Thrive Cos. to launch new coffee shop and bar concept this fall in Italian Village

 

Thrive Cos. will open a coffee shop and bar in its Jeffrey Park development.

 

Bada Bean Bada Booze, or Bada for short, will be a coffee shop by day and transition to a bar at night.

 

The first Bada location is set to open this fall on East 1st Avenue, said Courtney Ingersoll, director of marketing for Thrive Cos.

 

Quarry Trails, Founders Park in Harrison West and Grandview Crossing — all also Thrive developments — will also get their own Bada locations. The Bada location at Founders Park will open in late December or the beginning of 2023 and the other locations will open before the end of 2023, Ingersoll said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/16/thrive-cos-plans-new-coffee-shop-and-bar-concept.html

 

Wahlburgers Sets a Date for Grand Opening

 

The first Columbus-area location of Wahlburgers will officially open next month inside the Hollywood Casino, 200 Georgesville Rd. July 18 is the big day for the casual burger joint which is taking over the space formerly occupied by Take 2 Grill.

 

Casino operator Penn National Gaming will run the franchise.

 

“This opportunity made perfect sense, given our desire to work with exciting brands that will continue to drive guests to our property,” said Jennifer Miglionico, vice president of marketing for Hollywood Casino Columbus. “The Mark Wahlberg dealerships and Hollywood connection only made this an even more obvious reason for a partnership with this great brand.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/wahlburgers-sets-a-date-for-grand-opening-sp1/

 

Hot Chicken Takeover Opening Fifth Area Restaurant

 

Hot Chicken Takeover is spreading its wings and flying to Powell. The Nashville-style chicken joint aims to open its fifth area location later this year at 8715 Owenfield Dr. in Powell.

 

HCT fans will find the fried chicken menu they know and love, including recent new permanent additions chicken tenders and fries (the spicy ranch is sticking around, too). Founder Joe DeLoss recommends fries dipped in the spicy ranch, and says the tenders have proven an especially popular order.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/hot-chicken-takeover-opening-fifth-area-restaurant-sp1/

Chick'nCone, GoodVets coming to Polaris center

 

A pair of new-to-Columbus concepts are coming to the Polaris area.

 

Pennsylvania-founded restaurant brand Chick’nCone and GoodVets, a Chicago-based veterinary clinic, have signed on to join Columbus-based Sintel Retail’s strip center at the northwest corner of Polaris Parkway and Cleveland Avenue.

 

Sintel co-owner Manav Singh said the firm wanted some new-to-market tenants for that center.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/17/chickncone-goodvets-coming-to-polaris-center.html

 

Hot Chicken Takeover coming to Lewis Center

 

Hot Chicken Takevover has another Central Ohio site lined up.

 

The Columbus restaurant operator is in a growth spurt fueled by New York-based Untamed Brands that’ll see it add several new locations this year.

 

The first of those opened in a New York food hall last month. Of more local interest will be a new restaurant coming to 8715 Owenfield Dr. in Lewis Center. That space previously was a Smashburger.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/21/hot-chicken-takeover-coming-to-lewis-center.html

 

Torchy's Tacos opening next week in Columbus

 

Torchy’s Tacos is ready for its Central Ohio return.

 

The Austin-based restaurant chain gave Columbus a test run as a ghost kitchen last year and then decided to bring its brick-and-mortar eateries to the market.

 

The first of those, at 1478 Gemini Pkwy. in the Polaris area, will open June 29.

 

“Torchy's Ghost Kitchen was a great introduction to the local market that allowed us to connect with fans in the area,” founder and CEO Mike Rypka said in a news release. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in-person for some damn good tacos, queso and margaritas!”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/21/torchys-tacos-opening-next-week-in-columbus.html

 

“Chef Designer” opening new East Side restaurant
 

 

“Lobster mac and cheese, bourbon pineapple bowls and more are coming soon to the East Side of Columbus.

 

That’s because Designer Kitchen, the concept owned by “Chef Designer” Deshawn Howard, is opening next month. The eatery, which will be located at 1509 E. Main St., will officially open on July 7.

 

Billed as a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant “with an urban twist,” Designer Kitchen will also feature dishes like smoked turkey sausage, rosemary potatoes and even lobster fries.”

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/chef-designer-opening-new-east-side-restaurant

First Look: Agave & Rye – Grandview

 

Three weeks later, Agave & Rye is ready for round two. The new-to-Columbus chain opens its second area location today, Wednesday, June 22, at 1295 Grandview Ave., taking over the former home of SPAGIO.

 

Round one opened as of June 1 at 479 N. High St. in the Short North. The ‘epic’ taco joint comes courtesy of restaurateur Yavonne Sarber, and serves up eats that are anything but ordinary. Both locations sport the same menu of over-the-top tacos and accompanying sides, with a margarita, tequila and bourbon-heavy drink menu.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-agave-rye-grandview-sp1/

 

Chapman's owners prepping another Short North restaurant
 

 

“…And by early 2023, they expect to open Hiraeth Restaurant at 36 Lincoln St. in the Short North. 

 

The roughly 6,000-square-foot space is split between a ground floor and a lower level. The centerpiece of the restaurant will be its wood-fired hearth on the lower level.

 

Wood Cos. have been hunting for a restaurant to take that space for more than a year. It’s the commercial component to an apartment and parking garage project the Short North developers had been working on for several years. 

 

The restaurant space was built with shaft extending up through the roof to allow for a wood-fire cooking setup.”

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/27/chapmans-owners-prepping-another-short-north-rest.html

First Look: Subourbon

 

The owners of Alqueria are at it again. Jacob Hough and Patrick Marker unveil their latest venture, Subourbon, today, Monday, June 27.

 

The Southern-inspired eatery opens at 2234 W. Dublin Granville Rd. in Linworth, most recently home to Crafty Pint which closed during the pandemic.

 

As the name might imply, Subourbon started with the bourbon. Hough says Marker is a bourbon lover and has amassed quite a collection over the years. And what would potentially pair well with bourbon? Southern comfort cuisine.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-subourbon-sp1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/28/subourbon-southern-kitchen-now-open-in-linworth.html

 

Team Behind Chapman’s, Ginger Rabbit Ready for Third Concept

 

Something new is coming from the couple behind Chapman’s Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit. Bronwyn Haines and Chef BJ Lieberman will open Hiraeth this fall at 36 E. Lincoln St. in the Short North.

 

Hiraeth is a Welsh word that Lieberman says doesn’t really have a direct translation to English. It’s more a feeling.

 

“It’s a longing for home,” he says, or when one sees something for the first time and it feels like home. “We thought that it was a really cool concept for hospitality.”

 

Hiraeth will welcome guests home with a fire in the hearth – literally. The kitchen will be centered around globally-inspired, wood-fired cuisine. (Not Welsh food.)

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/team-behind-chapmans-ginger-rabbit-ready-for-third-concept-sp1/

 

Macelleria in Bexley expanding menu, reaching out to restaurants

 

A Bexley butcher shop is expanding its dine-in and carryout menu.

 

Phillip Cleary and Kyle Cardwell opened Macelleria at 2474 E. Main St. in December 2020. The shop's cases have since been stocked with plenty of meat, shop-made sausages and other items for dining at home, but now the owners are adding prepared foods and on-site eating options too to give customers more reasons to come in for lunch or dinner.

 

“Early on we just wanted to get our feet wet,” Cleary said. “We’d do some sandwich specials, but now we’ll have a full menu every day.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/30/macelleria-in-bexley-expanding-menu-reaching-out.html

Popular craft coffee shop opening first standalone storefront in former Nosh on High space next 
 

“While Nosh on High closed its High Street location, Columbus diners can look forward to the grand opening of a new craft coffee shop in the space.

 

Parable Coffee opened in 2020 as a pop-up inside Comune, where it operated until moving into the former home of Nosh on High–located at 149 S. High St.–earlier this year. 

 

And now, we’ll get our first glimpse of Parable in its new, and much larger, space. It will hold a soft opening July 6-7, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Parable will then hold its grand opening on July 8.”

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/popular-craft-coffee-shop-opening-first-standalone-storefront-in-former-nosh-on-high-space-next-week
 

After closing in 2019, this beloved restaurant is returning to its original Columbus location
 

“When Kona Grill closed its Easton restaurant—the concept’s only Central Ohio location—in 2019, many Columbus diners publicly lamented the loss.

 

Three years later, the eatery is planning a Columbus, and at its original location.

 

Kona Grill was formerly located at 4087 New Bond St. #502, at the corner of New Bond Street and Fenlon Street in Easton Town Center. The building has been vacant for some time, until recently, when multiple “coming soon” signs advertising Kona Grill’s return appeared on its windows and front door.”

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/after-closing-in-2019-this-beloved-restaurant-is-returning-to-its-original-columbus-location

On 6/21/2022 at 2:35 PM, ColDayMan said:

Hot Chicken Takeover coming to Lewis Center

 

Hot Chicken Takevover has another Central Ohio site lined up.

 

The Columbus restaurant operator is in a growth spurt fueled by New York-based Untamed Brands that’ll see it add several new locations this year.

 

The first of those opened in a New York food hall last month. Of more local interest will be a new restaurant coming to 8715 Owenfield Dr. in Lewis Center. That space previously was a Smashburger.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/21/hot-chicken-takeover-coming-to-lewis-center.html

 

 

 

A Smashburger closed? I thought those did well.

On 6/27/2022 at 8:53 PM, ColDayMan said:

First Look: Subourbon

 

The owners of Alqueria are at it again. Jacob Hough and Patrick Marker unveil their latest venture, Subourbon, today, Monday, June 27.

 

The Southern-inspired eatery opens at 2234 W. Dublin Granville Rd. in Linworth, most recently home to Crafty Pint which closed during the pandemic.

 

As the name might imply, Subourbon started with the bourbon. Hough says Marker is a bourbon lover and has amassed quite a collection over the years. And what would potentially pair well with bourbon? Southern comfort cuisine.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-subourbon-sp1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/06/28/subourbon-southern-kitchen-now-open-in-linworth.html

 

 

I wonder if this was built as an Elby's or a Shoney's.

Hello all.  I'm requesting some recommendations for an upcoming Columbus visit.  I'll be in town for one day and want to check out a few cool dining spots.  I'll be staying at the Le Meridian and already have Fox in the Snow and Icarus on the list.  My wife likes places that have a bright, airy, modern decor such as Icarus and FITS.  Are there other places withing walking distance of the Short North that are recommended with this aesthetic and decent food?  I was hoping to visit Service Bar at Middle West Spirits, however they are closed for renovations and won't be opening until after my visit.

 

Also, other than the North Market and the newly opened East Market at the Trolley Barn, what are some of the other food halls that I seem to remember opening recently?  Thanks for your help with this!

Budd Dairy Food Hall is quite close to Fox in the Snow.

If you need more coffee, One Line in the SN offers a nice aesthetic. Lemon grass is a good option for food. 

Wahlburgers opens in Hollywood Casino Columbus this month

 

Columbus will get its first taste of Wahlburgers July 18.

 

The fast-casual hamburger joint will open this month inside the Hollywood Casino Columbus. The brand’s arrival here was confirmed earlier this year by the casino and had been teased since 2020.

 

The Wahlberg brothers — actor Mark, actor/singer Donnie and chef Paul — founded the burger chain in 2001.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/06/wahlburgers-opens-in-hollywood-casino-columbus-thi.html

On 7/5/2022 at 1:54 PM, amped91 said:

If you need more coffee, One Line in the SN offers a nice aesthetic. Lemon grass is a good option for food. 

 

Thanks @amped91and @GCrites80s.  If anyone else has any suggestions, please chime in.  I was hoping to get more than two responses!:)

1 hour ago, jeremyck01 said:

 

Thanks @amped91and @GCrites80s.  If anyone else has any suggestions, please chime in.  I was hoping to get more than two responses!:)

I'd recommend Ampersand Asian Supper Club. You could try Parlay Sporting Club and Kitchen if you're into sports at all. Galla Park is another option. 

On 7/5/2022 at 3:13 PM, jeremyck01 said:

Hello all.  I'm requesting some recommendations for an upcoming Columbus visit.  I'll be in town for one day and want to check out a few cool dining spots.  I'll be staying at the Le Meridian and already have Fox in the Snow and Icarus on the list.  My wife likes places that have a bright, airy, modern decor such as Icarus and FITS.  Are there other places withing walking distance of the Short North that are recommended with this aesthetic and decent food?  I was hoping to visit Service Bar at Middle West Spirits, however they are closed for renovations and won't be opening until after my visit.

 

Also, other than the North Market and the newly opened East Market at the Trolley Barn, what are some of the other food halls that I seem to remember opening recently?  Thanks for your help with this!

 

I'm partial to Woodhouse (on the corner of 1st Ave and 4th St), though it is entirely plant-based if that matters for you.  I also like Paulie Gee's for pizza.

The future home of the next Cameron Mitchell concept. 

 

Close runners up will be Bobby George or Corso. 

 

3rd prediction: tacos. 

 

Edited July 11, 20222 yr by DTCL11

 

City Winery coming to south side with winery, restaurant and event space

 

"A winery, restaurant and live music venue with locations in New York, Chicago, Nashville and more is coming to Columbus.

 

A sign is now up at 2108 S. High St. touting the chain's arrival. The site is near German Village, Merion Village and the Brewery District.

 

The space most recently was Via Vecchia Winery. That longtime Central Ohio winemaker is now located at 7484 E. Main St. in Reynoldsburg.

 

The Columbus City Winery will feature a fully functioning winery, a restaurant and both indoor and outdoor spaces for live music and other performances as well as private events."

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/11/city-winery-planning-south-columbus-winery-restau.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=BN&utm_content=co&ana=e_co_BN&j=28340170&senddate=2022-07-11

New upscale restaurant and lounge coming to Brewery District
 

 

“Marvin’s Restaurant & Lounge plans to open soon at 460 S. Front St., the former home of Basil Restaurants’ Brewery District eatery. The new concept will be operated by Our Hospitality Group., which also owns Our Bar & Lounge. 

 

Marvin’s is slated to open in early August, although an exact date has not yet been announced.

 

According to Public Relations Manager Marlon Platt, one half of the roughly 2,300 square foot building will be dedicated to the Marvin’s restaurant space, with the other half serving as a lounge, complete with high tops, a full bar serving speciality cocktails and patio seating.”

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/new-upscale-restaurant-and-lounge-coming-to-brewery-district

On 7/11/2022 at 2:43 PM, Luvcbus said:

 

City Winery coming to south side with winery, restaurant and event space

 

"A winery, restaurant and live music venue with locations in New York, Chicago, Nashville and more is coming to Columbus.

 

A sign is now up at 2108 S. High St. touting the chain's arrival. The site is near German Village, Merion Village and the Brewery District.

 

The space most recently was Via Vecchia Winery. That longtime Central Ohio winemaker is now located at 7484 E. Main St. in Reynoldsburg.

 

The Columbus City Winery will feature a fully functioning winery, a restaurant and both indoor and outdoor spaces for live music and other performances as well as private events."

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/11/city-winery-planning-south-columbus-winery-restau.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=BN&utm_content=co&ana=e_co_BN&j=28340170&senddate=2022-07-11

City Winery owner on what's attractive about Columbus
 

“After success in both Chicago and Nashville in particular, Dorf went hunting for a spot in Ohio. 

 

“We’d been looking for some time,” he said. “Columbus is a wonderful town. It beat out both Cleveland and Cincinnati. This is the cosmopolitan place we look for.” Key factors his team looked at included the local music and culture and the culinary scene.

 

“We see data from agents and managers and other sources,” Dorf said. “There seemed to be a void in the market for a 250- to 300-seat venue like ours.” 

 

City Winery is a draw that is expected to attract additional businesses and investment. With eight full venues open and more coming, plus Dorf’s decades of experience in the industry, the brand has the scale and network to bring in a diverse range of performers.“

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/13/city-winery-owner-on-whats-attractive-about-colum.html

Can't Believe It's Vegan now open in Westerville

 

Clayton Freeman believes in his vegan food so much that he’s willing to give out his cell phone to strangers in case they have any questions.

 

“I hope people keep an open mind about trying plant-based food,” he said. “If anyone has any questions about it, just ask us. Send me a text. I’m happy to answer.”

 

Or one can just visit him in person.

 

The founder of Can’t Believe It’s Vegan started his delivery and catering business three years ago and now has grown that into a brick-and-mortar restaurant of his own now open at 584 W. Schrock Road.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/15/cant-believe-its-vegan-now-open-in-westerville.html

Add another to the list of live-fire restaurants coming soon:

 

Star Columbus chef Avishar Barua launching new grill-inspired restaurant in the Brewery District
 

“Former “Top Chef” standout Avishar Barua recently began work on a travel-inspired eatery in Worthington, and now he’s unveiled plans for an exciting new Brewery District concept as well.

 

Barua will be creating a new live-fire restaurant named after the Hindu god of fire, Agni. The new eatery will be located 716 S. High St., in the former home of Ambrose & Eve, although no opening date has been announced yet.

 

According to Barua, Agni’s menu will be unified by the idea of the grill, of preparing food over flames.”

 

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/star-columbus-chef-avishar-barua-planning-new-grill-inspired-brewery-district-restaurant

On 10/22/2021 at 11:18 PM, ColDayMan said:

 

There's Bubbly Hall near New Albany, Center Street Market in Hilliard, and the aforementioned one coming up in Grandview Crossing.  I'm probably forgetting another one but meh, that's quite a few.

 

I went to Bubbly Hall today. It doesn't exist! The building is about 90% complete. The parking lot and entrance have curbs, but no pavement.

 

They announced vendors last April, 2021 for a fall 2021 opening after initially shooting for a spring 2021 opening. It seems they ran out of money 😟

3 hours ago, aderwent said:

I went to Bubbly Hall today. It doesn't exist! The building is about 90% complete. The parking lot and entrance have curbs, but no pavement.

 

They announced vendors last April, 2021 for a fall 2021 opening after initially shooting for a spring 2021 opening. It seems they ran out of money 😟

That’s too bad! The East Market was forced to push their opening back several times bc they were having a hard time getting the appliances they needed. Ended up leading to about half their vendors bailing. Wonder if Bubbly is having the same issue. 

Hilton Names Executive Chef for Tower Expansion Restaurants

 

The date is looming closer for the Hilton Columbus Downtown’s second tower to make its debut, and with it, three new bar and restaurant concepts.

 

Rising 28 stories at 401 N. High St., the new wing of the hotel will include wood-fired grill FYR, classic, Midwestern-focused Spark, and rooftop lounge Stories on High.

 

At the helm of the Hilton’s new dining experiences is Executive Chef Sebastian La Rocca. The Argentinian-born chef, who has worked in some notable and honored kitchens across the world, brings a list of accolades to Columbus including nabbing a spot on San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Discoveries list in 2021. Most recently working in Puerto Rico, La Rocca will trade the tropics for all four seasons as he brings his family to Central Ohio. He’s attracted to the region for the same reasons many are – he sees it as a great place to raise his daughter. He also sees an opportunity to put Columbus on the culinary map.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/hilton-names-executive-chef-for-tower-expansion-restaurants-sp1/

 

On 7/24/2022 at 3:19 PM, aderwent said:

I went to Bubbly Hall today. It doesn't exist! The building is about 90% complete. The parking lot and entrance have curbs, but no pavement.

 

They announced vendors last April, 2021 for a fall 2021 opening after initially shooting for a spring 2021 opening. It seems they ran out of money 😟

Here’s some good news:

 

Anticipated new Columbus-area food hall eyeing fall opening

 

“The chic new food hall, which will be located at 6031 Central College Rd., will be the first in New Albany.

 

The concept was initially hoping to open last year, but after being hit with COVID-related construction issues last summer, hopes of an opening were temporarily tabled.

 

But now, according to the Bubbly Hall’s Instagram account, the concept is back on track. According to update posted to its Instagram account earlier this week, the New Albany spot is planning to open in October. An exact date has not yet been announced.“

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/anticipated-new-columbus-area-food-hall-eyeing-fall-opening

I just drove by Bubbly Hall and it certainly doesn't look as nice as the renderings, which is unfortunate. Looks almost like an office building or big box store. Next time I'll take some pictures.

Barrel & Boar owners add Marysville's Mad Dogs to its restaurant group

 

The owners of Barrel & Boar Gastropubs are adding another new brand to their portfolio.

 

Elevate Restaurants has acquired Mad Dogs & Beer at 108 S. Main St. in Uptown Marysville, located in the town’s historic National Bank building.

 

“This is a great opportunity to become a part of the Marysville and Union County community,” managing partner Stan Riley said in a release. “It’s our first venture north of Columbus and we’re excited to meet the people in this part of Ohio.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/07/29/barrel-board-owners-add-marysvilles-mad-dogs-to.html

 

Parable Finds a Permanent Home Downtown

 

Pop-up Parable has found itself a permanent home. The coffee experience has moved from the South Side’s Comune into its first standalone location at 149 S. High St.

 

Taking over the former home of Nosh, Co-Owners Ben Willis and Jeffrey Clark are bringing a different kind of coffee shop to the heart of Downtown.

 

Parable not only operates on a gratuity-free model and offers a “pay what you like” program, but the shop’s menu goes far beyond the traditional.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/parable-finds-a-permanent-home-downtown-sp1/

 

National peach cobbler and cinnamon roll chain opening first-ever Columbus location
 

“The Peach Cobbler Factory is coming to Columbus.

 

The large national chain serving 12 different types of cobbler, 12 types of cinnamon rolls and 4 varieties of banana pudding has announced it will be opening soon in the Columbus area on a newly-created Facebook page.

 

Peach Cobbler Factory CEO Greg George confirmed that the concept is opening a Columbus storefront and that it has secured a location, although the location was not shared with 614Now.”

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/national-peach-cobbler-and-cinnamon-roll-chain-chain-opening-first-ever-columbus-location

Perhaps another out-of-state chain coming soon. 
 

Portillo's plans Ohio restaurant as part of aggressive expansion plan

 

“A popular slinger of Chicago-style hot dogs and more is targeting Ohio for expansion.

 

Chicago-based Portillo’s Inc. expects to open more than 10 new restaurants in 2023. That could include the chain’s first location — or possibly locations — in Ohio.

 

The company, beloved for its menu built around hot dogs, Italian beef and crinkle-cut fries, teased its 2023 Buckeye State plans last fall when it went public. 
 

Though CEO  Michael Osanloo did not mention Ohio on this week’s earnings call, he reaffirmed the company’s development goals for 2023, noting that several leases are signed and the company is already stocking up on equipment for those units now so as to minimize delays during buildout next year.”

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/05/portillos-eyes-ohio-for-new-restuarant-in-2023.html

Woodhouse Vegan Cafe now open Saturdays in the Short North

 

Woodhouse Vegan Cafe is giving fans a peek at its second location.

 

The local restaurant, which opened at 851 N. 4th St. in Italian Village in 2019, has expanded to 19 W. Russell St. in the Short North.

 

The new addition is in its soft opening phase for now — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays only for the time being.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/05/woodhouse-vegan-cafe-open-short-north.html

 

Crest, Alchemy owners dish on Mercury Diner, their new Columbus restaurant

 

A Columbus restaurant group is adding a modern diner to its mix of concepts.

 

A&R Creative Group, which owns multiple ventures around Central Ohio including The Crest and Alchemy, expects to open The Mercury Diner at 621 Parsons Ave. this fall on the city’s south side.

 

That space previously was another Crest location, but that closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

“We wanted to take our time and get back to our roots,” Abed Alshahal said of the space. “We think we came up with something that fits the neighborhood perfectly.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/08/crest-alchemy-mercury-diner-columbus-south-side.html

 

Ray Ray's Meat + Three making changes at its Granville restaurant

 

Ray Ray’s Meat + Three is making a change.

 

The Granville restaurant was the first traditional sit-down eatery from the local barbeque brand that built its name and business with a series of food trucks around Central Ohio.

 

It opened in April 2021.

 

It’s still open, but it’s converting to Ray Ray’s classic menu, operations and name.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/09/ray-rays-meat-three-making-changes-at-its-granv.html

 

On 8/9/2022 at 9:18 AM, ColDayMan said:

The Granville restaurant was the first traditional sit-down eatery from the local barbeque brand that built its name and business with a series of food trucks around Central Ohio.

 

Definitely been some trial-and-error since they opened in Granville. It opened sort of cafeteria-style - walking through the line picking out your food, then grabbing a table if you wanted to eat it there - which felt very natural for this kind of place. Easy to see what looked good and very takeout friendly. When they changed over to full table service a few months ago, ordering takeout meant ordering at the register and waiting awkwardly for your food by the front door, telling everyone who comes in you aren't in line for a table. It wasn't terrible, but it was confusing, and thinking about it we haven't been there as often since that change was made.

 

It's usually busy enough when we drive past (a few times a week) that I'm hopeful there is no danger of closing. It's not a great location though - out of the way and easily forgotten, not at all walkable compared to most Granville restaurants. Going from having a great takeout setup to making takeout feel like an afterthought probably doesn't help in a community that remains fairly COVID-conscientious. Not helping in that regard is the dining room is fully enclosed, unlike a few of the busier places in town. There are some tables in back that don't come across as especially inviting - again in contrast with most places in town - but no idea how they are to eat at in practice (living a few blocks away I'd expect the mosquitoes to be unbearable next to the creek).

Savvy Sliders moving into former White Castle space near Ohio State University

 

The former White Castle restaurant across from Ohio State University is getting a new occupant, but the menu isn’t a radical change.

 

Just as the Columbus-based chain specializes in sliders — mini-burgers and sandwiches — so too will the replacement.

 

Michigan-based Savvy Sliders expects to open at 2106 N. High St. in the coming weeks. White Castle closed its operation there in 2020, early in the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/11/savvy-sliders-moving-into-former-white-castle-spac.html

 

Bravo's original Columbus location reopens after fire

 

The original Bravo restaurant is open again.

 

Bravo Italian Kitchen, as it is now called, reopened at 3000 Hayden Road on Columbus’ northwest side. The restaurant closed in April after it was damaged in a fire. After a remodel, the space is back in business.

 

The restaurant was the very first Bravo Cucina Italiana, a local restaurant brand that was started by brothers Rick Doody and Chris Doody at that space 30 years ago. Though it's been rebranded as Bravo Italian Kitchen, the Cucina Italiana sign is still up at the site.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/11/bravo-italian-kitchen-open-again-after-fire-remod.html

 

I’d never even realized Scrambler’s had shut down…

 

New whole food-focused cafe featuring sandwiches, bagels and more opens in German Village Area

 

“A brand-new, and totally wholesome, spot for breakfast and lunch has arrived at Schumacher Place.

 

Simply Honest Cafe held its soft opening on Aug. 12, and will officially open for delivery, take-out and curbside pickup on Aug. 26. The eatery will open its dining room to the public shortly afterward as well.

 

The new concept is located at 567 E. Livingston Ave., across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, near the corner of Livingston Avenue and Parsons Avenue. The restaurant has taken over the former home of Scrambler Marie’s.”

 

https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/new-whole-food-focused-cafe-featuring-sandwiches-bagels-and-more-opens-in-german-village-area

Atlanta-Based Esco Restaurant & Tapas Expands to Columbus
 

 

“A new restaurant and lounge will make its debut Downtown this fall. Atlanta-based Esco Restaurant & Tapas will open its first Ohio location at 31 E. Gay St., the former home of Pub Mahone which closed at the end of March. 

 

Akron-based entrepreneur Jessica Kay is the owner and operator of the franchise, which will be the brand’s third location nationwide and first outside of Georgia.

 

Work is underway on the space, with the restaurant and bar slated for a late November opening.”

 

https://columbusunderground.com/atlanta-based-esco-restaurant-tapas-expands-to-columbus-sp1/

Wendy's ready to roll out new restaurant design, starting in New Albany

 

The first new-look Wendy’s will open in New Albany next year.

 

The Dublin-based restaurant chain announced that plan last week, but company leaders are now sharing more details about the new design.

 

“This is not just about today, but where we’re going in the future,” Abigail Pringle, chief development officer and president of international, said in an interview with Columbus Business First. “Our restaurants are here for 10, 20, 30 years.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/17/wendys-rolls-out-new-restaurant-design.html

 

City Barbeque replacing its Reynoldsburg-area restaurant with a new one

 

An old City Barbeque is going away to make way for … a new City Barbeque.

 

The growing Central Ohio-based chain plans to demolish its almost 5,500-square-foot location at 5979 E. Main St. That was the third-ever restaurant for the 23-year old chain. It opened in 2002.

 

City Barbeque has nearly 60 restaurants today in eight states.

 

The company said the new restaurant is expected to open later this year. There isn’t an exact date but the target is later in the fall, prior to the holidays.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/17/city-barbeque-replacing-its-reynoldsburg-restauran.html

 

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants will be opening a new Ocean Prime location on the Las Vegas strip right next to luxury shopping center The Shops at Crystals and the Aria Resort & Casino.

Cameron Mitchell calls upcoming German Village Cento restaurant 'passion project'

 

Cameron Mitchell’s new German Village restaurant won’t rival the restaurateur’s Las Vegas outpost in size, but it may in personal affinity.

 

The Columbus-based restaurant group has long wanted a site in German Village. With work on Cento at 595 S. 3rd St. underway, the group's founder shared his thoughts on what guests will experience when it opens next year.

 

“I’d put this in Manhattan without batting an eye,” Mitchell said. “It’s a true passion project.”

 

Among the factors that have Mitchell excited are the upscale menu and the atmosphere both in the fully remodeled inside and the expanded patio that will rival some of the city’s best outdoor dining.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/22/cameron-mitchell-on-upcoming-columbus-resturant.html

 

Wild Ginger Asian Fusion expands to Polaris

 

Polaris has a new option for sushi and other Asian cuisine.

 

Wild Ginger Asian Fusion is now open at 8591 Sancus Blvd. It’s the third Wild Ginger in Central Ohio for owner Justin Ye, who has owned multiple restaurants around the region under a few different names for more than a decade.

 

His focus these days is on his trio of Wild Gingers, which offer a broad menu of sushi, soups, noodle bowls and entrees that span Asian cuisines like Thai curry, Japanese eggplant and an assortment of Chinese dishes.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/08/23/wild-ginger-asian-fusion-expands-to-polaris.html