Columbus has so many new restaurants, expansions, menu updates and other changes, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with everything. That’s why our Restaurant Roundup series was designed to keep you informed with the latest and greatest updates. Here’s what’s new in the local dining scene:
Hot FUSIAN Takeover
Two local companies are teaming up to create a collaborative menu item to benefit Pelotonia for its 10 year anniversary. FUSIAN and Hot Chicken Takeover (HCT) have created the Hot Fusian Takeover sushi roll, available on Monday, July 23 through Sunday, July 29. For every roll purchased, HCT and Fusian will donate $1 to Pelotonia.
The roll comes packed with Nashville-style hot chicken, coleslaw, pickles, and Fusian’s rice; and it’s topped with HCT’s house ranch and a cayenne-infused tempura crunch. Guests can opt for the Holy Ranch for an elevated spice level.
The new item is available at all three FUSIAN locations: 4190 Worth Ave. (Easton), 4214 N. High St. (Clintonville), and 855 W. Fifth Ave. (Grandview).
“At HCT we love community and we love collaboration,” says HCT CEO and Founder Joe DeLoss in a press release. “And we especially like it when those two things combine to create impact.”
For more information, visit fusian.com and hotchickentakeover.com.
Koko Tea Salon & Bakery
With one location at Broad and Grant Streets, and a recently closed location in Gahanna, Koko Tea Salon & Bakery is opening a new location in Easton. Located at 3951 Easton Square Place East, it’s situated right next to Brio and across from Williams-Sonoma.
Their products at Easton are similar to what they offered at their Gahanna location: “eclairs, puff pastries, tarts, etc.” Known for their gluten-free menu, they’ll keep that going at Easton, with one disclaimer — their kitchen is not a certified gluten-free facility, meaning there’s the potential for cross-contamination.
Koko’s been soft opening all week, but their permanent hours start this weekend. They’ll be open on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit kokoteasalon.com.
Condado
With National Tequila Day just five days away, Condado is in full preparation for celebration. They’ll offer half-off house margaritas all day on Tuesday, July 24.
Condado offers margaritas in an array of flavors, from blood orange to blackberry, to muddled jalapeño. They also offer a monthly special “with seasonal flair.”
To learn more, visit condadotacos.com.
Pokéworks
The Manhattan-based poké chain Pokéworks is debuting in Ohio with a location in Columbus. They’ll open at 1005 W. Fifth Ave., at the View on Fifth, in September.
“Columbus is an ideal market to develop the Pokéworks concept in due to its strong demographics and urban setting, which represents vital elements key to our brand,” said Kevin Hsu, co-founder of Pokéworks, in a press release. “We are excited to be able to bring the first Pokéworks location to Ohio and are confident it will become a go-to spot for the community to enjoy healthy and delicious alternatives, while also feeling great about what they’re eating.”
Pokéworks will serve up bowls, salads, and poké burritos at their new Columbus location. Their build-your-own menu allows guests to customize their entrees with a variety of proteins, sauces, mix-ins, and toppings.
Pokéworks has 20 locations nationwide with dozens more listed as “coming soon.” They are actively seeking multi-unit franchise partners as well.
For more information, visit pokeworks.com.
Pit Stop
The Ohio Division of Liquor Control announced the opening of 18 new liquor agencies in Ohio, with one of them planned for Central Ohio. The Pit Stop, located at 805 N. Memorial Drive in Lancaster, is offering beer, liquor and wine as of Thursday, July 19.
Kroger
Shoppers worried about the nutrient content of their groceries can now download an app by Kroger. The OptUP app, available through the App Store and Google Play, can “score” groceries using nationally-recognized dietary guidelines, offer personalized product recommendations, scan and search items to find nutrition facts and product alternatives, and add “better-for-you” options to a digital cart for curbside pickup or delivery, according to a press release.
OptUP product scores, ranging from 1 to 100, are based on both the nationally-recognized standard as well as those of Kroger’s registered dietitians. The higher the number associated with a product, the healthier it is.
In time, users develop their own OptUP score, which ranges from 1-1000 and reflects a customer’s purchase history over the past eight weeks. According to the press release, a score of 600 or more is best.
“OptUP is a collaboration among our health, tech, digital, and 84.51° teams,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief digital officer. “The data-driven app creates a more transparent and educational experience for our customers, continuing our commitment to help Americans shop, eat, and live healthier on their terms.”
For more information, visit kroger.com.
For upcoming local food and dining events, CLICK HERE to visit our Events Calendar.
Have any restaurant developments to share with us? Share in the comments below, or shoot us an email at [email protected].