In addition to loads of new openings in 2023, we saw a couple dozen restaurants and coffee shops move, expand to second locations, or re-open after extended closures. Here are 20+ highlights from this past year!
You can also read 30 Notable Columbus Restaurant Openings in 2023 and 20 Columbus Restaurants That Closed in 2023!
Speck Italian Eatery
After closing up in downtown Delaware, this sister restaurant to Veritas moved to Columbus, bringing superb modern Italian fare to High Street downtown. Read more at Discover the Modern Flavors of Italy at the New Speck Italian Eatery in Downtown Columbus.
Si Senor
After originally starting downtown, Si Senor moved to Grandview, where it’s continued its winning streak of Peruvian sandwiches. Late in 2023 they returned downtown across the street from Nationwide Arena.
Spaghetti Warehouse
The news of Spaghetti Warehouse’s grand re-opening certainly sparked a lot of discussion online! The long-time downtown restaurant was forced to close in 2022 after its roof partially caved in. The owners decided to move it to a vacant space on South High Street next to the Columbus Commons. Does it recapture the magic? You decide after you See Inside the Spaghetti Warehouse’s New Downtown Location.
El Camino Inn
Like many folks, I had written off downtown’s El Camino Inn as dead in the water after it sat closed since March of 2020. But suddenly this year the owners (who also own Club 185, Little Palace) teased a re-opening, and it came to life with tacos, tostadas, and margaritas in October.
Colin’s Coffee
Like many folks, I was saddened when Colin’s Coffee lost its long-time home in the bygone Golden Bear Center. But fortunately Colin and his crew quickly found a new home across the street! Read Colin’s Coffee Re-opens Inside The Daily Growler.
Delaney’s Diner
It’s been a big year for Delaney’s Diner! After adding a third location in Groveport early in 2023, they opened a fourth in part of the former Marshall’s Restaurant space in Grandview this October.
Preston’s Burgers
Preston’s has moved a few times over the past several years, and this year they pulled out of North Market to settle into their first storefront. I personally welcome a spot closer to home for all their goodies. Read about how Preston’s Burgers Brings Smashburgers, Fried Chicken, and More Goodness to Clintonville.
Ash & Em Eatery
Speaking of smashburgers, a pop-up called Ash & Em Eatery moved from its home in Victory’s dive bar across the street to Columbus Axe Throwing (where Preston’s once lived!).
Krema Nut Company
After a couple years on hiatus and a renovation of its storefront, Krema Nut Company’s retail store and sandwich counter reopened this summer. Read more: It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time! Krema Nut Company Reopens Their Store for Sandwiches and Milkshakes.
Hungarian Butcher
After a fire at the end of May, the Hungarian Butcher in Linworth was forced to close up shop for a couple months. Fortunately, owner Dan Varga and his team were able to rebuild and return better than ever.
House Taco
House Taco has been whipping up generously portioned tacos from the lower floor restaurant of the Ohio Statehouse, and later this year they moved to their own storefront on South Fourth Street, in the former Dry Mill space.
Kyushu Ramen Bar
Kyushu Ramen Bar started in Grandview, and this year they added a second location up in Lewis Center. Read about it in The Best Spots for Ramen in Columbus.
Bada Bean Bada Booze
After opening the first of its coffee shop/cocktail bar concepts at the end of 2022, Thrive Companies opened a second Bada Bean Bada Booze in its Harrison West development on Fifth Avenue. Get a look here: Bada Bean Bada Booze Opens Second Location in Harrison West.
Third Way Cafe
Third Way Cafe in the Hilltop moved from their storefront to a new stand-alone spot across the street, complete with a drive-through.
Maple Street Biscuits
Florida-based chain Maple Street Biscuits opened not one, but TWO central Ohio locations this year (and more are on the way). The first opened in January outside Polaris mall, while the second debuted in July in Worthington.
Legacy Smokehouse
After a serious fire in late 2021, Legacy Smokehouse’s flagship Hilliard location was out of commission until Memorial Day weekend this year. Their re-opening also welcomed the addition of a second-floor bourbon bar called Rickhouse 41.
Mission Coffee Co.
Mission Coffee has undergone some changes in recent years. This year they merged with Gahanna’s Blank Slate Coffee and consolidated operations at their roasting facility, opening a shop there in March. Read more in Mission Coffee Opens New Shop on the South Side.
Boston Stoker
It was a big year for Dayton-based Boston Stoker Coffee, too. After they moved their Grandview store to the old Luck Bros space late last year, they added a second Columbus location in a brand new build across the Scioto River from the Columbus Zoo. Read Boston Stoker Coffee Opens its New Shop in Shawnee Hills.
Cup O Joe
It’s been a busy year for Cup O’ Joe, the long-running sister shop to Stauf’s Coffee Roasters. After years of closing stores or converting them to Stauf’s locations, they opened a new shop on East Broad Street downtown and renovated their beloved Clintonville shop.
Ray Ray’s Flint
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit has continued its winning streak of providing great ribs, pulled pork, jerk chicken, and brisket to the masses. This year they expanded their influence northward with a new truck parked at Flint Station.
Other Notable Moves & Expansions
There are plenty more expansions and changes this year! A few more worth noting:
- Pat & Gracie’s opened a second location in the former Chintz Room/BurgerIM spot in the Lazarus building downtown
- Sparano’s Pizza moved to a new storefront on West Broad Street
- Weenie Wonder, the hot dog joint from PINS/16-Bit, added another shop. Read how Weenie Wonder Brings Hot Dogs, Tots, Jojos, and Shakes to Easton.
- After Steve and Diane Herman purchased Kittie’s Cakes in 2022, they bought Highline Coffee Co. in Old Worthington, and are converting that to a third Kittie’s location.
- Woodhouse Vegan closed its Italian Village cafe to merge it with their bakery in Short North, which they share with Park Service Coffee.
- Rodos Greek Taverna moved from Clintonville and opened in the former Velca Grill space in Linworth.
