Following CU tradition, a tally’s been kept of the Columbus businesses that have arrived and dived. Following is a list of restaurants, bars and retail stores, both long-established and short-lived, that bit the dust in 2016:
1. Patrick J’s: Following owner John Raphael’s guilty plea to charges in the Redflex red light traffic camera scandal, the 29-year-old Old North bar and restaurant closed on February 1.
2. Cafe Bella: In its 20-year existence, Old North’s Cafe Bella was sold by original owner Carlo Borgia to Emily Pearson and her husband Vincent Withers, who announced its closure on February 2.
3. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: Due to what their Florida headquarters called a “changing marketplace dynamic,” the steakhouse closed their doors on Valentine’s Day after 17 years of business.
4. B1 Bicycles: Succeeded by another bike store, the Downtown Bike Shop, B1 Bicycles ended its 9-year run in early February.
5. Near East Side Grocery Co-op: The business moved from Oak Street to Parsons Avenue for lower overhead costs, but it eventually permanently closed its doors due to financial reasons.
6. Till Dynamic Fare: Following the closure of sister store Izzy & Mo’s, owners Magdiale Wolmark and Cristin Austin closed Till in April with plans to relocate to Detroit.
7. Objects for the Home: Their Grandview Avenue store was shuttered when owners Chelsea Cabot and Kris Koniezcko decided a smaller space would be better for their new direction: a focus on decor and accents, instead of big furniture.
8. Manifesto: Owner Yavonne Sarber made a joint decision to close Manifesto and relocate deNOVO, saying she could better accommodate Manifesto clients at deNOVO’s new home at the Columbus Commons.
9. The Chintz Room: After two years of business, The Chintz Room followed suit with three other Columbus Food League ventures: Betty’s Fine Food and Spirits, The Jury Room and Surly Girl Saloon.
10. TacocaT Cooperative: Co-founder and artist Adam Brouillette said the three-year-old cooperative was rushed out before a complete demolition of their Grandview Heights building in August.
11. Cosí: The restaurant closed its Bexley, Worthington and Easton locations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making its Ada, Ohio store the nearest location.
12. Haiku: The 18-year Short North establishment closed December 10, but owner Paul Liu and his daughter Josephine hinted at a future family business run by her.
13. Dick’s Last Resort: The Arena District location closed after just 17 months of business. It was one in four locations to close nationwide, including Orlando, San Diego and Newport, Kentucky.
14. The Florentine: The 71-year established restaurant ended the year with its closure on December 23, but owners Nick and Pete Penzone vaguely alluded to a continuing Florentine legacy.
Which restaurants and retailers will you miss most? Are there any we missed? Leave a comment below and let us know!
READ MORE: 22 Columbus Retailers & Other Businesses That Opened in 2016