Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news:
- Panini Opa has opened its stall at North Market Bridge Park in the former Saddleberk space. They serve a mix of Greek and Italian fare. Panini Opa has a stand-alone store on Sawmill Road already, and will open another space in the former Anthony’s Pizzeria in Bexley.
- The Casa Karmelitas food truck announced on social media that they are pausing operations and don’t have any scheduled events or appearances for the rest of the year. They cited general business challenges and rising prices. And while they don’t have any scheduled services, they said they “do expect to see a lot more cultural activities that I’m excited to share with you. Tortillas workshops, repujado nights and of course still expect collaboration food pop ups.”
- Jolly Pirate Donuts shared on social media this week that its founder Nick Soulas passed away last week. Soulas opened the first Jolly Pirate on South Hamilton Road in Whitehall in 1961. He expanded to several shops over the years, although his original one closed in 2016. They still operate shops in Grove City and Reynoldsburg, while franchised locations are open in Newark, Ohio; Huntington, WV; and Ashland, KY.
- A new build-your-own ramen concept called Ramyun EZ is set to open at 5025 Olentangy River Rd., in the former Tea Zone Bakery & Cafe space. Tea Zone closed at the end of 2025 after nearly two decades in business.
- Bowl Boba has opened a third location at 1397 Washington Center Dr. They serve a mixture of ramen, stir fries, noodle dishes, and more.
Some great culinary events!
- This Saturday, Feb. 7 is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! You can celebrate at a variety of local shops. All Jeni’s Ice Creams are opening at 9 a.m. that day for special flavors like Maple Soaked Pancakes, House Coffee, and Powdered Jelly Donut. All Johnson’s Real Ice Cream shops will also serve special breakfast flavors from 8 a.m. to noon that day, and Little Ladies Soft Serve will offer special breakfast sundaes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (including one with DK Diner apple fritters!).
- The Comida El Catrin food truck, which has been doing a residency at Zaftig Brewing in Worthington, is hosting another brunch service this Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more about it here!
- ZC Tea House, which recently shuttered their Short North shop, announced they’ll be popping up at Tiger Tree in Clintonville, Feb. 8-15.
- Columbus Underground moved their Sweet Treats Dessert Festival to this Sunday, Feb. 8 at Edison Venues outside Gahanna.
- Columbus Food Adventures just put tickets on sale for their next Taste Of dinner series, this one featuring a Mughlai feast with the lovely folks at New India Restaurant. The dinner is scheduled for Feb. 18!
- If you’ve ever thought about starting a cookbook club, you can hear from local experts at the Columbus Foundation’s next Social Club Workshop on Feb. 19. Representatives from Westerville and Worthington Libraries, as well as our good friends Bethia, Tania, and Sam will be on hand to discuss. Book your seats here!
- Early bird tickets are now on sale for Columbus Monthly‘s Best New Restaurants event, coming March 18 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.