Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news:
- A new restaurant and bar called The Nine is set to debut on Tuesday, March 10, in the lower level of 5601 N. High St. in Worthington. The space is the former home of The Light of Seven Matchsticks, which closed in late 2022. The Nine is operated by Bismaark Akomeah, who was formerly a bartender at High Bank Distillery. Light of Seven Matchsticks was located underneath the original Natalie’s location, which is now home to Fired Up Pizza, also opening soon.
- The new owners of Basic Biscuits, Kindness, and Coffee in Grandview have finished transforming it into The Hive Coffee & Cafe and debuted a new menu, including new lunch offerings, this week.
- John Blakely, owner of The Daily Growler and The Daily Bar, announced that their German Village location will close for a month-long transformation starting on March 16, entering a “chrysalis state” where they’ll reimagine the bar as a new gathering space with updated beverage options, a new look, and more. (Kolache Republic, which operates out of their kitchen space, will remain open during the changeover.)
- Buck City Sammies launched its new burger pop-up, Buck City Burgers, at Bodega in the Short North this week. They’ll be slinging burgers in the evening, Thursdays to Saturdays.
- Jack and Nicki Moore, the owners of Black Cap Hot Sauce, announced that they’re bringing production from Mansfield to the kitchen space of the former Watershed Kitchen & Bar. The duo have long-time connections to the restaurant (which closed last fall): Nicki worked in sales for the distillery while Jack was the opening chef for the restaurant.
- The owners of Fukuryu Ramen have launched Bali-Box, pre-made Indonesian meal boxes that you can order and pick up at their downtown, Upper Arlington, and Dublin locations. (Thanks to Columbus Foodletter for the tip!)
- Bite This By Annie is looking to expand their space, and if you’re interested in supporting them, you can contribute to their GoFundMe!
- Multiple sources have reported that Rise Brands, which owns PINS and 16-Bit, has abandoned plans to redo the former Bogey Inn site in Dublin.
- Speaking of Dublin, the 2026 version of its Celtic Cocktail Trail launched this month.
- Royal Flamingo Coffee took home a trio of awards at the Golden Bean World Series this week, including a silver in Espresso with Milk, bronze in Espresso with Alt Milk, and bronze in Filter!
Some great culinary events!
- The Hungarian Butcher is doing a pastrami sandwich pop-up this Saturday, March 7 starting at 11 a.m.
- Cincinnati’s Gabriela donut pop-up will appear Bonifacio this Sunday, March 8 starting at 9 a.m. until they sell out.
- The Columbus Brew Festival is this Saturday night, March 7, at COSI.
- Tickets are still available for the I’m Not Really a Bartender amateur bartending competition at Natalie’s in Grandview on Sunday, March 8. Proceeds from the event benefit Service Relief.
- Columbus Food Adventures’ next supper club is Wednesday, March 11 featuring chef Jack Moore of Black Cap Hot Sauce.
- The Columbus Independents restaurant group continues its first Columbus Independents Weeks through March 14.
This week I’m also writing:
- Amazing Sandwiches and a Warm Welcome at Frenchi’s Deli
- Losanti Steakhouse Debuts in Franklinton
- Cafe Stai Manso Trailer Debuts in the Warehouse District Downtown
- Meet Pot BBQ & Hot Pot Brings a Communal Experience to the North Side
- Explore the Evolution of Bun’s Restaurant in Downtown Delaware (Ohio Magazine)
- Big Burgers and Boxing History Meet at Ringside Cafe (Ohio Magazine)
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The post Friday Food Bites: The Nine debuts in Worthington, Basic Biscuits becomes The Hive appeared first on Breakfast With Nick.