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    Bites & Sips: Afra Grill, Gogibop Open, Changes for Flowers & Bread and More

    Dining and drinking in Central Ohio may look a bit different as restrictions remain in place due to the coronavirus, however that hasn’t kept a few new spots from popping up and others from pivoting to find new ways to move forward. Read on for more food news!

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    Afra Grill Opens on Morse Road

    Blending traditional Somali and international fusion cuisine, fast-casual joint Afra Grill opened at 1635 Morse Rd. Monday, June 1.

    “We wanted to give our community access to the diverse and unique flavor profiles of Somali cuisine in a contemporary, casual setting,” says Chef Abcos Ahmed. “Our food is designed to be customized to ones’ culinary preferences, thereby enabling one to sample all the various cultures that have influenced the Somali diet.”

    Diners choose a base and build a bowl with protein options that include a variety of chicken preparations, steak, goat or veggie, and top it with customizable options from plantains and suugo (Somali pasta sauce), to lettuce, corn or kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salad). Sides, hot and cold beverages, desserts and smoothies round out the menu.

    Afra Grill is open from 11 a.m – 9 p.m. daily.

    For more information, visit afragrill.com.

    Gogibop Opens in Pickerington

    Fast-casual eatery Gogibop has opened its doors for carryout and delivery at 1510 Cross Creeks Blvd. in Pickerington. Offering an Asian-fusion spin on the build-your-own-bowl concept, diners choose a base like rice, noodles or salad, add proteins like chicken, tofu or short ribs, top it with a variety of veggies, and finish with sauces like Yum Yum or Garlic Serrano.

    Gogibop is open from 11 a.m – 9 p.m. daily.

    For more information, visit gogibop.com.

    Condado Adds New Tacos

    Condado is expanding its lineup of Taco Suggestions with six new creations. The new tacos can be ordered as a part of the eatery’s Bud Boxes, which include two suggested tacos, chips and queso or guacamole for $10. With new tacos comes a new shell – the Kewl Ranch. New tacos include the Up in Smoke, Sweet Heat, Cali Green, Blue Dream, Braised & Confused, and Plain Jane.

    Condado is currently open for dine-in by reservation only and is continuing to offer curbside pickup and delivery.

    For more information, visit condadotacos.com.

    Flowers & Bread Closing Cafe, Planning a New Future

    Flowers & Bread will look different after it comes back from being closed during the coronavirus pandemic. In a Facebook post, the owners shared they will not re-open the cafe portion of the business due to social distancing measures coupled with the layout of the cafe.

    Instead, the business has changed its name to The Flowers & Bread Society and when they deem it safe, “[will] welcome our class and event customers back with an expanded roster for socially distanced classes and events, as well as re-open our full-service floral offerings.”

    The cafe’s treats won’t be lost forever, though. The post adds that they’re working on creative new ways to share their goodies through new offerings.

    For more information, visit flowersandbread.com.

    Pitabilities Launches Franchising Options

    Since 2011, Pitabailities has grown into a food truck fleet with four vehicles serving Central Ohio. Now they’ll take their menu of classic pita sandwiches, rice bowls, salads and loaded fries on the road, looking for franchisees in surrounding cities such as Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville and Pittsburgh.

    Owner Jim Pashovich sees a world of opportunity in food truck franchising. Food trucks offer lower start-up costs and the flexibility of mobility, especially pertinent factors for entrepreneurs that might be looking to explore a new career amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

    For more information, visit pitabilities.com.

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    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
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