis Center/Powell restaurant operates from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. so its menu spans breakfast to lunch to dinner to late night.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/02/del-taco-opens-new-lewis-center-powell-restaurant.html

 

Brazilian Steakhouse Opens First Ohio Location at Polaris

 

Fogo De Chão opened its doors this week at the Polaris Towne Center.

 

Located at 1425 Polaris Parkway, Fogo De Chão officially opened for business on Monday. This is the first Ohio location for the internationally renowned Brazilian restaurant, which specializes in churrasco — the process of roasting high-quality meats over an open flame. 

 

The space is approximately 7,000 square feet and can seat up to 205 people. In the center of the large dining room is an open churrasco grill where guests can see their food being prepared. In front of the kitchen space is a Market Table which features salads, charcuterie and exotic fruit. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/brazilian-steakhouse-opens-first-ohio-location-at-polaris-ak1/

 

**FYI, this place got me through college and, no lie, this very website was basically born there as I read Jane Ware's Building Ohio series sitting and eating gyros inspiring the transition from Cincinnatiuprise to UrbanOhio.  Apollo's, thank you for it all!**

 

Apollo's Greek Kitchen near Ohio State closes after decades

 

An Ohio State campus dining destination for nearly 50 years has closed.

 

Apollo’s Greek Kitchen at 1758 N. High St. is no more.

...

John Watson and Michael Will, operators of the Burger Royale food truck, are bringing their Pulp Fiction-inspired concept and menu to the space.

 

“With years of experience in the hospitality industry, they are passionate about great food and service. Be sure to check them out,” Sokol wrote.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/02/apollos-greek-kitchen-osu-closes.html

 

1 hour ago, ColDayMan said:

**FYI, this place got me through college and, no lie, this very website was basically born there as I read Jane Ware's Building Ohio series sitting and eating gyros inspiring the transition from Cincinnatiuprise to UrbanOhio.  Apollo's, thank you for it all!**

 

Apollo's Greek Kitchen near Ohio State closes after decades

 

An Ohio State campus dining destination for nearly 50 years has closed.

 

Apollo’s Greek Kitchen at 1758 N. High St. is no more.

...

John Watson and Michael Will, operators of the Burger Royale food truck, are bringing their Pulp Fiction-inspired concept and menu to the space.

 

“With years of experience in the hospitality industry, they are passionate about great food and service. Be sure to check them out,” Sokol wrote.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/02/apollos-greek-kitchen-osu-closes.html

 

It’s sad that this place is done, I would guess owners just don’t want to do it anymore? it’s awesome that it won’t be sitting empty or that the building will be demoed. 

Heading to Columbus with my wife, two year old daughter, and parents on Saturday. We're taking her to CoSi, and our airbnb is between Olde Town East and Bexley. Any dinner recommendations and/or other things that may be fun with a two year old girl?

16 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

**FYI, this place got me through college and, no lie, this very website was basically born there as I read Jane Ware's Building Ohio series sitting and eating gyros inspiring the transition from Cincinnatiuprise to UrbanOhio.  Apollo's, thank you for it all!**

 

Apollo's Greek Kitchen near Ohio State closes after decades

 

An Ohio State campus dining destination for nearly 50 years has closed.

 

Apollo’s Greek Kitchen at 1758 N. High St. is no more.

...

John Watson and Michael Will, operators of the Burger Royale food truck, are bringing their Pulp Fiction-inspired concept and menu to the space.

 

“With years of experience in the hospitality industry, they are passionate about great food and service. Be sure to check them out,” Sokol wrote.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/02/apollos-greek-kitchen-osu-closes.html

 

Okay, I'm soooo old I remember when this place was new. It's the first time I ever had pastitsio. 

1 hour ago, YABO713 said:

Heading to Columbus with my wife, two year old daughter, and parents on Saturday. We're taking her to CoSi, and our airbnb is between Olde Town East and Bexley. Any dinner recommendations and/or other things that may be fun with a two year old girl?

 

If you're staying in OTE and Bexley, go to the East Market for dinner.  Their 2nd-floor seating area has games for kids.  

 

As far as attractions for children: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-with-kids/

Budd Dairy Food Hall's Boni to become Beep Beep

 

A Budd Dairy Food Hall tenant is trying something new.

 

Boni Filipino Street Food is converting its concept in the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants-owned space to Beep Beep, which will expand the menu beyond Filipino favorites.

 

It reopens Friday.

 

Executive Chef MJ Hernandez said via email that the new menu is split into three categories – noodles (called noods), rice and street food.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/03/budd-dairy-food-halls-boni-beep-beep.html

 

20 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

**FYI, this place got me through college and, no lie, this very website was basically born there as I read Jane Ware's Building Ohio series sitting and eating gyros inspiring the transition from Cincinnatiuprise to UrbanOhio.  Apollo's, thank you for it all!**

 

Apollo's Greek Kitchen near Ohio State closes after decades

 

An Ohio State campus dining destination for nearly 50 years has closed.

 

Apollo’s Greek Kitchen at 1758 N. High St. is no more.

...

John Watson and Michael Will, operators of the Burger Royale food truck, are bringing their Pulp Fiction-inspired concept and menu to the space.

 

“With years of experience in the hospitality industry, they are passionate about great food and service. Be sure to check them out,” Sokol wrote.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/02/apollos-greek-kitchen-osu-closes.html

 

 

I was just coming here to post this and yet was 100% sure I wasn't going to be the first one here.

 

This got me through several late nights as well, even though their coupons weren't quite as good as some of those on the SBX discount card.  I guess they knew they had a good thing going and didn't need to make any particularly special offers.  Bah.  Skinflints.  (I tried to talk them down a bit more for a bulk order for Taylor Tower for an event when I was on Taylor Hall Council, too, like to order 60 gyros.  Not much luck there, either.)

Quarry Trails Home to Latest Bada Bean Bada Booze

 

Bada Bean Bada Booze is ready to open its doors this weekend with a new location. 

 

The coffee shop and cocktail bar will open Saturday at 2157 Quarry Trails Dr., located inside Quarry Trails, a mixed-use development presented by Thrive Companies that features a metro park and housing. This will be the fourth location for Bada, with the remaining three located inside Thrive developments across Columbus. 

 

Bada first opened in 2022 at 231 E. First Ave. in Italian Village, followed by a second location a year later in Harrison West at 527 W. Fifth Ave. A third location opened last summer with the debut of Little Grand Market at 710 Grandview Crossing Way. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/quarry-trails-home-to-latest-bada-bean-bada-booze-ak1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/04/newest-bada-bean-bada-booze-local-food.html

 

Marx Bagels now open in Block's McNaughten Road space

 

Cincinnati-based Marx Bagels is now serving its kosher fare from the former Block's Bagels space at 6115 McNaughten Road.  

Though it’s a new name on the business, the Marx and Block’s brands have a shared history and, perhaps of greater note, a shared recipe.

 

What is Marx Bagels in Blue Ash today was started by Block's founders Hal and Audrey Block in the 1960s as Hot Bagels Factory. John Marx started there as an employee and took over the shop and renamed it in 1969.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/04/marx-bagels-open-blocks-mcnaughten.html

 

Sexton's opening Evans Farm pizzeria and bar this week

 

One of Central Ohio’s most sought-after pizzerias is opening a new location this week.

 

Sexton’s Pizza opens Wednesday at 5880 Evans Farm Dr. in the Evans Farm development in Lewis Center.

 

It is taking pre-orders for its popular pizzas now. As the website notes, it does sell out.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/07/sextons-pizza-opening-evans-farm.html

 

 

 

National chain featuring Dubai chocolate shakes, sundaes and bars opening first Central Ohio location on the west side 

 

Dubai chocolate everything is coming to HIlliard.

 

Juice Time, the popular national concept known for creating a wide variety of unique, decadent desserts, is opening its first Ohio eatery. Juice Time Columbus will open its first Buckeye State storefront in Hilliard. The concept is located at 1722 Hilliard Rome Rd.

 

The fast-growing brand is likely best known for its range of Dubai chocolate-inspired desserts, modeled after the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar food trend. The concept offers traditional Dubai Chocolate Bars, in addition to Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream, topped with pistachio sauce and caramel sauce, Dubai Chocolate Brownies, Dubai Chocolate Crepes and more.

 

https://614now.com/2025/food-drink/national-chain-featuring-dubai-chocolate-shakes-sundaes-and-bars-opening-first-central-ohio-location

 

 

Sourdough Pizza Shop Debuts in UA Community Center

 

A slice of pizza on a random Monday morning turned into an unexpected business plan for David Hunegnaw and a couple of friends. 

 

Sourdough Pizza Bros is a fast-casual pizza concept that uses slow-fermented dough. The shop launched yesterday inside the Bob Crane Community Center’s Core Café, located on the building’s first floor. The café is presented by local bakery Bake Me Happy and will feature grab-and-go meals, drinks and pastries, in addition to the sourdough pizza. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/sourdough-pizza-shop-debuts-in-ua-community-center-ak1/

 

Cincinnati Bagel Joint Replaces Block’s Bagels

 

Block’s Bagels closed down its East side location a little over a month ago, but it wasn’t long before a Cincinnati-based bakery swooped in to take its place.

 

Marx Bagels opened up shop last week at 6115 McNaughten Rd., formerly Block’s Bagels, which permanently closed March 2 after nearly 60 years in business. This will be the second location for Marx Bagels, with the initial location in Cincinnati. 

 

The business change comes after the January death of Block’s Bagels co-founder, Harold Block. Marx Bagels made an announcement regarding the move on Facebook in mid-March. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/cincinnati-bagel-joint-replaces-blocks-bagels-ak1/

 

Latin Restaurant Opening in Italian Village

 

A new Latin restaurant and cocktail lounge is bringing life back into an Italian Village building that has sat unoccupied for the last few years. 

 

Modern Latin restaurant Mezcla is gearing up for a grand opening Friday at 1022 Summit St., formerly The Market Italian Village, which closed in 2022. Owner Garrett Talmage said the menu is primarily rooted in Mexican food and will branch out from there. 

 

Talmage has been in the restaurant business for his whole working life. Perhaps the most influential experience was his time as a chef at the now closed Cosecha Cocina. Before he took over as head chef, there was Chef Silas Caeton, who Talmage said left an impact on the restaurant even after he left. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/latin-restaurant-opening-in-italian-village-ak1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/11/mezcla-brings-upscale-mexican-to-italian-village.html

 

Mastro's, Napa among Easton additions

 

It’ll be another busy spring and summer at Easton Town Center.  

 

The Columbus shopping and entertainment center Monday announced of slew of either recently opened or coming soon retailers and restaurants. Though some have previously been reported, there are some new additions as well.

 

On the dining front:

• Mastro’s is open at 3965 New Bond St. (the former McCormick & Schmick’s space). The upscale restaurant offers 16 cuts of USDA Prime steaks in addition to seafood, cocktails wine and more.
• Napa Kitchen & Bar is open at 4055 The Strand West. Owned by locally based CityBrands, it’s the third area restaurant under that brand. It offers brick oven-baked dishes and a California-centric wine list.
• Bar Italia will open this summer in the former Smith & Wollensky space. The bar-centric and modern Italian restaurant is owned by NCR Ventures, founded by Rick Doody, co-founder of the Bravo and Brio restaurant brands and scion of Sue Doody, founder of the historic Lindey’s in German Village.
• Bareburger is coming to 4206 Worth Ave. at Easton Gateway this summer. George Mathew, franchisee for the New York-based burger concept said his second location (following a Short North one) is a good fit in that development.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/14/mastros-napa-carhartt-toddy-snyder-easton-addition.html

 

Osteria Pizzeria Debuts in Olde Towne East

 

A new pizza joint is making a name for itself in the Olde Towne East neighborhood. 

 

Osteria Pizzeria hosted its official grand opening Saturday at 892 Oak St., formerly Mikey’s Late Night Slice, which closed last summer. The eatery features a full bar, as well as pizza, sandwiches and subs.  

 

The new restaurant comes from the owners of The Olde Towne Tavern, located across the street at 889 Oak St. When co-owner Brad Hobbs found out the owner of Mikey’s was looking to get out of his lease, he decided to take it over. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/osteria-pizzeria-debuts-in-olde-towne-east-ak1/

 

Looks like Jaggers, a fast food burger joint owned by Texas Roadhouse, wants to open a location in the parking lot next to Marcella's at Polaris.

Culver's to bring burgers, custard to new Canal Winchester site

 

A chain known for its distinct burgers and frozen custard is expanding in Central Ohio.

 

Wisconsin-based Culver’s is prepping a new restaurant at 6450 Gender Road in Canal Winchester.

 

The 4,386-square-foot drive-thru eatery will be a new build on a 3.11-acre site. Though the address is Gender Road, the restaurant would be accessed off the current service road connecting Gender and Bigerton Bend.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/15/culvers-canal-winchester-restaurant-burgers.html

Roots Natural Kitchen to Open Second Ohio Location

 

A new Roots Natural Kitchen in Grandview is making it even easier to eat healthy. 

 

The fast-casual chain specializing in salads and grain bowls is expected to open May 3 at 808 Grandview Ave. This will be the second Roots location in Ohio. The first opened in 2021 in the University District at 10 E. Fifteenth Ave. 

 

The Grandview location will be the first to include a drive-thru. Additionally, the restaurant will feature a dining room and will offer delivery, pick-up and catering services. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/roots-natural-kitchen-to-open-second-ohio-location-ak1/

 

Chef B.J. Lieberman bringing Italian restaurant Metsi's to Short North

 

A Columbus chef is reviving his Short North restaurant space.

 

B.J. Lieberman and Bronwyn Haines, owners of Chapman's Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge, will open Metsi’s at 36 E. Lincoln St. in June.

 

“Italian food is one of my favorite things to eat and absolutely one of my favorite things to cook,” Lieberman said in a press release. “We are excited to offer an approachable, fun Italian menu here in the Short North, featuring classic appetizers, salads, pastas and wood-fired entrees off of our 10-foot, wood-fired hearth.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/16/chef-bj-lieberman-italian-metsis-short-north.html

 

Johnson's Real Ice Cream opening second Powell shop in two months

 

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream is serving up its second scoop of new shops in 2025.

 

The locally owned ice cream maker will open its eighth area shop at 50 S. Liberty St. in Powell Thursday.

 

Matt Wilcoxon, CEO and fourth-generation family member in the 75-year-old business, said though it now will have two Powell shops, the markets are different.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/16/johnsons-real-ice-cream-opening-powell.html

 

Chick-fil-A opening second Polaris Parkway restaurant in six months

 

Central Ohio’s newest Chick-fil-A opens Friday.

 

The Atlanta-based fast-food brand, which has been on an expansion binge in the Columbus market as of late, is opening a Westerville restaurant at 680 Polaris Parkway.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/17/chick-fil-a-open-polaris-parkway.html

Sourdough Pizza Bros. teams up with Core Cafe in Upper Arlington

 

Monday morning at 8 a.m. is perhaps not the most likely time for a pizza taste-testing session.

 

“Ivan (Isreal) texted me and asked me what I was doing,” David Hunegnaw said. “It’s 8 in the morning. I was just getting ready for my day.”

 

Intrigued and wanting to support a friend, Hunegnaw changed his plans and ventured over to Isreal’s house where Isreal was hard at work stretching dough.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/17/sourdough-pizza-bros-core-cafe-upper-arlington.html

 

Mochinut opens first Central Ohio Location Near Grandview

 

Mochinut opened up shop near Grandview and is serving up donuts and coffee with a bit of a twist.  

 

Mochinut hosted its grand opening today in the Fifth by Northwest neighborhood at 994 W. Fifth Ave. The shop is known for its mochi donuts made with rice flour, boba, and Korean Rice Hotdogs. This is Mochinut’s second Ohio location, following a Westlake spot near Cleveland that debuted in 2022. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/mochinut-opens-first-central-ohio-location-near-grandview-ak1/

 

The Cafe on East 5th now open in Weinland Park

 

Columbus restaurant veterans have opened a new cafe in the Italian Village and Weinland Park area.

 

Kevin and Lori Ames opened The Cafe on East 5th at 260 E. 5th Ave. in Marker Development’s Crossline project in Weinland Park.

 

Kevin Ames said in an email they like the location, which is just north of well-established dining and drinking destinations including Seventh Son Brewing, Budd Dairy Food Hall and St. James Tavern.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/17/the-cafe-on-east-5th-now-open-weinland-park.html & https://columbusunderground.com/new-cafe-open-in-weinland-park-apartment-complex-ak1/

 

12 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

The Cafe on East 5th now open in Weinland Park

 

Columbus restaurant veterans have opened a new cafe in the Italian Village and Weinland Park area.

 

Kevin and Lori Ames opened The Cafe on East 5th at 260 E. 5th Ave. in Marker Development’s Crossline project in Weinland Park.

 

Kevin Ames said in an email they like the location, which is just north of well-established dining and drinking destinations including Seventh Son Brewing, Budd Dairy Food Hall and St. James Tavern.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/17/the-cafe-on-east-5th-now-open-weinland-park.html

 

How any restaurant opens in 2025 with zero social media presence is hilarious, especially in an area that isn’t a well traveled place. Obviously a lot of residents in the area, but you would have no idea. They aren’t even listed on a google search. 

Paris Baguette opens third area location in Upper Arlington

 

John Hong is thinking about his future with Paris Baguette, but he remains driven by his past.

 

The local franchisee for the South Korea-based cafe and bakery chain has opened his first Columbus-area store at 1325 W. Lane Ave. in Upper Arlington.

 

It’s the third Paris Baguette to open in the market in the past year. Each of those locations have different franchisees.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/18/paris-baguette-now-open-upper-arlington.html

 

Cincinnati steakhouse Losanti to open its first Columbus restaurant

 

A Cincinnati restaurant group is bringing a steakhouse to Franklinton.

 

Crown Restaurant Group plans to open Losanti at 440 W. Broad St. in the Gravity development.

 

The restaurant group has not yet responded to questions about its plans, but coming soon signs are posted in the windows.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/18/losantis-steakhouse-franklinton-restaurant.html

 

Chicken chain OX-B's opening Buckeye Lake restaurant

 

A locally grown chicken chain is adding another area restaurant.

 

OX-B’s will move into the building at 10960 Hebron Road at Buckeye Lake, which previously had been a coffee shop.

 

“We are so excited to announce we are coming to Buckeye Lake,” the brand posted on Facebook. “We had the opportunity to take over what was once (Buckeye Babes Coffee) and cannot wait to be in the area with a permanent location.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/21/chicken-chain-ox-bs-buckeye-lake-restaurant.html

 

Barbecue joint Slab Kitchen moving to standalone space in Reynoldsburg

 

A growing local barbecue joint is getting a new space of its own.

 

Slab Kitchen will take over the former Tempe Taco space at 7360 E. Main St. in Reynoldsburg.

 

The 6-year-old eatery has spent almost the last four years running the kitchen inside Eastside Brewing at 1421 Davidson Dr.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/21/slab-kitchen-moving-reynoldsburg.html

 

New Italian Restaurant Coming to Italian Village

 

The owner behind Chapman’s Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge is opening a wood-fired Italian restaurant this summer. 

 

Located just outside of the Short North in Italian Village at 36 E. Lincoln St., Metsi’s is slated to open in early June. The Italian-inspired restaurant and bar is the latest concept from Chef BJ Lieberman and will feature an upstairs bar and downstairs dining area equipped with a 10-foot wood-fired hearth. 

 

“I love Italian food, always have,” Lieberman said. “I love eating it, and I also like cooking it, so this is kind of one of those mixed passion projects.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/new-italian-restaurant-coming-to-italian-village-ak1/

 

Ray Ray's to open its first full-service restaurant in Marion

 

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is opening its first-ever full-service restaurant, but it’ll be a little bit of a drive for local fans. 

 

The new eatery will open this spring at 138 S. Main St. in Marion.

 

Chef-owner James Anderson said he and his team have been developing a full-service restaurant for a while and had begun to look for possible locations when Marion developer Luke Henry reached out.

 

“We hit it off,” Anderson said. “We love what they’re doing there. We see what’s happening. So we decided to start in Marion.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/23/ray-rays-open-first-full-service-restaurant-marion.html

 

Liberty Social Bar & Kitchen ready to open in Powell

 

A downtown Columbus deli owner is adding a casual restaurant in Powell.

 

Syam Duddela will open Liberty Social Bar & Kitchen Saturday at 240 N. Liberty St. in the Liberty Station center.

 

“We want this to be a family friendly space,” he said. “This is a good market with a lot of different demographics.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/25/liberty-social-bar-kitchen-opens-powell.html

 

Clocktower Kitchen + Bar to open in historic building this summer

 

Plain City’s historic clocktower building is getting a new farm-to-table restaurant.

 

Clocktower Kitchen + Bar expects to open this summer at 101 S. Chillicothe St. in the growing Central Ohio community.

 

It will take approximately 9,000-square-feet and two floors of the more than 10,000-square-foot building.

 

New Grounds Coffee, which is expected to open next month, will occupy the remaining space in the building which is topped with a 123-year-old clock.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/25/clocktower-kitchen-bar-plain-city.html

 

Content Creators Behind Latest Westerville Coffee Shop, Begin Cafe

 

Westerville’s Begin Cafe is on day two of its soft opening, and the business has already shown great success. 

 

Located at 8 E. Main St., Begin Cafe kicked off a soft opening on Thursday. The concept comes from partners and YouTubers Mike and Kayla Tompkins and will feature coffee from various vendors and some baked goods made in-house. 

 

Kayla said day one and two have been busy. The line to order has stretched outside the building for two days in a row now. They even sold out of pastries yesterday. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/content-creators-behind-latest-westerville-coffee-shop-ak1/

 

First area Mochinut brings mochi doughnuts, Korean hot dogs to Grandview area

Columbus’ first Mochinut is now open.

The California-founded chain brings together Hawaii-born mochi doughnuts, Korean-style hot dogs and Taiwanese boba tea all onto one menu.

Local customers now can get a bite for themselves at 994 W. 5th Ave. near Grandview Heights.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/28/first-local-mochinut-now-open-near-grandview.html

Chouette Awarded Prestigious Certification for French Cuisine

It’s been less than a year since Chouette debuted Downtown, and it’s already making an impressive reputation for itself. 

Located at the corner of Gay and High streets, Chouette was recently granted the World’s French Restaurant certification by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs. The French bistro opened its doors at 66 N. High St. in August of 2024. 

“This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of the entire Chouette team, and we are incredibly proud of this achievement,” Culinary Director at Makeready, Chef Jacques Sorci, said in a press release. 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/chouette-awarded-prestigious-certification-for-french-cuisine-ak1/

'I am keeping it the Dube': Blue Danube's new owner reopens historic restaurant

A historic Columbus bar and restaurant is back in business.

The Blue Danube reopened at 2439 N. High St. Tuesday after a seven-year absence where the light-blue building sat vacant.

The restaurant had been a neighborhood fixture since the 1940s.

“This place is Columbus,” owner Teri Cataland said. “There’s such a great history here.”

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/29/blue-danube-reopens-owner.html

& https://columbusunderground.com/blue-danube-returns-in-old-north-after-a-near-7-year-hiatus-ak1/

Soul 2 Go expanding to Gahanna with new restaurant

A Columbus restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine is expanding.

Soul 2 Go announced on Facebook that it will bring a restaurant to a North Hamilton Road retail center in Gahanna.

The restaurant will join a property that also is getting a new and expanded Resch’s Bakery. That 113-year-old family-owned Columbus institution expects to open this summer, according to its Facebook.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/29/soul-2-go-gahanna-new-restaurant.html

Roots Natural Kitchen opens second area location this weekend in Grandview

Grandview Heights has a new fast-casual dining option.

Roots Natural Kitchen opens Saturday at 808 Grandview Ave.

“We’re salad and grain bowls,” CEO and co-founder Henry Borgeson said. “It tastes great. It just happens to be healthy. But taste comes first.”

Grandview is the 15th restaurant for the chain and the second in Central Ohio. It first arrived in Columbus in 2022 with a restaurant at 10 E. 15th Ave. in Ohio State's University Square development.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/05/02/roots-natural-kitchen-opens-grandview.html