Partners in Club 185 keep expanding their empire

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The economy and other factors might be causing some restaurateurs to retrench and revise plans, but the group that owns Club 185 in German Village and the Rossi Bar & Kitchen in the Short North keeps moving forward.  Kim and Randy Corbin, Ron Criswell and Tom Magalaner recently opened the Del Mar Restaurant and Lounge at 136 N. Prospect St. in Granville, just off the Denison University campus, and have broken through walls to enlarge the Rossi.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/18/rest_0318.ART_ART_03-18-08_C10_AH9M38G.html?sid=101

For sale: healthy sampling of restaurant properties

Monday,  March 24, 2008

By Mike Pramik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The sale and lease-back of a Hoggy's restaurant at Polaris has injected some optimism into the local commercial real-estate market.  Or at least it has opened a few eyes.  That's because, with the economy as jittery as a poached egg, restaurant properties have been up for grabs in large number in central Ohio, and not all are selling.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/24/ZONE0324.ART_ART_03-24-08_C10_TL9MTIR.html?sid=101

Inner City Oasis

The Other Paper

by Richard Ades / March 27, 2008

 

You wouldn’t have expected poets to show up on a night like this. Or in a neighborhood like this.  Outside, big flakes of wet snow were falling on modest homes and storefronts with windows that were either barred or boarded up.  Inside, a microphone stood on its stand, waiting to amplify the rhythms and rhymes of North Linden wordsmiths.

 

But hardly anyone was there to use it. “You guys picked a bad night to come down here,” poet Joe Kashta told a couple of visitors as the snow continued to fall outside the New Harvest Café.  Then, slowly, the other poets began to arrive.

 

Read more at http://theotherpaper.com/top3-27/substory3.htm

 

In the Black (Black Creek Bistro)

Columbus Alive

March 27, 2008

By G.A. Benton

 

In case you've totally missed the bistro buzz, Black Creek is a creative restaurant that's as green as it gets, going so far as raising as many ingredients on its own farm as is possible. The restaurant even recycles used cooking oil to operate its modified tractors.  But Black Creek also has a Monday-through-Friday feature that might encourage you to go green, too.  By going green, I mean saving some green.  Because weekly, from 4 p.m. until they're gone (which I've found to be usually around 7 or 8 p.m.) Black Creek offers a special bistro dinner, which it sells for — are you ready for this? — $10.

 

Black Creek Bistro

53 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East

614-246-9662

Web: http://blackcreekbistro.com

 

More at http://columbusalive.com/?sec=food&story=alive/2008/0327/fo-bargain.html

 

 

Crazy about Columbus

Despite the bad economic news of late, plenty of national and regional restaurant chains have plans to come to or expand in central Ohio

Sunday, March 30, 2008

By Monique Curet, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Baskin-Robbins, Del Taco, Dunkin' Donuts, IHOP, Lenny's Sub Shop and Papa Murphy's International are among the players planning to add from five to 83 stores in central Ohio in coming years.  Even Bruegger's, a Vermont bagel chain that used to have a presence in Columbus but left the market several years ago, has returned.  At a time when consumers are being pinched by a slowing economy and many former restaurant buildings in Columbus stand vacant, the question is:  What keeps the restaurants coming?

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/30/new_restaurants.ART_ART_03-30-08_D1_QQ9PDQK.html?sid=101

Best Fries goes to Tip Top's eggplant fries.

Rusty Bucket expanding to Westerville

 

Westerville is getting a bigger Bucket.

 

The Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern is scheduled to open at 400 Polaris Parkway on April 29, serving up the same pub and comfort food the chain is known for, but in a bigger place and with more draft beer selections.

 

For more info, please click the link:

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/03/31/newscolumn1.html?b=1206936000^1612242

Gahanna's Creekside to pop cork on growing wine shop and bistro

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/03/31/newscolumn1.html?b=1206936000^1612242

 

There may be only one Wine Guy, but he'll have at least two shops by this summer with perhaps a third by mid-2009.

 

For more info, please click the link

Cap getting a new spot to drink, relax well-attired

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/03/31/newscolumn1.html?b=1206936000^1612242&page=3

 

Perhaps it is fitting that a space most recently occupied by an apparel boutique will be replaced by a bar that hopes to draw the well-heeled.

 

For more info, please click the link

Best pizza is either Hounddogs or Rotolos.  Massey's?  Please... that's insulting.

Rehab of Capital Club delivers new catering service, pared dining hours

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/04/07/newscolumn1.html?b=1207540800^1615555

 

A local group that acquired Capital Club Columbus in June is promising changes in the private club's look and services.

 

For more info, please click the link

Two dining approaches planned for one space at Short North

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/04/07/newscolumn1.html?b=1207540800^1615555&page=2

 

The owners of a new restaurant near the downtown-Short North line hope a two-pronged approach to dining will help them find success.

 

For more info, please click the link

DeepWood to offer dual dining in Short North venture

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

By Bill Chronister, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Many people dream of the restaurant they would open, given the chance and a bag of money. Most people die with that dream never realized. Amber Herron and Brian Pawlak won't be among the latter group.  “I've always wanted a place where it would be like inviting people into your home,” Herron said last week as she sat in a nearly vacant dining room at 511 N. High St. in the Short North.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/04/01/deepwood.html?sid=101

Fast-growing chain reaches Ohio

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

By Bill Chronister, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The name is Zaxby's, and it serves Zappetizers and Zalads. But basically, the tightly run chain of fast-casual restaurants features chicken "fingers" and buffalo wings with a side of down-home style.  The chain will open its first restaurant outside the Southeast on Monday at 2112 N. High St., across from Ohio State University.  The company-owned store is an experiment in two ways: Moving into new territory is always a gamble, and this store is the first in the chain of 426 or so without a drive-through window.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/04/08/rest0408.ART_ART_04-08-08_C10_P59S7FN.html?sid=101

 

A Zaxby's in Ohio?  Uh oh...

Nothing can top Raising Cain's.

New era dawning at Rise & Dine with new leadership team in place

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/04/14/story9.html?b=1208145600^1619060

 

Rise & Dine Restaurants Inc. has undergone an ownership and management shake-up a little more than a year into development, but growth plans at the breakfast-and-lunch chain remain unabated.

 

For more info, please click the link

Good bets abound at hotel's stand-in

 

While awaiting the opening of the new High Street Grill -- to be created after a complete retooling of the ill-fated full-service restaurant, previously known as the Theatre Cafe, in the Westin Great Southern -- patrons can find a few goodies on the menu of Thurber's Bar.  Set in the Westin's west side, Thurber's is arranged around a large wooden bar.  The high ceilings evoke another era.  Until the High Street Grill has its grand opening (projected for the end of this month), the hotel restaurant is essentially being run out of Thurber's.

 

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2008/04/17/9A_OFF17.ART_ART_04-17-08_T15_5E9U9F4.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101

 

 

Polish originals spice up Downtown spot

Thursday, April 17, 2008

By Tim Feran, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The road to Euro Cafe wasn't exactly a straight shot.  With business going well these days, though, Halina Oleszczuk isn't complaining.  "Last year was huge year," said the native of Kosow Lacki, Poland, who owns the restaurant near Gay and N. High streets with daughter Wendy Adkins.  "This winter was a little slow. But, since weather broke, it's been up, up, up again."  Her journey to central Ohio is rooted in the struggles of her homeland.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2008/04/17/9A_ROW17_ART_04-17-08_T16_5E9U9FI.html?sid=101

 

 

 

Tavern waits for sign from Dublin to open

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

By Bill Chronister, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Veteran restaurateur Craig Barnum is preparing to open his sixth restaurant. For him, it feels just as exciting as the first.  That's because this one, Matt the Miller's Tavern, 6525 Avery-Muirfield Dr. in Dublin, is his first without partners.  Barnum is managing partner of the Historic Dublin Restaurant Group, which includes two Brazenhead Irish Pubs, Barnum & Tibbets Prime Kitchen & Wine Bar, Oscar's Restaurant and Wine Bar, and Tucci's Wood-Fired Bistro.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/04/22/rest_0422.ART_ART_04-22-08_C10_QRA07NH.html?sid=101

Gung ho at Ding Ho

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

By Bill Chronister, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

After losing his lease for the space on W. Broad Street where his grandfather Clifford Yee opened Ding Ho Restaurant more than 50 years ago, Stephen Yee has announced that the new Ding Ho is up and running just around the corner at 120 Phillipi Rd.  "Every one of our employees has made the move with us," Yee said, stressing that, despite rumors, Ding Ho is still run by the same family.

 

More at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/04/22/rest_0422.ART_ART_04-22-08_C10_QRA07NH.html?sid=101

I love Ding Ho, we used to eat there all the time; it's one of the best chinese places on the west side. I went back there over the summer. I got scared when it said they closed. Glad they reopened on Phillipi but man is that a terrible location. Near wearhouses and such. As someone from the west side, I'm gonna miss the old place.

Hi,

 

This is my first post. I like what I've read so far.

 

Anyone know anything about the Russian Joint opening next to Whiskey Dick's in 161?

Max & Erma's to be acquired for $10.2M

 

http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2008/04/28/daily1.html

 

Max & Erma's Restaurants Inc. is going private in a $10.2 million deal.

 

The Columbus-based restaurant chain agreed to be acquired by Pittsburgh firm G&R Acquisition Inc. G&R will buy all 2.55 million outstanding Max & Erma's shares for $4 a share. That represents a 37 percent premium over the company's $2.92 closing price Friday.

 

For more info, please click the link

I love Ding Ho, we used to eat there all the time; it's one of the best chinese places on the west side. I went back there over the summer. I got scared when it said they closed. Glad they reopened on Phillipi but man is that a terrible location. Near wearhouses and such. As someone from the west side, I'm gonna miss the old place.

 

Ding Ho is a great place to go for "old school" chinese food.  And their old West Broad location really had alot of character.  I wish them luck at their new location, even if its not as good.  Too bad a rent dispute with the property owner forced them to move. 

 

I have to believe that the West Broad owner truely screwed himself by letting Ding Ho leave.  Although the building has alot of character, it doesn't have much parking for a busy restaurant.  The reason people put up with the iffy parking situation was because Ding Ho was there.

Damon's appears to have a buyer

Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 3:33 AM

By Monique Curet

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Damon's Grill could become the third central Ohio restaurant chain in less than a week to have a new out-of-town owner.  Damon's, which has been struggling in recent years, is close to being bought by Gary Reinert Sr., according to people familiar with the situation who did not want to be named because they're not authorized to speak for the company.  Reinert's company, G&R Acquisition Inc., struck a deal this week to buy Max & Erma's for $10.2 million, days after the parent of Arby's reached an agreement to purchase Wendy's International.  One source said the Damon's deal is close to being completed, depending on financing.

 

Read more at http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/05/01/Damons.ART_ART_05-01-08_A1_F5A32JU.html?sid=101

Three chains in one week selling out? Weird.

Or just the sign of the times :(.

King of the castle

The Other Paper

by erik johns / May 1, 2008

 

With the sale of local institutions Wendy’s and Max & Erma’s, the Columbus hamburger identity took a major blow this week.  Gone are the days when you could call the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or the Garbage Burger your own.  But worry not.  There is still one national burger chain headquartered right here in Columbus ready to fill the void left by the departing burger titans.

 

White Castle, whose HQ sits at 555 W. Goodale St., can now stake claim to our stomachs.  If you must eat a burger from a locally-owned chain, the small, 5-hole, steamed Slyders at White Castle are your only option.  In the Short North, the epicenter of all things hip in Columbus, you will not find a Wendy’s.  But right there on High Street at the north end of the chic neighborhood sits a White Castle.

 

Read more at http://theotherpaper.com/top5-1/substory1.htm

 

Damon's appears to have a buyer

Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 3:33 AM

By Monique Curet

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Damon's Grill could become the third central Ohio restaurant chain in less than a week to have a new out-of-town owner.

 

 

Or maybe not. 

 

Response to 'Dispatch' story

Damon's says businessman isn't buying

Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 3:01 AM

By Monique Curet

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The owner of Damon's Grill said the restaurant chain will not be sold to a Pittsburgh businessman who recently agreed to buy Max & Erma's.  In a story published Thursday, sources told The Dispatch that Damon's was close to being bought by Gary Reinert Sr.  The sources were familiar with the situation but did not want to be named because they're not authorized to speak for the company.  But William Burk, Damon's chairman, said the information was wrong.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/05/03/damonsfolo.ART_ART_05-03-08_C8_BTA3KBQ.html?sid=101

Did anyone know that Polaris is getting a Cheesecake Factory this June???  I certainly didn't know that!

 

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/locations_state.asp?fl=Y

Such a hard choice, Polaris or Easton for your Cheesecake Factory fix.

Imma have to put on my best three piece denim suit and head out to a fancy dinner at the Cheese Cake Factories.

Trio of restaurant veterans filling 'void' for Italian dining in Clintonville

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/12/newscolumn1.html?b=1210564800^1633307

 

The restaurant replacing the R Bar in Clintonville doesn't have a name yet, but it has three known names backing it.

 

George Tanchevski, owner of five Aladdin's Eatery restaurants; Giuseppe Mangano, owner of Giuseppe's Ritrovo in Bexley; and John Skaggs, former chef of RJ Snappers and the Northstar Cafe, hope to open their Italian-inspired eatery by month-end.

 

For more info, please click the link

Hotel refresh brings new downtown restaurant

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/12/newscolumn1.html?b=1210564800^1633307

 

When the owners of the Westin Great Southern Columbus invested millions of dollars in a renovation of the historic downtown Columbus hotel, they were sure not to neglect the food.

 

For more info, please click the link

Cowtown moves herd to old Domino's space

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/12/newscolumn1.html?b=1210564800^1633307&page=2

 

Jason Slagle was diligently working Super Bowl Sunday, delivering his Cowtown Pizza pies around the Grandview Heights area when something caught his eye: On one of the busiest pizza days of the year, the Domino's Pizza shop at 1359 Grandview Ave. was dark and locked.

 

For more info, please click the link

Great article on Short North/Downtown funky restaurant entrepreneur Liz Lessner.

 

ON RESTAURANTS

Taverns fuel owner's love: civic involvement

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The thing about Elizabeth Lessner is, she cares.  And when she cares, she acts.  "What I've always sought is the power to cause change," said Lessner, 34.  Lessner has three successful restaurants: She started with Betty's Fine Food and Spirits in 2001, and followed up with the Surly Girl Saloon in 2005 and the Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails in 2007.  She just took possession of the former Queen Bee Restaurant, 248 S. 4th St., and plans to turn it into Dirty Frank's Hot Dogs by mid-July.

 

And she's putting together the Ohioanna All-Star Market, an Ohio-only convenience store that is expected to open later this year two doors north of the Surly Girl in the Short North.  "Liz's not old and traditional; she thinks outside the box," said Randy Sokol of RCI Restaurant Consultants Inc.  "And her passion is to do the right thing in her restaurants and in the community.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/05/13/rest_0513.ART_ART_05-13-08_C10_V7A6CDL.html?sid=101

 

Nice!

http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=148621

 

<b>Dirty Frank's Hot Dogs opening downtown in July</b>

 

Dirty Frank's Hot Dogs, a casual hot doggery and neighborhood bar is set to open mid-July in Downtown Columbus, Ohio bringing another fun and affordable lunch option to downtown workers and dwellers. Partners Elizabeth Lessner and Harold LaRue look to bring quality hot dogs and some whimsical sizzle to downtown Columbus.

 

"Columbus has hot dog envy. People visit New York and Chicago and eat at some of the finest restaurants in the world but come back raving about the hot dogs," says Lessner, current CEO of Betty's, Surly Girl Saloon and Tip Top Kitchen and native of Chicago, famed for their outstanding "slap your forehead" scrumptious red hots.

 

Dirty Franks will feature delicious all-beef Vienna franks, Polish sausages, Kielbasa and Tofu dogs served in steamed poppy seed buns topped with fresh ingredients prepared to order. Sides will include Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter, Sriracha Cole Slaw, Roasted Sport Pepper Mac 'n Cheese, India Pale Ale Dredged Onion Rings, and Hot Dog Cornbread. Salads and a few casserole dishes will also be available.

 

To complement your dog, locally brewed Frostop Root Beer on draught, plenty of Pabst Blue Ribbon and the house specialty drink, Dirty Frank's Bloody Mary which contains Sport-Pepper Infused Vodka with Celery Seed Bloody Mary mix.

Hot diggity dog!  That's good news.

On Restaurants: Celebrity chef takes a local partner

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Columbus' Tommy O'Shaughnessy is stepping out of his role as publican to join TV chef Martin Yan in a business venture that aims to open 50 Yan Can quick-service Asian restaurants across the country and build four combination Irish-Asian restaurants in international destinations.  "If you combine my 25 years on Wall Street with Martin's 40 years in the kitchen, you have a winning combination," O'Shaughnessy said in announcing the creation of Lotus Shamrock Global.

 

Read more at http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/05/20/REST_0520.ART_ART_05-20-08_C10_MBA8DUI.html?sid=101

 

Betty's has got a <a href="http://www.bettyscolumbus.com">brand new website</a>:

 

Betty's Fine Food and Spirits' date=' located in the heart of the fabulous Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio, is a cozy neighborhood hot spot serving up heaping helpings of Ohio comfort food with extra sides of sass. Enjoy stellar service and an award-winning jukebox selection. Get all hot and bothered ogling our gorgeous collection of rare 1940-1960's era pin-up art (plenty of Bettie Page to go around) while sipping libations from our award-winning cocktail list.[/quote']

Nice!

Wrap joint will try to get its hands around Ohio State campus market

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/26/newscolumn1.html?b=1211774400^1640303

 

Thang Nguyen and Jose Becerra hope they can carry a popular line of grilled-meat wraps from summer festivals and the cafeteria of a Central Ohio business to a restaurant near Ohio State University.

 

For more info, please click the link

OSU chef makes shift to place of his own near Clintonville

 

Bill Glover is ready to go public after nearly six years of serving private diners.

 

Glover, most recently executive chef of the Faculty Club at Ohio State University, is venturing out on his own with the Sage American Bistro, expected to open June 10 at 2653 N. High St., south of Clintonville in a building formerly occupied by the Kitchen Lounge.

 

For more info, please click the link:

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/26/newscolumn1.html?b=1211774400^1640303&page=2

Cleveland's Garage coming to Columbus' Arena District

 

Jeff Allison knows hundreds of eager eaters and drinkers regularly walk past the building where he is opening his bar. The trick is getting them inside, something two previous bars have been unable to do.

 

For more info, please click the link:

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/26/newscolumn1.html?b=1211774400^1640303&page=3

Recipes for success lie in Latin American origins

Thursday, May 29, 2008

BY BILL EICHENBERGER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

If you insist on knowing what everything is on your plate, perhaps you had better pass up El Arepazo Latin Grill.  The proprietor, Carlos Gutierrez, isn't trying to offend anyone; he just -- well, as he put it:

 

"With all due respect," the entrepreneur said recently after closing the Pearl Street shop for the afternoon, "we go out of our way not to Americanize our food."

 

With good reason.  "I use almost all my mom's recipes," he said of Victoria Gutierrez, formerly of Venezuela and currently of Spain.

 

 

Read more at http://dispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2008/05/29/9A_ROW29_ART_05-29-08_T13_4MA9R2E.html?sid=101

Del Mar's filling a niche with fish tacos

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

BY BILL CHRONISTER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Fish tacos are invading central Ohio.  They established a beachhead in Canal Winchester on Thursday and they're expected to pop up in New Albany in July.  By the end of summer, Zanesville, Groveport and perhaps Circleville might be feasting on Del Mar's Baja Mexican fast-casual fare.

 

Greg Walker, co-developer for the region with Tarek Monowar, said he expects to have at least eight more Del Mar's open across Ohio by the end of the year.

 

The store is based on the Subway and Chipotle model, with food made to order as customers walk along an assembly line.  The highest-priced individual items are Mondo Burritos, at $5.49, with platters including rice and refried black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole for $5.99.

 

Read more at http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/06/03/rest_0603.ART_ART_06-03-08_C10_9OACP39.html?sid=101

Hi,

 

This is my first post. I like what I've read so far.

 

Anyone know anything about the Russian Joint opening next to Whiskey Dick's in 161?

 

Might this be it?

 

The Russians are coming

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Columbus Square Shopping Center, at Cleveland Avenue and Dublin-Granville Road, has become a haven for ethnic restaurants, starting with the Nazareth Restaurant and Deli in 1989.  Since then, the Asian Market, Mi Mi Vietnamese Deli and the Al-Ameer Mediterranean Restaurant have done well.  Now comes Hawa Russia.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/06/10/rest_0610.ART_ART_06-10-08_C10_E6AEUEO.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101

And of course there is always the Cheesecake Factory! 

 

Cheesecake Factory to add site at Polaris

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 3:12 AM

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The Polaris Cheesecake Factory will be able to seat more than 300 diners, with 68 on a patio.  After opening for dinner only on June 26, hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.  It will be the first tenant to open in Polaris' new, open-air lifestyles center.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/06/10/rest_0610.ART_ART_06-10-08_C10_E6AEUEO.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101