Owners of the vacant Franklinton building sitting at 937 W. Broad St., near the closed Florentine, are looking to partner or lease with a restauranteur. The location, once eyed by Columbus Food League for the potential Franklinton Tap Room, has sat purposeless for several years, but co-owner Blake Compton isn’t rushing to put just any concept inside.
“We’re just listening to what people want,” Compton said. “Another pizza concept would be great, something that might have a delivery aspect to it. I think the neighborhood would gobble that up. But, it also still has to have that neighborhood vibe.”
Compton came on the scene in 2015 to push a Brassica-type concept forward. At the time it was owned by the Franklinton Development Association, who were in conversations with non-profit partners to get funding for the potential fast-casual, in-and-out business. After one partner backed out, the building was sold to Sidestreet Development, where Compton is partner.
If a tenant comes through within 60 or 90 days, Compton said they could have the concept up and running by the end of the year. The site isn’t their only project, though, and they’re focusing most of their efforts on their East Public project, which recently started moving forward.
Depending on the concept, they’re looking for either an operator or a partner. While the timeline isn’t set in stone, Compton said they have no plans to sell the building.
“That’s really important to us. Just from a personal perspective, I’ve been involved in Franklinton since 2012,” Compton said. “Franklinton is important to my career and my life, and I want to be a part of the growth.”