As much as 2017 proved to be a year of growth for Columbus’ food and nightlife scene (60 plus restaurants opened here this year), there were still goodbyes to be said as businesses old and new announced closures. This year, 21 restaurants flipped their sign from “open” to “closed” for the last time.
Downtown and its micro-neighborhoods bid farewell to eight restaurants and bars, three on Park Street alone: Park Street Saloon, Park Street Patio, and The Social Room. Salt & Pine owner Chris Crader closed the doors on the restaurant earlier this year, opening upscale Mexican restaurant Cosecha Cocina in Italian Village not long after. Downtown lost social enterprise Double Comfort and live music hall Double Happiness as well, along with Lomonico’s and Studio Movie Grill.
Poultry & Game vacated the North Market, and the chef behind Hungarian Butcher ended his popup to work with Ray Ray’s Hog Pit.
Le Chocoholique, a Short North shop featuring chocolates, coffee and cocktails, closed its physical store after seven years in the neighborhood, focusing instead on their wholesale and retail accounts.
The University District saw PizzaRev come and go after just a year. DareDevil Dogs left, too, ahead of the area’s redevelopment, making way for vegan popup Eden Burger’s first brick and mortar location. Rooks Tavern, a promising concept in a difficult location, announced its closure back in July after operating for just eight months.
The original Max & Erma’s location closed after 45 years in business, along with Easy Street Cafe, which had been a German Village staple for more than 30 years.
Black Creek Bistro, a 10-year-old Olde Towne East restaurant, announced its closure in September. BonChon shut down its Clintonville store. Dirty Frank’s closed at Westgate. and Hilliard’s Kitamu Coffee bid adieu, too.
California Pizza Kitchen closed its Easton store; Teavana vacated its stores in Easton, Polaris and The Mall at Tuttle Crossing; and Cup o Joe left Lennox Town Center after 20 years there.
Did we miss any? Let CU know!