Family of Asian eateries in Hilliard gets another sibling with Wild Ginger

 

 

Justin Ye is building a restaurant empire in Hilliard.

 

The restaurateur has opened Wild Ginger Asian Fusion at 1726 Hilliard Rome Road, adding to his Oriental Express at 4502 Cemetery Road and Haruki East at 2469 Hilliard Rome Road.

 

The newest eatery is Ye’s biggest, most formal venture. Oriental Express hits the takeout market and Haruki East is a casual hibachi grill, but Wild Ginger provides a more polished dining experience.

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/07/27/family-of-asian-eateries-in-hilliard.html

Hot Head hot for expansion in Central Ohio

 

 

Hot Head Burritos’ growth program isn’t cooling down.

 

The Dayton-based Mexican food chain entered Central Ohio last year with a Hilliard shop and it expects to have at least four other area restaurants cooking by year-end.

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2012/08/06/hot-head-hot-for-expansion-in-central.html

From CU:

 

Cooper’s Hawk Opening First Ohio Location at Easton

 

Published on August 3, 2012 11:00 am

By: Walker

 

 

In case you haven’t noticed, Easton Town Center has been going through a bit of a makeover in 2012. A full slate of new stores and restaurants were announced earlier this year, which includes the new Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant opening this Fall. This Illinois-based chain is noteworthy for wine enthusiasts as this will not just be their first Columbus location, but also their first location for the entire state of Ohio.

 

More below:

http://www.columbusunderground.com/coopers-hawk-opening-first-ohio-location-at-easton

 

And FYI, Cincinnati is getting one next year.

Street Eats: Blu Olive

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 12:38 PM EDT

Father-and-daughter team serves farm-to-table fare from a striking truck

 

Story by Bethia Woolf

 

After more than a decade working in Cleveland -- her resume includes stints at Flying Fig and Lucky's -- Sarah Carmean returned to Columbus to open Blu Olive with her father, Steve Carmean.

 

The father-daughter operation specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, allowing Sarah to show off her impressive background in farm-to-table cooking. Meanwhile, Steve, a graphic designer by background, put his skills to use creating the eye-catching graphics that adorn the vehicle.

 

Where to find it:

 

Blu Olive is always on the move. You might spot them at Zauber Brewing one day, then at a farmers market or festival the next. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter to see where they'll be next.

 

http://columbuscrave.com/crave/guide_detail/60123916-Street-Eats-Blu-Olive

Chili Verde to take taste of Southwest north to Polaris

 

 

Tom Anthony is ready to raise Chile Verde’s profile.

 

The restaurant has operated for 20 years at 4852 Sawmill Road in the Carriage Place shopping center, 10 of them under his ownership. Now he’s ready to expand with plans for a second spot at 1522 Gemini Place in the Polaris area of Columbus by November.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/08/17/carriage-places-chili-verde-to-take.html

Qdoba Mexican Grill coming to Ohio State campus area

 

 

Freshmen aren’t the only newbies flocking to Ohio State University – Qdoba Mexican Grill is on its way as well.

 

Franchisee Dave Bookman plans to open his first outlet for the quick-casual Mexican chain by mid-October at 1956 N. High St., about a block south of Lane Avenue across from Arps Hall.

.....

The campus-area address should be familiar to returning students with a craving for burritos – it was the home of La Bamba Burritos and its self-proclaimed “burritos as big as your head.” Qdoba doesn’t promise cranial-sized eats, but it does offer speed and a diverse menu.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2012/08/21/qdoba-mexican-grill-coming-to-ohio.html

Rally’s testing retro redesign in Columbus

 

 

Rally’s is mobilizing its Columbus restaurants in hopes of keeping its recent revival rolling.

 

Tampa, Fla.-based Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., which operates the Rally’s and Checkers chains, is experiencing a sales resurgence, its same-restaurant sales up 7 percent this year atop a 7 percent increase in 2011. Central Ohio will play a key role in building on that momentum.

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/08/24/rallys-testing-retro-design-to-take.html

Another review of the evolving menu at de-NOVO located at 201 South High Street across from Columbus Commons in Downtown Columbus.  This review from Columbus Underground looks at four of de-NOVO's unique small plate offerings.  Below is the link to the review and two photos of the High Street front of the restaurant (which is looking really good):

 

Columbus Underground: Review: de-NOVO Bistro & Bar

 

Yaourt joining frozen yogurt fray in Dublin area

 

Kim Nguyen is taking her lab experience to the kitchen.

 

The entrepreneur, and a chemical engineer by training, is the latest from Central Ohio to venture into the frozen yogurt business with her Yaourt Frozen Yogurt set to open this month in the Sun Center at Sawmill Road and Route 161. Yaourt is French for yogurt.

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/08/31/more-frozen-yogurt-coming-to-dublin-area.html

Rascal Flatts planning Columbus restaurant as country trio launch chain

 

 

Rascal Flatts’ next hit could be for your taste buds.

 

The country music superstars are getting into the restaurant trade with a 14,000-square-foot dining and entertainment spot in Phoenix set to open by next summer. And plans for Columbus aren’t far behind.

 

“Columbus actually was the first target,” said Anne Freedman, a spokeswoman for the newly formed Rascal Flatts Restaurant Group.

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/08/31/rascal-flatts-planning-restaurants.html

Benefits of flaxseed touted at new spot in downtown Columbus: Article from ThisWeek Newspapers about Flaxella Cafe & Deli at 89 E. Long Street.  The Ethiopian-born owner opened Flaxella in the small pavilion-like building at the southwest corner of Third & Long in September.  The restaurant features the ground seed in everything from fruit drinks to espresso and also has muffins, cakes, bagels and Ethiopian-style breads that contain flaxseed. 

The downside to having your restaurant right at the street corner! :-o  And the reason to purchase insurance.  From this morning's Dispatch:

 

Taxi cab crashes into Downtown coffee shop

 

Winans Fine Chocolates opens shop in downtown Dublin

 

 

Sweet teeth have a new spot to visit in Dublin.

 

Winans Fine Chocolates & Coffees opened Sept. 4 at 52 S. High St. in the suburban city’s old-timey downtown.

 

It is the second Central Ohio shop for Piqua-based Winans. Franchisees Ryan and Amber Hulme, Piqua natives, barely considered anything else when they though about opening a business beyond their day jobs.

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/07/winans-fine-chocolates-expands-with.html

Neat news about an “off the beaten path”/“hidden in plain sight” restaurant in downtown Columbus.  The restaurant is located in the ground floor of a massive 12-level parking garage that's in the middle of the Broad-4th-State-5th block.  It's hidden from Broad and State by buildings and it's set far back from 4th Street.  Although you can't miss the skywalk that connects the garage with the former National City (now PNC Bank) Tower at the corner of 4th and Broad.  Which only further obscures the ground floor restaurant location.

 

Which likely explains the revolving door of restaurants that have occupied the space.  When I worked downtown my co-workers and I occasionally went there for lunch, although for us it was a little out of the way.  But I was always stuck by how anonymous the place looked on the outside - but how nice it was on the inside.  Here's a photo of the restaurant's exterior at the ground floor of the parking garage from a recent Columbus Underground article:

 

 

And here's the article from Columbus Underground that features many photos of the interior and a really nice conversation with the restaurant's new owner:

 

Columbus Underground: The Inn Between Restaurant Reboots Under New Management

Barrio Restaurant Relaunched as Madrid

By: Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

Published on August 20, 2012 - 2:00 pm

 

Barrio quietly closed their doors around two months ago, and Madrid has just as quietly reopened them last week.  This new restaurant at 185 North High Street in Downtown Columbus has a similar food concept, but new owners, new decor and a few other new twists.

 

“We’ve fully gutted the restaurant and remodeled,” said Madrid owner Dae Oh of the Dae Oh Restaurant Group, which also owns Shoku, Black Olive and Two Fish. ... The upstairs portion of the restaurant has been redubbed “The White Room” and will continue to host events

 

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/barrio-restaurant-relaunched-as-madrid

 

Convention center Hilton names Sage owner as executive chef

 

 

The Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel next to the Greater Columbus Convention Center didn’t have to look far for its culinary leaders.

 

The under-construction destination Friday announced the hiring of two Columbus restaurant veterans to set the food and drink tables for its Gallerie Bar & Bistro and the hotel as a whole. Michael Mejia is director of food and beverage, and Bill Glover is executive chef.

 

Full article and more photos below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/07/convention-center-hilton-names-sage.html

Some more about the restaurant - Gallerie Bar & Bistro - going into the downtown Hilton Hotel from Columbus Underground:

 

CU: The Gallerie Bar & Bistro Arriving Downtown in October

Panera eyeing Clarmont site as creditor challenges sale

 

 

The former Clarmont restaurant south of downtown Columbus could become a Panera.

 

The bakery-cafe chain has emerged as one of the bidders interested in the shuttered iconic restaurant at 684 S. High St. But a deal is far from certain because a creditor of the former restaurant is seeking to block its sale.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/14/panera-eyeing-clarmont-site-amid.html

Kroger supersizes latest Turkey Hill market to be more like grocery stores

 

 

It may take a few more Minits to shop Kroger Co.’s newest convenience store.

 

The Cincinnati-based grocer and its Turkey Hill Minit Markets division Wednesday opened the first Turkey Hill Market, a larger take on its convenience stores, at 1621 Cobblestone Way in Marysville.

 

Turkey Hill President Darel Pfeiff in a press release said the new store is envisioned as a contemporary version of the corner grocery.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/09/kroger-supersizes-latest-turkey-hill.html

Rusty Bucket expanding to Easton

 

 

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern isn’t running out of ways to grow.

 

The Columbus-based chain Monday said its next restaurant will open at Easton Town Center next spring.

 

“They (Easton) were looking for a great family spot and we fit right into their mold,” said President Gary Callicoat, who founded the business. “It’s good to have some hometown representation there.”

 

Full article below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/09/rusty-bucket-expanding-to-easton.html

Wexner Center’s Heirloom adds beer and wine service, beefs up hours

 

 

Heirloom can celebrate its anniversary with a glass of champagne.

 

The cafe inside the Wexner Center for the Arts over the weekend added beer and wine service and expanded its hours of operation, including regular weekend hours.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2012/09/24/wexner-centers-heirloom-adds-beer-and.html

From The Metropreneur Columbus:

 

Lessner dishes on Columbus Food League’s present, future

Business Profiles — By Melanie McIntyre on September 25, 2012 at 8:00 am

 

A lot has happened since The Metropreneur profiled Elizabeth Lessner a little over two years ago.

 

During that time, her restaurants’ parent company rebranded itself as the Columbus Food League (it was formerly Betty’s Family of Restaurants) and announced plans for three additional eateries: a second Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace in Westgate, the Franklinton Tap Room, and the Grass Skirt Tiki Room, which opens today at 105 N. Grant Ave. in downtown. (more about the Grass Skirt here at Urban Ohio)

 

In our latest interview with Lessner, below, she talks about why Westgate is ideal for Dirty Frank’s, where she’s considering opening establishments (hint: she’s thinking beyond Central Ohio), and what contributes to the CFL’s success.

 

Read the Interview at http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/lessner-dishes-on-columbus-food-leagues-present-future/

Finally!!!

 

Thurman Cafe expanding to generate more carry-out business

 

 

There is a big development in the world of very large burgers.

 

The Thurman Cafe, the iconic German Village eatery known for its massive hamburgers, is embarking on an expansion with big implications for diners and the business. Owners Mike Suclescy and Donna DeVol have acquired a 1,200-square-foot space next to the couple’s 183 Thurman Ave. restaurant. The space was home to the Bakery Gingham until it closed this month.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/28/thurman-cafe-overflowing-its-boundaries.html

El Arepazo decides time right for expansion, opens Arepazo Tapas & Wine in Gahanna

 

 

Carlos Gutierrez thought he knew a lot about running a restaurant – until he owned one.

 

Opening and running El Arepazo Latin Grill was an eye-opening experience for Gutierrez, who had worked at restaurants including Las Margaritas in Dublin and Giuseppe’s Ritrovo in Bexley.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/28/serving-up-hot-spots.html

Moe’s making moves into Columbus to take on Chipotle

 

 

Outsiders still see Columbus as fertile ground for burrito sales.

 

Moe’s Southwest Grill is the latest fast-casual Mexican chain ready to make moves in the area. Raleigh, N.C.-based franchisee Bullard Restaurant Group plans to develop 14 Moe’s in Franklin and Delaware counties, with as many as three opening next year.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/10/moes-making-moves-into-columbus-to.html

Erik Till to Open White Rabbit Restaurant in The Brewery District

By: Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

Published on August 29, 2012 - 8:10 am

 

Are you ready to see just how deep the rabbit hole goes?  This November, Erik Till wants to lead you on a culinary journey into the underbelly of The Brewery District with his latest restaurant creation: White Rabbit.  He’s converting the former Tommy Keegan’s bar space at 456 South Front Street (across the pedestrian walkway from Double Happiness) into a new gastropub that he hopes will be embraced like his other Columbus project, The Commonwealth Sandwich Bar.

 

White Rabbit will mark a return for Till to 100-seat dining.  He describes the menu as Modern Midwestern New-American with a focus on familiar flavors, local ingredients and french technique.  He anticipates a small six-to-eight item menu that will change six to eight times per year. ... Located a few steps below sidewalk level, the restaurant space is somewhat cellar-like by nature.  The redesign of White Rabbit will accent existing architectural elements such as an arched brick ceiling and iron columns with new gooseneck sconce lighting, plush diamond-pillow banquets and new woodwork that will soften the cavernous vibe of the existing stonework.

 

While the Brewery District has been a bit quiet over the past decade, White Rabbit marks the latest business to return to the re-emerging neighborhood, following Shadowbox Live, World of Beer, Via Vecchia and others.

 

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/erik-till-to-open-white-rabbit-restaurant-in-the-brewery-district

A trio of restaurant reviews.  The first two are in Columbus.  Hubbard Grille in the Short North neighborhood just north of downtown.  T. Murray's in the Brewery District just south of downtown.

 

CU Review: Hubbard Grille Happy Hour

 

CU Review: T. Murray’s Bar and Kitchen

 

---

The third is a review of Veritas Tavern located in Delaware, Ohio.  No its not in Columbus, but Delaware is within the Columbus MSA - so its close enough for this thread.  Plus it was reviewed by the very entertaining website - Columbus Food Adventures.  Veritas Tavern is a "molecular gastronomy" restaurant located in downtown Delaware.  Yes really - Delaware, Ohio.  Forty miles north of Columbus.  Molecular gastronomy.

 

Columbus Food Adventures: Veritas Tavern

Judge approves Panera Bread’s bid to buy former Clarmont restaurant

 

 

The Panera Bread Co. bakery-cafe has survived its first legal hurdle to buying the site of the shuttered Clarmont fine-dining restaurant south of downtown.

 

Franklin Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Frye approved the bid of the Panera (NASDAQ:PNRA) chain to purchase the property at 684 S. High St. for $1.1 million during a Sept. 27 hearing after also affirming the marketing efforts of receiver Bill Wolfe of Dublin-based CWB Property Management Inc.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2012/10/03/judge-approves-panera-breads-bid-to.html

Finally!!!

 

Thurman Cafe expanding to generate more carry-out business

 

 

There is a big development in the world of very large burgers.

 

The Thurman Cafe, the iconic German Village eatery known for its massive hamburgers, is embarking on an expansion with big implications for diners and the business. Owners Mike Suclescy and Donna DeVol have acquired a 1,200-square-foot space next to the couple’s 183 Thurman Ave. restaurant. The space was home to the Bakery Gingham until it closed this month.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/28/thurman-cafe-overflowing-its-boundaries.html

While scanning some maps from last week's Business First, I scanned this photo of the Thurman Cafe from that issue.  I always did like the way that streetscape in German Village looked.

 

Menchie’s frozen yogurt opening at Tuttle

 

 

Menchie’s frozen yogurt will open its second store in the Dublin area at the Mall at Tuttle Crossing on Saturday.

 

Franchisee Sandra Leess, who operates both locations, said the mall is a good fit for the chain, which goes for a fun, interactive environment, catered especially to kids.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2012/10/18/menchies-frozen-yogurt-opening-at.html

^^ Aw Thurman's I ate there or had carry out twice a week when I lived around the corner. Good to see they are expanding. I remember first going there when it was just the bar before they expanded into the current waiting area/bathroom.

 

 

Hoggy’s clean-up nearly complete as ex-BBQ joints find new users

 

 

Hoggy’s Restaurant & Catering is neither gone nor forgotten, and it looks like it may stay that way.

 

The Columbus-based chain of barbecue restaurants went into receivership in January and its seven eateries were pared down to a single site in Gahanna. Most of the restaurant properties have been sold and are finding new life as other restaurants, but the Gahanna Hoggy’s, the lone operation spared, likely will live on.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/10/19/hoggys-clean-up-nearly-complete-as.html

LaRosa’s Pizzeria looking to make jump to Columbus

 

 

Cincinnati institution LaRosa’s Pizzeria is coming to Columbus.

 

The 58-year fixture on the Cincy dining scene wants to jump into Central Ohio and is starting a push for franchisees. The company is targeting those in the restaurant business, particularly operators in Columbus that may want to diversify their portfolios.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/10/larosas-pizzeria-looking-to-make-jump.html

And Jeff Wyler took over the Chevy dealer in Canal Winchester. This is nuts.

^ So now you guys got LaRosa's & Jeff Wyler, huh?  Well, that's not so bad--especially for a city that gave us "White Castle."  Call it even, okay?  BTW, White Castle may well be the best thing Columbus ever gave Cincinnati.  (Unless, of course, one gives credit to Kansas City for the origins of that fine-dining establishment.)

^Wichita, actually.  And I think Columbus has given better chains to Cincinnati than White Castle (Wendy's, Donato's, Brio/Bravo).

Campus-area Qdoba opening Friday in La Bamba space

Business First by Dan Eaton, Staff reporter

Date: Monday, October 29, 2012, 12:50pm EDT

 

Here’s a nice, warm thought for a stormy, chilly week – free burritos from Qdoba Mexican Grill.  The chain has a date for its newest Central Ohio opening at 1956 N. High Street.  The restaurant is set to open this Friday, Nov. 2.

(. . .)

The campus-area Qdoba is about a block south of Lane Avenue across from Arps Hall and was previously La Bamba Burritos.

 

READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/10/campus-area-qdoba-opening-friday-in-la.html

Mozart’s owner adding 2nd Clintonville bakery, with restaurant to follow

Business First by Dan Eaton, Staff reporter

Date: Friday, October 26, 2012, 12:17pm EDT

 

A new home for Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Cafe and the Vienna Ice Café is going to be far more than just a sweets shop.  Anand Saha and his wife, Doris, owners of Mozart’s and Vienna, have acquired the former Cord Camera site at 4784 N. High Street.  Its 11,000 square feet gives Saha plenty of room to play with and he’s got plans for most of it.

 

Phase one will relocate his ice cream shop from 2899 N. High St. and open a second Mozart’s bakery on the site.  Phase two is a restaurant to be called Wolfgang’s.  Those operations would occupy up to 7,000 square feet of the building.  Saha plans to lease the remaining space out to a tenant, possibly a retailer that would complement his operations.

 

Saha said he will continue to run the original Mozart’s at 2885 N. High Street.

 

READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/10/mozarts-owner-adding-2nd-clintonville.html

Melt bringing grilled cheese specialties to Columbus

 

 

By many accounts, Melt Bar & Grilled’s cheese stands alone.

 

The Cleveland-based restaurant, which specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, has been racking up awards, accolades and television appearances since owner Matt Fish opened his first Melt in 2006. Now at four restaurants (including one across from the next World of Beer tavern), Fish is ready to show Columbusites what we’ve been missing. Fish let it slip that Columbus was in his plans at the recent opening of his Mentor restaurant.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/11/melt-bringing-grilled-cheese.html

It's Dine Originals Week in Columbus.  Information and menus of the participating restaurants available at Dine Originals Columbus.  Also more information from Business First and Columbus Underground below:

 

Business First: 50 restaurants participating in Dine Originals Week

 

Columbus Underground: Dine Originals Week is November 12-18, 2012

The Columbus Dispatch recently announced their Top 10 Columbus area restaurants (listed alphabetically):

 

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar

DeepWood

Kihachi

M

Refectory

Rigsby's Kitchen

Spagio

Till

Worthington Inn

Z Cucina di Spirito

 

MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/food/2012/09/28/on-the-rebound.html

 

---

Columbus Crave Magazine also came out with their Top 10 list:

 

1. G. Michael's

2. Rigsby's Kitchen

3. Kihachi

4. Worthington Inn

5. Basi Italia

6. Alana's

7. Till

8. Sage

9. Refectory

10. DeepWood

 

MORE: http://columbuscrave.com/crave/blog/343/61959521-The-Crave-10-2012-The-Best-Restaurants-in-Columbus

Some changes to one of the Dispatch's Top 10 restaurants.  The Executive Chef at Barcelona is leaving to start a new restaurant with his wife in the downtown area.  The new restaurant - Natalie’s, located at 79 S. Fourth Street - is serving Korean and American dishes in a casual setting.

 

Columbus Underground: Chef Paul Yow Leaves Barcelona to Launch New Downtown Restaurant

 

ThisWeek News: Natalie’s a casual spot for classic American, Korean fare

As was mentioned in the previous post, the executive chef from German Village's Barcelona is leaving to start a new restaurant in Downtown.  The below article from German Village's This Week News edition talks to the new chef at Barcelona:

 

This Week News: Barcelona's new chef says he's ready for role

Two reports about a new restaurant that opened across Georgesville Road from the new casino on the westside.  The alts.eats.columbus site provided a pretty in-depth review of the menu:

 

This Week News: Siem Reap offers late-night option for casino crowd

 

alt.eats.columbus: Siem Reap

The couple that started the well-received DeNovo Bistro at 201 S. High Street across from Columbus Commons opened a second downtown restaurant last month.  Manifesto Tuscan Grato and Scotch Bar opened November 12th at 21 E. State Street.  That's the easternmost ground floor retail space in the Fifth Third Building along State Street.  It's also the closest retail space to the neighboring Ohio Theatre.  Lots more about Manifesto from multiple sources below:

 

CU Thread: Manifesto - New Scotch Bar & Tuscan Grato - Opening Downtown 11.12.12

 

CU Article: New Tuscan Grato and Scotch Bar Opening Downtown

 

Columbus Alive: Restaurant review: Manifesto

 

Columbus Dispatch: Manifesto’s destiny: to pair scotch with food

 

And it appears that the husband-wife owners of DeNovo and Manifesto aren't finished with ideas for downtown restaurants.  Once you get past that growner of a headline from the Dispatch, the article stated the following: "Manifesto is part of the couple's larger plans for Downtown.  They plan to open two more restaurants in the heart of Columbus in 2013, and are finalizing leases.  One of their concepts will be a French wine bar."

Apparently, Cameron Mitchell’s new Short North restaurant - The Pearl - is on-track to open February 5, 2013 at 641 N. High Street.  Below is a non-subscription-required article from Business First about the new restaurant's general manager and executive chef being hired, as well as a scheduled hiring of restaurant staff later this month:

 

Business First: Cameron Mitchell’s Pearl restaurant begins hiring ahead of February opening

 

Not sure if this was mentioned yet, but construction on the old Hoggy's on 5th and Grandview is for a new Winking Lizard's.  Yelled out my car at a construction worker today to find this interesting tidbit.  I'll definitely find my way there a time or two.

 

EDIT: And I see it has been posted.  My bad on the bump.

Dallas-based Brazilian steakhouse 'Texas de Brazil' is opening in Easton today.  This is the second Brazilian all-you-can-eat steakhouse to open in Columbus this year.  Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse opened over the summer in the Arena District.

 

More about this newest Brazilian steakhouse from Business First at the link below:

 

Texas de Brazil to begin dishing out endless menu of beef at Easton Town Center

 

Some changes coming to two of the more interesting local pizza places in Columbus.  First, Clever Crow Pizza is closing its operation in the North Market.  The Clever Crow operators say they will continue to provide pizza at Circus Bar in the Short North and might try some new things next year.  But for now, the only outlet for their unique cornbread crust pizza will be at Circus.

 

Second, the founder and long-time owner of bonoPIZZA has sold his pizza business in the Grandview/5xNW area to a new operator.  The new operator says he doesn't plan any major changes.  So hopefully bonoPIZZA's simple and as-authentic-as-possible Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven will remain unchanged. 

 

The selling of the pizza business will allow the founder of bonoPIZZA to launch a new enterprise: topoTACOS in the Short North.  He says he plans to open his taco shop sometime in January 2013, although he wouldn't divulge its location.  More about the comings and goings from the below article links:

 

Columbus Underground: Clever Crow Closing North Market Shop

 

ThisWeekNews: bonoPIZZA founder turns his attention to tacos

Houlihan’s coming back to Central Ohio with eatery at Kingsdale

 

Houlihan’s is making a return to Central Ohio.

 

The Leawood, Kan.-based casual dining chain is building a restaurant at the Kingsdale Shopping Center in Upper Arlington, which is set to open in 2013. It marks a reappearance in Central Ohio for Houlihan's where it had more than 20 years of history dating to its days at the Continent in Columbus in the 1980s. Houlihan’s at that once-thriving northeast side development closed in 2001 and a second restaurant at 3580 W. Dublin Granville Road was shuttered in 2007, when the company pulled out of the market.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/12/houlihans-coming-back-to-central-ohio.html

First Look: Smashburger bringing its signature style to Columbus

Business First by Dan Eaton, Staff reporter

Date: Friday, December 21, 2012, 12:56pm EST

 

 

With Denver-based Smashburger planning to open its first Columbus-area restaurant early next year, it’s fair to ask just what the heck is a Smashburger?

 

“We can’t get too far into the conversation without talking about the smash,” franchisee Drew Hansen told me during an interview for my story in this week’s paper on Smashburger opening at the Commons at Clark Hall in February. “The smash is where the flavor comes from.”

 

READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/12/first-look-smashburger-bringing-its.html

A look back at the comings and goings in the Columbus restaurant scene during 2012 from Columbus Underground:

 

Good Eats: Over 25 New Restaurants Opened in Columbus in 2012

 

The List: 10 Restaurants Closed in 2012 That We’ll Miss