Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news:
- Following on the recent announcement of the Worthington Inn reopening after seven years, we learned this week that the team behind Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Understory will be the operators of the restaurant! An announcement this week said Wolf’s Ridge at the Worthington Inn will be “a gathering place rooted in tradition and connection,” according to a press release. “Rather than reinventing it, Wolf’s Ridge is honoring the Inn’s heritage while reimagining how it can serve the Worthington community – with high-quality food, genuine hospitality and comfortable atmosphere designed for both everyday moments and special occasions.” The new Worthington Inn is projected to open sometime in the spring of 2026.
- The Purple Door Cafe, a cafe and coffee shop on the ground floor of Zora’s House in Weinland Park, announced that they’l be closing on Friday, Nov. 7. The decision to close comes out of a need for financial restructuring of the non-profit, which provides the space, skills, and connections to women of color.
- On the theme of Worthington restaurants reopening, we also learned this week that a bartender from High Bank Distillery will open a new cocktail bar called The Nine in the subterranean space that once housed The Light of Seven Matchsticks. (Just last week I shared that Fired Up Grill will open a carryout pizza shop and Italian market upstairs in the original Natalie’s space.)
- Columbus Brewing Company’s west side taproom, which closed up in late 2023, reopened this week for a holiday-themed bar called Tracksuit Taproom. The taproom is open Thursdays through Sundays, and features loads of Christmas decor, different versions of their Tracksuit Santa winter warmer on tap, local food trucks, and more.
- This week more details we released about the upcoming Linworth Grill: the restaurant will be operated by the team behind Zaki Mediterranean Grill, which has a food truck and runs a stall at the Budd Dairy Food Hall. Linworth Grill takes over the former Junkyard Dogs storefront.
- Also, Koffee Paradise, a Filipino-owned coffee shop in Reynoldsburg, announced on social media that they’re adding a second location in the same Linworth shopping center as the forthcoming Linworth Grill.
- Roots Natural Kitchen opens its third central Ohio location, this one at 7048 Hospital Dr. in Dublin, on Saturday, Nov. 8. It joins stores near campus and in Grandview.
- The owners of Pecan Penny’s downtown announced that the space has closed for a remodel. The eatery may return as a different concept.
- The Chicken Salad Chick announced that it will be opening another central Ohio location in the Shoppes at River Ridge in Dublin, sometime in early 2026. This will make the fourth store in the region.
- After putting out the call for help, the owners of Bossy Grrl’s bar and burlesque joint announced that they’ll unfortunately be closing on Dec. 13.
- Congrats to Royal Flamingo Coffee and Florin Coffee for landing the number two and number six spots, respectively, on USA Today’s 10Best voting for Best Independent Coffee Shops in the country!
Some great culinary events!
- Tickets went on sale this week for The Daily Growler‘s annual Beer and Donut Pairing. Follow their site or social media for tickets.
- The Columbus Independents’ Columbus Restaurant Week runs through Nov. 15. About 18 restaurants will be offering prix fixe three-course meals for $39.
- North Market Bridge Park hosts its 2025 Taste of the Market tonight – Friday, Nov. 7.
- Columbus Monthly’s fall cocktail competition is next week Thursday, Nov. 13 at Vitria on the Square.
This week I’m also writing:
You can also me on Instagram at @breakfastwithnick, check out the news archives, read my guide to Columbus, or search for travel inspiration.