Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news:
After a nearly two-year wait, Hunan Lion Chinese restaurant finally reopened this week. The family-run eatery, located at 2038 Crown Plaza Dr. on the northwest side, had been closed since a fire in early October 2023. They’ve navigated construction, insurance, red tape, and other issues, but by all reports they’ve had customers lining up once again!
The other big restaurant news this week is the abrupt (and hopefully temporary) closure of Parable Cafe downtown. The coffee shop and bar had scaled back operations in recent weeks, halting its dinner and cocktail service to return to just coffee. But they suddenly posted this week saying they’re temporarily closed to re-examine business operations. Meanwhile, an Instagram account run by employees has detailed issues with back pay, poor communication, and other problems.
This Saturday, Aug. 23, Rose Dough Donuts opens its new storefront at 3375 N. High St. in Clintonville. They’re testing shorter hours Saturday and Sunday, so if you’re going, go early and be patient. Get a look at their new shop here!
This is the final week for Chapman’s Eat Market in German Village. The award-winning restaurant is closing down after five years; their last day will be Saturday, Aug. 23. (But you can still experience the work of chef BJ Lieberman and his team at Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge and Metsi’s.)
Happy Little Treats‘ last day in its Short North space is this Sunday, Aug. 24. The vegan bakery is in the process of moving to 1043 W. Third Ave. in Grandview.
The owners of Ash & Em Eatery, currently serving out of Columbus Axe Throwing in the Brewery District, announced that the smashburger pop-up has closed up and will be moving to a new location. More details weren’t released.
Next week Tuesday, Aug. 26, Smash Park Westerville celebrates its opening. Located at 495 Polaris Pkwy., the 50,000-square foot facility features pickleball courts, duckpin bowling, a rooftop bar, full-service restaurant, and much more.
Heaven Crepes & Waffles at 1387 Worthington Centre Dr. has closed. Signage on the space says a new bowl-centric place is coming soon.
A new coffee trailer called Coffee Cabin debuted this week outside the Hills Market, at 7860 Olentangy River Rd. It will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, serving roasts from Karma Coffee.
Wilson’s Bar & Grill has opened at 5242 Cemetery Rd. in Hilliard. Wilson’s features smashburgers, wings, sandwiches, and more bar snacks.
Some cool culinary events!
Weiland’s Market hosts its annual Party in the Parking Lot this Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with grilled favorites from Weiland’s kitchen, live music, kid’s activities, drinks, a mini maker’s market, and more.
This Sunday VASO in Dublin launches a new feature called Bubbles & Beats, featuring brunch items, a build-your-own mimosa bar, a DJ, and more. The event will take place the fourth Sunday of every month.
Tickets are now on sale for Watershed Distillery’s Bourbonfest, returning on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 5-10 p.m.
