There’s always a lot happening in the Columbus restaurant world! Here’s the latest:
Tommy Pappas, the owner and founder of Tommy’s Diner in Franklinton, passed away this week at the age of 71. Tommy and his wife Kathy first opened the diner on West Broad Street in 1989, and warmly welcomed guests for nearly 35 years. He really was a fixture of the community, always there at the diner with a loud hello. He’s survived by Kathy, their sons Louie and Michael, and their grandkids.
Rose Dough Donuts announced that they’ll be opening their own storefront. Until now, the donut shop has been operating as a pre-order and pickup spot out of 1400 Food Lab. To help build out the new bakery, the location of which hasn’t been formally announced yet, Rose Dough has launched a GoFundMe campaign.
A New Jersey-based Pakistani street food concept called Food Street officially opens today at 3373 N. High St. in Clintonville. Food Street serves a fusion cuisine like halal burgers and paratha rolls.
Paris Baguette, the South Korea-based chain of bakeries, opened its second central Ohio location this week at 8839 Lyra Dr., next to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar. The first Columbus location of the bakery opened this summer at Easton.
A new cafe called Savana Cafe & Grill celebrates its grand opening today – Friday, Dec. 6 – from 4-8 p.m. at 3191 Morse Rd. The cafe description says it blends Mediterranean and Somali cuisine.
Also opening today is Momocha Hibachi, a new vendor at the East Market.
Late Night Bites opened inside Old North Arcade yesterday. The eatery – which is available to arcade-goers as well as carryout/delivery business – offers a mix of soul food and fair food, like chicken and waffles, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and smoked turkey legs.
The Korean street food stall Seoul Food on the Go closed its location inside New Albany’s Bubbly Hall recently. It continues to operate its stall at Little Grand Market in Grandview.
Meanwhile, Bubbly Hall announced that Zero’s Pizza will be joining it as a vendor soon.
Esco Restaurant & Tapas downtown announced that it has transitioned to carryout only for the time being, and will shutter completely by the end of the year. Located at 31 E. Gay St., the eatery opened in early 2023; it’s partly backed by the rapper 2 Chainz.
The pop-up formerly known as Mashita Noodles teased that it will return as a regular pop-up series called Jinjja Comforting Food starting in January.
Peri Peri Chicken recently launched as a delivery/carryout business out of the ghost kitchens at 1282 at Essex Ave.
Double Eagle Spirits & Sports, a combined sports bar and spirits haven, opened recently at 2245 W. Dublin Granville Rd. in Linworth.
The Oh Churros restaurant at 2110 W. Henderson Rd. announced this week that they’re launching a food truck soon.
Columbus Underground’s coffee beer tasting Brewed! is this Sunday, Dec. 8 at Seventh Son Brewing. Tickets are still available.
‘Tis the season for holiday-themed pop-up bars! The Citizens Trust hosts Miracle through Dec. 28, The Bottle Shop has transformed into Ebenezer’s at Bottle Shop, Huli Huli Tiki Lounge has launched Huli Holiday.
Columbus Food Adventures has partnered with Barley’s Brewing Company on a Robert Burns Supper on Saturday, Jan. 25. The night includes a five-course meal with beer and Scotch pairings, bagpipers, and more.
