The address of 303 South Front Street has been home to many nightclub venues over the past decade including The Red Zone, Standard Lounge, Karma, and most recently, Mansion. Starting next Friday, the Quarthouse Bar & Grill re-opens those familiar doors, but with a much different concept.
“Our goal is to have a versatile and unique menu that will cater to all taste buds,” said Adrian Rosu, Partner at The Quarthouse. “Our main focus is going to be on serving the lunch crowd, but we’ll also have a strong emphasis on happy hour and dinner.”
Rosu is no stranger to the Downtown restaurant scene. Along with his brother Dan, he’s owned and operated the Ringside Cafe, located at 19 North Pearl Street, for the past two years.
“My business partner Sam Shalash, who opened up the C-Town Market and Deli in 2009, approached me one afternoon when he was having lunch at Ringside and asked how I felt about joining him in opening a bar and grill on Front Street,” explained Rosu. “As soon as I saw the place and the potential, I couldn’t turn down such a great opportunity.”
In addition to C-Town Market and Deli, Shalash operates a chain of beer and wine drive-thrus in Central Ohio, and is operating the rest of the former Red Zone space as “The Mansion” which is currently being used for private parties and national acts.
Prior to The Ringside Cafe, Rosu has worked in restaurant management for over 8 years.
“I have put a lot of effort and time into creating a menu that is both unique and casual,” said Rosu. “Additionally, we have recruited some of the most experienced and highly trained chefs, servers and bartenders from some of the most popular bars, restaurants and hotels in Columbus.”
Rosu sees the new development in the RiverSouth area as a boon for their new business. The Scioto Mile park will be completed this summer, the Annex at RiverSouth Apartments have added space for over 300 new residents, and the new Franklin County Courthouse is adding thousands of new workers and visitors to the area.
“Downtown is going through so many changes and renovations right now,” he said. “To be able to be a part of such a great area is a huge bonus for us.”
The Quarthouse Bar and Grill will host a soft opening on Friday, February 11th with a grand opening scheduled for Monday, February 14th.
“We’ll have daily Happy Hour specials featuring $2 domestics, $3 imports, $2 well drinks, 1/2 off appetizers and 25-cent jumbo wings,” added Rosu.
The Quarthouse Bar and Grill is located at 303 S. Front Street and is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 11pm.