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:
National Waffle Day
All across Columbus, restaurants are celebrating National Waffle Day on Friday, August 24.
Located in the North Market, the Authentic Taste of Belgium will be serving up their traditional Belgium waffles.
Also at the North Market, as well as Clintonville and Easton Gateway, Hot Chicken Takeover will be offering their weekend brunch item: made-from-scratch waffles accompanied by spicy (or not) chicken and topped with maple syrup.
And at Super Chefs, located Downtown and in Gahanna, they’ll offer the Hulk, a sandwich comprised of eggs, American cheese, sausage, candied bacon and maple syrup, all served up on two green waffles.
Kroger
In line with their Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiatives, Kroger announced this week that the company would end the use of single-use plastic bags in its family of stores by 2025. The first retail division to see the phase-out is Seattle-based QFC, which will complete the transition by the end of 2019.
“We listen very closely to our customers and our communities, and we agree with their growing
concerns,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s executive vice president and COO, in a press release. “That’s why, starting today at QFC, we will begin the transition to more sustainable options. This decision aligns with our Restock Kroger commitment to live our purpose through social impact.”
Kroger’s other Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative includes the goal to divert 90 percent of waste from the landfill by 2020. Their food rescue program sent more than 91 million pounds of food to local food banks and pantries last year, providing 325 million meals to needy families “in food and funds combined.”
For more information, visit kroger.com.
Grain + Grape
Grain + Grape, started five years ago by Kim and Tom Sneary, has changed ownership, as announced in a Facebook post.
“It is with bittersweet emotions that we are announcing that we have sold Grain + grape,” the post reads. “A new group (Adam Fleischer, Samantha Smith and Nikki Mesnard) will take ownership (continuing the grain + grape ethos) the beginning of next week and, what we are calling Gr2.2 will start.”
The Snearys have lived in Bexley for nearly 30 years and opened Grain + Grape (fondly referred to as Gr2) “with a vision of that neighborhood gathering place.” They’ll pass Gr2 on to other Bexley residents, who’ll likely keep the shop open for longer and for more days of the week. It currently operates on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“We don’t know yet what Act III will be for us, but a little travel might be in store,” the post continues. “If you get a chance, stop in this week so we can say thank you for your support and, if you can’t make it, I’m sure we will see you in the taproom very soon.”
For more information, visit grain-grape.net.
Silver Bridge Coffee
It’s a milestone year for Silver Bridge Coffee, who’s celebrating their 10th anniversary on Saturday, August 25.
Since its launch, Silver Bridge has produced a lineup of specialty blends, flavored coffees, and 100 percent recyclable single-serve K-Cups. The company’s coffees are available at more than 100 major stores like Kroger, Giant Eagle, and Whole Foods, as well as independent stores, cafes, restaurants and bakeries.
In the spirit of celebration, Silver Bridge will be giving away free mugs and cookies (with purchase) at local farmers markets this week, including those in New Albany, Grove City, Clintonville, and Worthington.
For more information, visit silverbridgecoffee.com.
Uptown Untapped
The second annual Uptown Untapped kicks off in Westerville on Saturday, September 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees can try samples from roughly 20 area breweries, view live entertainment, and indulge in food from local restaurants.
Ticket prices are tiered: general admission tickets are $35; VIP admission is $45 ($55 day of) and gets attendees early entrance, a “swag bag and special restroom use;” and designated driver tickets are $10. Proceeds will go toward “Uptown Westerville improvements, historic preservation and beautification efforts and community building events,” according to a press release.
Uptown Untapped is a 21-over event.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit uptownwestervilleinc.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].