News
What's new in the 614
Openings, closings, and what changed this week, in town and about 45 minutes out.
This Weekend in the 614: Oct 30-Nov 1
Punk and jam bands on Campus, a free jazz guitar night in Granville, costumed cover sets in Grandview on Halloween and a Sunday gospel show. Status: This weekend.
Council Sets Nov. 9 Hearing on Municipal Courthouse Plans
Shannon Hardin and Emmanuel Remy will hear testimony on renovating the High Street court building after earlier plans for a new one. Status: Hearing Nov. 9, 1 p.m.
Pegasus Bread Company Opens on Commerce Drive in Sunbury
An Auddino family baker is back from Florida with Italian breads, cannoli, gelato and coming soon subs and pizza at 490 Commerce Drive. Status: Open.
Endeavor Closes Its Fifth Avenue Taproom After Nearly a Decade
The brewstillery's last scheduled day of regular service at 909 W. Fifth Ave. was Oct. 29, and its Linworth room, Barrel & Bloom, stays open. Status: Closed.
New Guide: Holiday Lights and Ice Skating Around Columbus
Wildlights, Wanderlights, suburban tree lightings and every public rink, sorted by date with organizer-posted hours and prices. Status: Live on site.
New List: Best Hot Chocolate in Columbus
Five cafes ranked for the cup itself, the toppings, price and evening hours, with Chocolate Cafe on Northwest Boulevard at No. 1. Status: Live on site.
New List: Best Bike Shops in Columbus
Seven shops ranked on repair work, e-bike know-how and help for new riders, with Johnny Velo Bikes in Clintonville on top. Status: Live on site.
Upper Arlington Issue 34 Asks for a Larger Safety Pension Levy
The city wants voters to renew its 0.89-mill police and fire pension levy and add 0.24 mills, raising about $2.2 million a year. Status: On the Nov. 3 ballot.
Grove City Opens Pumpkin Drop-Off at Fryer Park Nov. 1
Residents can leave undecorated jack-o'-lanterns in a marked dumpster through Dec. 1, and a November food drive collects for veterans and their pets. Status: Starts Nov. 1.
Wild Eggs Breakfast Chain Opening in Hamilton Quarter
The Louisville brunch chain lists its first Columbus-area restaurant at 5912 Old Hamilton Road with daytime hours. Status: Opening early November.
New Guide: Plant-Based Columbus Dining
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood map of all-vegan kitchens and vegetable-forward restaurants, published two days after council endorsed the Plant Based Treaty. Status: Live on site.
New List: Best Bakeries in Columbus
Seven bakeries ranked on what comes out of the oven, from German Village macarons to Uptown Westerville donuts, with Pistacia Vera at No. 1. Status: Live on site.
New List: Best Ice Skating Rinks in Columbus
Five rinks ranked for public skate time, price and setting, with OhioHealth Chiller on top and two outdoor sheets opening in late November. Status: Live on site.
New Guide: Thanksgiving Takeout in Columbus
Smoked turkeys, cooked dinners, sides, pies and dining rooms open Nov. 26, with order deadlines starting Oct. 31. Status: Live on site.
Picktown Palooza Ends After Ten Summers in Pickerington
Organizer Panger Productions says the July 2026 anniversary edition, headlined by Buckcherry, was the last one. Status: Discontinued.
New List: Best Youth Sports Programs in Columbus
Seven leagues, clubs and camps for beginners, from T-ball at age 3 to junior golf, led by i9 Sports. Status: Live on site.
New List: Best Pub Burgers in Columbus
Seven tavern kitchens ranked on the patty, the build and the bar around it, with 101 Craft Kitchen on top. Status: Live on site.
Farmer's Larder Grocery Sets Nov. 21 Opening on South High
A farm-run market at 900 S. High St. will sell Ohio meat, produce, milk and grab-and-go lunches, and it is already taking holiday dinner orders. Status: Opening Nov. 21.
Council Approves 318 Affordable Apartments on North Cassady
Dominium's rezoning and variances for 30 acres beside Alum Creek near the airport passed 9-0, with the creek corridor set to become city parkland. Status: Approved, awaiting signatures.
Council Hearing Nov. 5 Recaps Zone In Phase II Comments
The city will summarize what residents said about rezoning mixed-use corridors, industrial land and campuses before the 60-day comment window closed Oct. 24. Status: Hearing Nov. 5.
Council Endorses Plant Based Treaty and a Vegan Dining Week
The resolution passed 8-0 Monday, and by its own count makes Columbus the first Ohio city to back the treaty. It asks the city to promote plant-based food. Status: Adopted.
Grandview Heights Council Fills Two Open Seats
Members picked Craig Diaz and Rick Kinsinger from 21 applicants on Oct. 26 to replace Michelle Kozak and Melanie Houston, who resigned this fall. Status: Sworn in Nov. 9.
Worthington Returns to E-Bike and Scooter Rules on Nov. 2
Council tabled a traffic code rewrite in October that would cap sidewalk speeds at 8 mph, set riding ages and let the city post no-ride zones. Status: Public hearing Nov. 2.
Council Approves WestBend TIF for 895 West Side Apartments
Members voted 8-0 on consent Monday to set up tax financing and a community authority for Thrive's nearly $200 million plan on the old Buckeye Auto Parts site. Status: Approved, awaiting signatures.
New Albany Picks Columbus Development Chief as City Manager
Council voted Oct. 20 to negotiate a contract with Michael Stevens, who would succeed Joseph Stefanov after 27 years. Status: Council approved.
Gahanna Opens New Ashburnham Park Playground, Twice the Size
The city spent about $237,000 replacing the play area in the Villages of Gahanna, using a survey of nearby households to pick the equipment. Status: Open.
New Albany Adds a Winter Ice Rink at Hinson Amphitheater
A new outdoor rink opens Nov. 22 in the village center and runs four days a week through Feb. 28. Status: Opens Nov. 22.
What we're reading, week of October 26
Six tips from other Columbus food writers that stay here until an owner page, permit or city record backs them up. Status: Roundup.
Graeter's Opens a New Albany Scoop Shop
The Cincinnati ice cream maker's store page now lists a Forest Drive shop that held its soft opening October 13. Status: Open.
Island Vibes Plans Restaurant Building on South Linden Lot
Council takes up the sale of a vacant Land Bank parcel on 17th Avenue for a mixed-use building with a street-level restaurant. Status: Announced.
Columbus Pond Safety Draft Adds a 15-Foot No-Mow Strip
Minutes from Thursday's council hearing outline draft retention pond rules with notice requirements and a mowing ban near the water. Status: Draft, no ordinance filed.
North Market Grant on Council Agenda as Merchant Building Slips
Council votes Monday on up to $125,000 for the city-owned market after the building on its old parking lot slid to a May 2027 finish. Status: On the agenda.
This Weekend in the 614: Oct 23-25
Halloween warmups in Westerville and Worthington Friday, a park party with Coco in Hilliard Saturday, and two Ohio Theatre symphony programs plus a new dance premiere. Status: This weekend.
Upper Arlington Warns of Fake City Invoices and Wire Requests
Scammers are lifting property and project details from agendas and online records to make bogus bills look real. The city says it never asks for a wire. Status: Active warning.
Columbus Council to Review Five Liquor Permit Objections Nov. 5
The City Attorney wants the state to take a hard look at permit renewals at five addresses, from North 20th Street to West Broad Street.
Worthington Adopts Its First New Comprehensive Plan Since 2005
The unanimous vote sets six opportunity areas, a new way to classify every city street, and a zoning code rewrite as the next big step.
Worthington Approves Curbside Food Scrap Pickup on 4-3 Vote
A five-year Compost Exchange deal covering every household is cleared to start in January, though staff warned the 2027 budget has no money for it yet.
Council OKs Community and Daycare Center at Mound and Champion
A former church building on the Near East Side can now host after-school, youth and family programs in addition to child care.
Grove City Curbside Leaf Pickup Runs Oct. 19 Through Dec. 18
Crews cover one of four areas each week and pass through every area twice, so leaves need to be at the curb by 7 a.m. that Monday.
Worthington Opens New Playground at Wilson Hill Park
The $350,000 replacement and the resurfaced tennis courts are finished, and city leaders cut the ribbon Monday evening.
What we're reading, week of October 19
Five tips from other Columbus newsrooms that wait here until an owner page, permit or city record backs them up. Status: Roundup.
Trader Joe's Files for Beer and Wine Permit at Polaris Store
The planned store #889 at 2109 Ikea Way is on Monday's Columbus council agenda for carryout beer and wine. Status: Permit filed.
Columbus Council Eyes Lease Exit for Domestic Violence Victims
After a three-hour committee hearing, Councilmember Tiara Ross says draft legislation on penalty-free lease exits is coming.
Columbus Council Hearing on Retention Pond Safety Set Oct. 22
Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans wants feedback on new rules that would build on the 2024 pond ordinance.
Durbar Opens Second Location on Granville Street in Gahanna
The Reynoldsburg Nepali and Indian kitchen now lists daily hours and online ordering at 64 Granville St. Status: Open.
Gahanna Warns of Fake Permit Payment Emails
City says scammers are impersonating staff and asking for planning, zoning, or permit fees.
Gahanna Clears Cinnamon Swirls Home Bakery Variance
Planning Commission approved a home-occupation variance at 789 Ridenour Road. Status: Variance approved.
What we're reading, week of October 12
Eight tips from other Columbus newsrooms that stay here until an owner post, permit or city page confirms them. Status: Roundup.
This Weekend in the 614: Oct 16-18
Jonas Brothers Friday, Twenty One Pilots at the Horseshoe and RidgeFest Saturday, then the Columbus Marathon early Sunday. Status: This weekend.
Worthington Weighs Citywide Food Scrap Pickup on Oct. 19
Council holds a hearing on a five-year Compost Exchange contract priced at $3.28 per household each month.
True Food Kitchen Closes Easton, Its Only Ohio Location
The wellness chain shut its Worth Avenue room on Oct. 4 as part of a Chapter 11 filing that closed 12 restaurants. Status: Closed.
Worthington Sets Oct. 19 Hearing on 20-Year Plan
City Council will take public comment on the Worthington Together comprehensive plan covering land use, housing, roads, and parks.
Sitara Fine Indian Cuisine Opens on East Main Downtown
A new Indian restaurant and bar is serving lunch and dinner at 427 E. Main St. Status: Open.
Old Bag of Nails Drops Delaware From Locations List
The Irish pub chain no longer lists its longtime Sandusky Street room after a Sunday close. Status: Closed.
Yogi's Opens Fifth Bar & Grill on Hamilton Road
Columbus Tavern Group's northeast spot is serving at 5571 N. Hamilton Road. Status: Open.
New List: Best Haunted Houses, Plus a Ghost Tour Guide
Seven ticketed scare attractions ranked with Fear Columbus on top, and a companion guide to ghost walks, cemetery nights and lantern tours. Status: Live on site.
Upper Arlington Shows New Fancyburg Park Playground Plans
Renderings for the replacement playground are posted, and the city wants feedback before the design is locked. Status: Survey open through Oct. 25; construction set for early 2027.
This Weekend in the 614: Oct 9-11
Italian Festival and Urban Scrawl wrap up Sunday, Homecoming kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, and Fall Fest, Día de los Niños and DJ Shadow round out the weekend. Status: This weekend.
Prixys African Restaurant Files for Full Liquor Permit
The West African kitchen on Kathy Run Lane in Northland has a new D-5 application on the city's weekly liquor notice. Status: Permit filed; restaurant already open.
What we're reading, week of October 9
Tips from other Columbus outlets that we are tracking until a permit, city record or owner post backs them up. Status: Roundup.
Upper Arlington Weighs a DORA for Tremont Center
City Council is considering open-container zones in some commercial districts, and residents get a first look Oct. 14. Status: Community meeting; no legislation filed yet.
Trick-or-Treat Splits: Worthington, Grandview Go Oct 31
Columbus and most suburbs trick-or-treat Thursday, Oct. 29, while Worthington and Grandview Heights wait for Halloween night. New Albany moved to Thursday. Status: Dates set.
Aladdin's Eatery to Open Sixth Columbus Spot in Gateway
The Lebanese-American chain says its Gateway-University District restaurant opens later this month, joining a Westerville store that is already serving. Status: Announced; opening later in October.
Council OKs $409,600 Energy Repair Program for Columbus Homes
MORPC will run an income-restricted repair program focused on weatherization, with seniors and veterans first in line. Status: Approved October 5; awaiting the mayor's signature; applications not yet posted.
FEMA Aid Opens for Franklin County August Storm Losses
A federal disaster declaration covers storm and flood damage from August 10 to 22 in seven Ohio counties. Status: Applications open; deadline December 1.
Council Approves $2.5M Storm Repairs at Barack, Berliner
An emergency ordinance passed October 5 pays for August 11 storm work at four city rec sites. Status: Approved by council; Barack reopening targeted late spring 2027.
Hoster Brewing Sets Final Day on James Road
The East Side brewery at 653 N. James Rd. has a farewell calendar that runs from Oktoberfest to a Halloween send-off. Status: Last day October 31.
New Guide: How to Do Fall in Columbus
Apple picking, Halloween, Halloweekends, pumpkin patches, and practical October weekends in and near the 614. Status: Live on site.
Wanderlights Returns Nov. 20 After Council OKs Park Lighting
A $0 agreement with Downtown Columbus Inc. covers the riverfront lights at Bicentennial Park, and DCI has posted the season dates. Status: Approved October 5; lights on November 20.
New List: Best Pest Control Companies
Twelve Columbus-area crews ranked for local trucks, termites, wildlife, and yard barriers. Status: Live on site.
What we're reading, week of October 2
Outlet tips we are watching, not building as standalone pages. Status: Roundup.
Cilantro Files Liquor Transfer at 1044 N. High
City Council agenda lists a D-5 transfer to Cilantro Short North LLC from Short North Bodega / Sunco Food Mart at the same High Street address. Status: Permit filed.
New List: Best Outdoor Activities for Toddlers
Zoo play, Metro Parks gardens, and short paved loops sized for little legs outdoors. Status: Live on site.
New List: Best Winter Activities for Toddlers
Warm indoor rooms, free storytimes, and toddler-scaled play when sidewalks ice over. Status: Live on site.
New Guide: Bethel Road Food Crawl
Ten Northwest Columbus stops for Korean, Xi'an noodles, pho, ramen, Sichuan, tacos, and more along Bethel. Status: Live on site.
New Guide: Arena District Pre-Game Dinner
Seven walkable dinner stops timed for Nationwide, Huntington Park, and KEMBA Live nights. Status: Live on site.
This Weekend in the 614: Oct 2-4
Fraggle Rock and Lionel Richie on Friday, coffee fest and HighBall on Saturday, Sex Pistols on Sunday. Status: This weekend.
Teff & Fire Files D-5 Liquor Transfer on Hamilton
City Bulletin lists a D-5 transfer to AKWAABA AFRICA DISH / Teff and Fire at 2467 S. Hamilton from Dan's Event Center. Status: Permit filed.
Campus Bottleshop Files Liquor Permit on High
City Council agenda lists a new C-1 and C-2 application for 1434 N High LLC / Campus Bottleshop at 1434 N. High St. Status: Permit filed.
Allora Files Liquor Transfer at 4215 N. High
City Council agenda lists a D-5 transfer to Carthago LLC / Allora Kitchen & Bar from Gallo's Kitchen Clintonville LLC at the same High Street address. Status: Permit filed.
What we're reading, week of September 27
Outlet tips we are watching, not building as standalone pages. Status: Roundup.
SAGE Opens Downtown on North Third Street
Asian-inspired kitchen and bar at 114 N. Third lists Thu-Sat hours on the owner site. Status: Open.
Braseros Bar & Grill Opens Near New Albany
Family-owned Mexican kitchen lists 5924 Old Hamilton Road with online orders and reservations. Status: Open.
What we're reading, week of September 22
Outlet tips we are watching, not building as standalone pages. Status: Roundup.
This Weekend in the 614: Sep 26-28
Mac and cheese at Easton, Buckeyes at noon, Palace at 100, and stand-up on Sunday. Status: This weekend.
Pacifico Files Liquor Permit at 3311 E. Broad
City bulletin lists a D-5 transfer to Pacifico Mexican Salvadorean Bar and Grill LLC. Status: Permit filed.
Eastern Bay Files Liquor Move to Henderson Road
City bulletin lists a D-5 transfer from Riverside Drive to 1814 West Henderson Road. Status: Permit filed.
Liquor Permit Filed for Bar Vicino on Mt. Vernon
City bulletin lists a new D-3 application for Bar Vicino LLC at 1095 Mt. Vernon Ave. Status: Permit filed.
Mt. Vernon Avenue Phase 1 Construction Underway
City Engage page marks Vision Zero rebuild on MLK Blvd and Mt. Vernon as in construction through summer 2027.
Mikey's Late Night Slice Opens at Polaris Galaxy
The local late-night pizza chain lists 2136 Ikea Way for pizza and bar orders. Status: Open.
Sugar Opens Latin-Mediterranean Room on Park Street
One Hospitality's Sugar Restaurant and Bar is open at 504 Park St. in the former Howl at the Moon space. Status: Open.
7 Brew Drive-Thru Set for West Powell Road Near Liberty Township
Franchisee Motley 7 Brew targeted the week of Sept. 21, 2026, at 4087 W. Powell Road on the former Arby's site; confirm status before you go.
Bristol Republic Opens at Bridge Park in Dublin
The Southern dining and live-music concept reopened September 10 at 4495 Bridge Park Ave. with The Saddle Club lounge. Status: Open.
Whispering Page Opens Bookstore Cafe on High Street
The woman-owned bookstore, cafe, and bar is open at 661 N. High St. in Old Worthington after a September 3 grand opening. Status: Open.
BJ's Wholesale Club Plans Grove City Store on Stringtown Road
A preliminary plan seeks a 104,470-square-foot club with 18 gas pumps on about 18 acres at 1209–1213 Stringtown Road; city review is underway.
Sunday Gravy Coming to Short North Tavern Kitchen
Chef Jamie Honnell George's Italian sandwich and Roman-style pizza concept is announced for 674 N. High St. Status: Announced.
Mozart's Bakery Closing Christmas Eve After 31 Years in Clintonville
Anand and Doris Saha are retiring; last day at 4784 N. High St. is Dec. 24, 2026, after the building sale to 1831 Management.
Joya's Wins Approval to Expand on High Street in Worthington
Planning commissioners cleared a move from 657 into 661A High St. with about 60 more indoor seats and planned evening service Wed–Sun 5–11 p.m.
Green House at Gravity Opens Final Phase With 313 Wellness Apartments in Franklinton
The Broad Street tower hits substantial completion with pool, sauna, and cold plunges as first tenants move in.
The Lox Bagel Shop Plans Second Location at Galaxy Near Polaris
Owner Kevin Crowley is taking the Short North hybrid bagels to 2140 Ikea Way this fall inside the Galaxy development.
Hunan Bistro Opens on Bethel Road With Wok Sauces and Late-Night Skewers
Sarah Cai and David Mei take over the former K House at 5230 Bethel Center Mall, serving Hunan classics until 1 a.m.
OH Pizza & Wings Closes on Hilliard Rome; Smash Shack Plans Fall Takeover
The pizzeria at 1050 Hilliard Rome Road shuttered earlier in 2026; Delaware's Smash Shack aims to open its second dining room there this fall.
Nashmi Jordanian Shawarma Coming to Former Graeter's Spot on Bethel Road
The Chicago-area street-food chain plans its first Ohio counter at 2503 Bethel Road, with shawarma, kebabs, and arayes still waiting on an opening date.
Milano’s Dining Room Hit by Tax Order on East Broad, Carryout Continued
A Sept. 10 Ohio Department of Taxation notice paused dine-in at 6916 E. Broad St. while catering kept the kitchen busy.
Waffle House Opens in Heath With Daytime Hours Ahead of 24-Hour Plans
Location No. 2584 is open at 642 Hebron Road from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with October evening hours and a November push toward 24-hour service.
Fountains Take 2 Closes on South Young After Three Years of Seafood and Soul
Chef Lemont Fountain shuttered the 30 S. Young St. dining room, is selling kitchen gear, and now runs Chef Up at Classics Victories.
Jam Jam Cajun Opens Inside Sweet Harmony Canal in Canal Winchester Sept. 23
The Da Levee creator's food truck lands a permanent kitchen at 30 Liberty St. with a brass-band grand opening.
Valencia Latin Bakery Brings Colombian and Venezuelan Pastries to Polaris
The Muñoz family behind Cilantro Latin Fusion soft-opened at 8675 Sancus Blvd. and celebrated a Sept. 12 grand opening.
Ohio Open Doors Ends Today With Final Free Historic Tours Across Central Ohio
Sept. 20 is the last day of the Ohio History Connection series, with remaining stops in Radnor, Pataskala, Marysville, and Lancaster.
Comune Named Ohio's Best Vegetarian Restaurant by Lovefood Travel Guide
The Parsons Avenue plant-forward room won praise for smoked beet tartare, kimchi fried rice, and a chic candlelit dining room.
Hallihan's Irish Pub Opens on West William Street in Delaware
Shorty's Pizza co-owner John Cordas and Mike Barker opened Sept. 14 with elevated Irish plates and a second-floor sports lounge.
Outerbelt Brewing in Carroll Will Close October 5 After Seven Years
The Fairfield County taproom at 3560 Dolson Ct. plans karaoke, open mic, and a Halloween send-off before the final day.
Black Pony Pizza Opens Detroit-Style Pans in the Short North
Ryan Murphy and Ken Shick opened at 1001 N. High St. on Sept. 17 with rotating house recipes and thick, crispy crusts.
FCCFA Issues RFQ for $400M Nationwide Arena Renovation
Architect and engineering responses are due Oct. 7, with phased work aimed at completion before the 2031 NHL season.
One Twenty Vine Proposes 242 Arena District Apartments on Vine Street Lot
HP Land Development and Nationwide Realty Investors take a seven-story residential plan to Downtown Commission on Sept. 22.
Mezcla Owner Plans Coldbar Cocktail and Cold Tapas Spot in Italian Village
Garrett Talmage's Coldbar at 1049 N. Fourth St. will lean on chilled plates and Jackson Proctor cocktails, with no firm public open date yet.
Metsi's Teams With Park Service Coffee on a Daytime Cafe in Short North
B.J. Lieberman and Cole Garside plan breakfast, lunch, and coffee on Metsi's first floor at 36 E. Lincoln St.
Pie of the Tiger Leaves Short North Tavern After Final Weekend of Pies
The Detroit-Sicilian pizza concept served its last pans at 674 N. High St. and is looking for a new home with no immediate plans.
Crew Beat Orlando 2-1 to Reach U.S. Open Cup Final at Home
Josef Martinez and Brais Mendez scored as Columbus advanced to host St. Louis CITY SC on October 21.
Honey Boy Opens NYC-Style Slices Inside Eupouria
Columbus brothers Remy, Jarod, and Jordan Atkins open a late-night pizza shop inside the Campus Gateway self-pour bar at 1568 N. High St.
Project LeanNation Opens Second Columbus-Area Shop Near Powell
The prepared-meal and coaching brand adds a Dublin-Powell storefront at 10726 Sawmill Parkway after launching earlier at Polaris Parkway.
Rally's Closes on East Broad as Dutch Bros Eyes the Site
The burger spot at 3260 E. Broad St. is gone; city permits show Dutch Bros planning a drive-thru coffee shop in its place.
Columbus Moves to Make Data Centers Pay Their Own Water Bill
Ordinance 2560-2026 would order Columbus Water and Power to design peak rates for large-load users, including data centers.
Columbus Puts Record Cash Toward Fire Trucks. What Happens After 2026?
The city capital page posts Ginther's 2026 plan with a record apparatus year, while later CIP lines still look thinner.
Hilliard Drops Amazon Fuel-Cell Appeal, Keeps Air Tests
Hilliard withdrew its ERAC appeal of the Ohio EPA fuel-cell permit and pledged post-startup air monitoring instead.
Columbus Keeps Flock Cameras Dark After Alleged Misuse
Ginther paused city Flock ALPR use after alleged officer misuse; covered cameras and an open contract decision remain the next fights.
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