Suzu
Chef Makoto Okuwa’s ingredient-led Japanese restaurant opening July 2026 at Madison Square in Cincinnati. Features indoor/outdoor seating, private Tea Room, craft cocktail bar, and a 10-seat Edo-style omakase counter called Suzuné. Part of the Madison Square dining development alongside Alara, Zingaro, and The Element Food Hall.
Aria Wine Bar
Sommelier Sarah Halko (level-two sommelier) is opening Aria Wine Bar in the La Collina building in Little Italy. The wine bar will feature predominantly Italian wines with global representation, small plates and shareables (meat and cheese boards, peppers in oil), and a calendar of community events including wine tastings, poetry slams, author readings, and art […]
Litchi
Japanese restaurant named Litchi is coming soon to 940 N. High St. in Columbus’s Short North neighborhood, in the former Ampersand Asian Supper Club space. Will serve brunch and dinner with cocktails. Menu includes Japanese souffle pancakes, eggs benedict with shredded beef, Thai curry sea bass, and more. Operated by central Ohio restaurateur Daniel Chen, […]
Etxe
Basque steakhouse Etxe, created by David Matern and Heather Brady, has signed a lease for a permanent location at 1395 William Howard Taft Road in the Woodburn Exchange development in East Walnut Hills. The restaurant is expected to open approximately one year from the article date (May 28, 2026). The new space will feature indoor […]
Hudson 29
Cameron Mitchell plans to expand the Hudson 29 concept with a new location in Bexley, Ohio. Mentioned as part of Columbus Business Beat coverage dated May 28-29, 2026. Also noted: Huli Huli Tiki Lounge opening a downtown Columbus location and Touchdown Wings opening its first Central Ohio restaurant.
Cordial Cocktail Club
Cordial Cocktail Club is a rebrand of The Bottle Shop, a wine-and-beer carryout with cocktail offerings that launched in 2017. Owner Gregory Stokes purchased the business three years ago and is rebranding to reflect the cocktail bar’s growing prominence. The opening will feature a new Indian-inspired cocktail menu by bar manager Ari, a vinyl DJ, […]
Dog Haus
Dog Haus is opening its first Ohio location in the Gateway University District near Ohio State University. The Pasadena, CA-based chain known for hot dogs, sausages, and burgers on King’s Hawaiian rolls will be franchised by Cherokee and Michelle Rhoda, who plan to open 12 locations across Ohio and Arkansas. The High Street space previously […]
Atomic Wings
Buffalo-inspired chicken wing chain opening its first Ohio location near Ohio State University campus in the University Gateway North building. ~1,400 sq ft quick-service format with limited seating, sports-focused atmosphere with TVs. Menu includes fresh never-frozen wings with ~15 sauces, chicken sandwiches, and dirty sodas. All chicken is 100% halal, antibiotic- and hormone-free. Targeting opening […]
Rudy’s Smokehouse
Rudy’s Smokehouse is opening a second location in Troy, Ohio. Known for slow-smoked meats, made-from-scratch sides, house-made sauces, private event spaces, and catering services. Renovations and preparations are currently underway for a summer 2026 opening.
Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s Atlanta-based chicken chain returning to Central Ohio with a new location at 1785 Hilliard Rome Road (near Hilliard) in a former KFC building. Targeting January 2027 opening. Part of a broader Ohio expansion plan of up to 10 new restaurants in Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, led by franchise operator Charles Terry.