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The UWeekly Blog is reporting that the Happy Greek located at the South Campus Gateway has closed… just in time for school to start back up. For those who don’t remember, about a year and a half ago, the owners were accused and arrested of running a mortgage fraud scam, although we’ve not heard any updates on that since then.
The Short North location was sold off to different owners, and remains open for business.
seems like the Gateway has rapid turnover thus far
I’m not really surprised – unless you’re fast food or a restaurant focused on its bar (ie Ugly Tuna), it must be hard to keep restaurant open in that space. And everyone we had been there, we just didn’t like it as much as the SN Happy Greek. Food seemed different, prices seemed higher, and portions smaller. Maybe it was just us, but the place just didn’t seem to click.
I actually really liked this place. Good for dinner and a movie.
I dunno, guys. I imagine that having the owners arrested for running a mortgage fraud scam may have had more to do with the closing than the location. I’m honestly surprised it didn’t close sooner.
The only problem I ever had there was the service; once I started sitting at the bar, though, I always enjoyed it. I will deeply miss their fried calamari and cocktails.
@walker I guess I was refering tot he empty spaces and few other spaces that closed there.
My big fat greek cusina is my pick for greek food in town.
Sad to see it go. I always had a good experience save for a waitress that disappeared for a half hour once.
Yeah, the “alley” has seen a lot of closures (Au Moda, Skye Bar, Status, etc) but the new art studio space should be a nice way to fill all of that in.
Heh. Just got the email newsletter from the SN Happy Greek reminding everyone they they ARE open. ;) Below:
The Short North Happy Greek is OPEN for your night out, lunch or special occasion!
We invite all the Campus Gateway customers to come visit us, the ORIGINAL Happy Greek.
Come savor our award-winning pita sandwich, our Lamb Kebob, Chicken Zagoria and be sure to save room for Baklava! Our entire menu is online at http://www.shortnorthhappygreek.com
Don’t forget our new Happy Hour, Monday thru Friday 4 until 6pm! With $3.99 House Martinis, dollar off drafts, hummus, tzatziki or spinach feta dip. Gyro Pitas with fries just $5.99. Dine in only.
More awards: We were the top pick in the Other Paper’s “This, That or the Other” competition for best Greek Restaurant. Thanks to all that vote for us.
The Short North Happy Greek
660 N High Street @ Russell
614-463-1111
http://www.shortnorthhappygreek.com
Maybe the location can host an “artist restaurant” project?
I wonder what that might be?
I hate your secrets! you damn insider
That one was actually a suggestion.
I was at the new OAL space around lunchtime and I must have seen two dozen people walk up and say “WTF”. If some smart soon-to-be restaurant owner was smart… they’d get on it and pick up that traffic.
@walker I suspect you’re right the ownership has more to do with this than the location. I’ve heard stories about the Gateway owners and it sounded like they were suspect characters who didn’t treat both customers and employees very well. The Short North Happy Greek is under different ownership and seems to be a more stable operation.
I think the location does mean a different clientele, though. I’d guess customers in Short North (e.g. Young Professionals) are willing to spend a little more than those at Gateway (e.g. OSU students), so Happy Greek makes more sense there. I imagine a lower cost, quicker paced restaurant with committed owners on the up-and-up would do better in the Gateway.
Walking by yesterday it looked very much like Le Luxe was closed or closing too. I may be wrong and misinterpreted a pre OSU student influx remodel.
From here: Campus Partners is in talks to fill the 2,500-square-foot space and should have an announcement on the new tenant in the coming weeks, Sterrett said. The OSU-affiliated organization isn’t saying whether the replacement will be a restaurant or retailer.