There’s always a lot happening in the Columbus restaurant world! Here’s the latest news:
Yonder Gordon and Yonder Miller, owners of Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant and Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee, respectively, teased on social media that they’re combining their shuttered restaurants and will reopen in a new location. Exact details haven’t been announced yet. Way Down Yonder New Orleans closed their South Side location last year after their building was sold, while the beignet and coffee shop closed up downtown in June.
In a surprise announcement this week, the owners of Marino’s Seafood Fish & Chips said that the deal to sell their building to Arthur Treacher’s fell through and that they’ll be reopening the restaurant Aug. 20. The owners had initially closed down to retire after 32 years. The Grandview seafood shop began its life many years ago as an Arthur Treacher’s.
Bobby Jo’s Pizza, which has operated as a pop-up mainly on the west side, has settled into its new home at Donerick’s Pub on the Clintonville/Worthington border (5225 N. High St.). Bobby Jo’s has built up a following over the past few months for their small menu of pizzas and sandwiches.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is on a streak of opening brick and mortar restaurants, starting first with one in downtown Marion. Now they’re opening at 49 1/2 W. Main St. in Johnstown – the former Ghostwriter Public House – on Friday, Aug. 15.
Watan Café & Roastery is now open at 4510 Cemetery Rd. in Hilliard, featuring Middle Eastern coffees, snacks, roasted nuts, tea, refreshers, and more.
Er-Ge BBQ & Hot Pot in Dublin announced that its soft opening will take place from Aug. 20-25. It’s located at 6100 Sawmill Rd. in the Festival Centre plaza.
Jeni’s Ice Cream just launched a new flavor that’s jet black in color. The treat is available starting in scoop shops on Aug. 14, and is a collaboration with Australian artist Cj Hendry. Named OPAQUE, the ice cream features black cocoa, espresso fudge, and balsamic cherry jam.
Some great events!
The Columbus Natural Wine Festival is returning this fall in a new form. It’s been renamed to the Saucebox: A Midwestern Affair with Wine and Food. It’ll take place on Sunday, Oct. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. along West Gay Street between High and Front downtown. The event will feature a number of Columbus restaurants, a curated selection of wines, blind tastings, panels with local chefs, and more.
The Columbus Food Truck Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17, to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. The festival will feature 50 food trucks alongside live music, local vendors, and more.
Racha Tea Boba and Desserts in Whitehall hosts its next Racha Night Market this weekend Aug. 15-17. The market features street foods from a variety of Asian countries. Racha is located at 561 S. Hamilton Rd.
