Although we saw dozens of new restaurants that opened in 2023, and more that expanded, moved, or re-opened, we were still sad to lose a number of great restaurants, bakeries, and breweries this year. Here are some highlights of closures in 2023.
You can also check out 30+ Notable Columbus Restaurant Openings in 2023 and 20 Re-Openings, Expansions, and Moves in 2023!
Omega Artisan Baking
Towards the end of the year, owner Amy Lozier announced that Omega Artisan Baking would end its 20-year run at the North Market downtown. Taking up the southwest corner of the market, Omega has been a staple there with its breads, cinnamon rolls, and other pastries.
The Suisse Shop Bakery
Another long-time bakery, the Suisse Shop at Polaris, quietly shuttered in the early fall after nearly 40 years of making cakes and other goodies.
Kona Craft Kitchen
Kona’s abrupt closing in mid-October caught everyone off guard. Columbus Monthly reported that the owners were in some financial trouble, which prompted the closure of this Bridge Park eatery after a little more than a year in business. Get a look back at Coffee, Pastries, and Brunch at Kona Craft Kitchen in Bridge Park.
Piece of Cake
After 25 years in business, this long-time Short North bakery closed up in March (RIP those pumpkin cookies). The space was taken over by the owners of Pelino’s Pasta, who converted it to the sandwich and gelato shop Piazza Pelino.
Sideswipe Brewing
This August Sideswipe Brewing concluded a successful nine-year run, having grown from a small taproom to a full space housing Arcade Super Awesome. Fortunately, owner Craig O’Herron was able to turn over the keys to Thunderwing Brewing, which opened in October.
Holy Trinity Brewing
Holy Trinity Brewing downtown shuttered its doors fairly abruptly in September, with word eventually coming out that one of the owners had passed away unexpectedly. There’s been no definitive word on the fate of the brewery.
The Crest
The Crest has undergone a variety of concept changes since it opened in 2013, settling on a modern Appalachian menu in its final years. But it closed around Labor Day weekend to make way for the new Yellow Springs Brewery Taproom & Kitchen.
Matt & Tony’s
Matt & Tony’s was the latest concept to take over the storied restaurant space on Short Street in the Brewery District, originally home to CBC Restaurant. It closed this fall after five years in business, although a companion restaurant, Matt & Tony’s Kitchen x Tavern, remains open on East Gay Street in the Discovery District.
Icarus Sandwich Shop
Icarus was a relatively short-lived sister concept from the Fox in the Snow owners. It look over the old Laughlin’s Bakery space on East Second Avenue in the Short North, and for several months plied us with pretty amazing sandwiches. It’s now home to a DiCarlo’s Pizza. Get a look back at Icarus Sandwich Shop: Come for the Sandwiches, Stay for the Waffle Doughnuts.
E Burger
It was a rough year for this plant-based burger and fries concept near campus, with an extended closure and a name change due to legal reasons. Unfortunately, they announced their permanent closure in mid-December.
94th Aero Squadron
Columbus lost a couple dining institutions this year, one of the most notable being the 94th Aero Squadron near the airport. The aeronautical-themed restaurant announced a June closure at the beginning of the year, so guests had months to pay their final respects.
Figlio
Just like Colin’s Coffee, Figlio was a victim to the closure of the Golden Bear Center in Upper Arlington. While Colin’s moved across the street, Figlio closed this location (but maintains ones in Grandview and Dayton).
Zaftig Brewing Italian Village + Java Central Coffee Roasters
After about 3.5 years in business, Zaftig Brewing opened its Italian Village brewpub early this summer. The closure included a secondary location for Westerville’s Java Central Coffee Roasters. Zaftig’s Worthington taproom and production facility remain open, fortunately (as does Java Central’s shop in Uptown Westerville)!
Velca Grill
The Albanian Velca Grill sadly sailed under the radar for much of its tenure. The small Linworth storefront was home to the family-run eatery for just over a year when it quietly closed this summer. It was replaced by Rodos Greek Taverna, which moved from Clintonville.
The Royce
The Royce was a swanky, all-day-brunch spot on the eastern end of Polaris Fashion Place. It closed abruptly in June and announced that it plans to move, although no solid details have emerged yet. You can read about The Royce as part of A Day of Fun and Games at Polaris.
Safia Sweets
Safia Sweets was a very short-lived Somali cafe and bakery on Silver Drive, close to Historic Crew Stadium. It brought to life the old Big Boy space, but only for a couple months.
Jack & Benny’s Barnstormer
Jack & Benny’s Barnstormer location at the OSU Airport technically closed at the end of 2022, but I still see people asking about it online. The airport sadly didn’t renew their lease, although the diner was a perfect fit for the airport. Rest assured: Jack & Benny’s original Old North diner remains open!
Por’ketta
After eight years in business, this family-run food truck announced its closure in March. The truck specialized in its namesake smoked and slow-roasted pork dish.
Image courtesy Tudie’s Cookies & Sweets on Facebook
Tudie’s Cookies & Sweets
In late December the owner of this Clintonville bakery announced that it would close on December 31 to focus on work and family. Originally started as an online business, Tudie’s moved into Pattycake Bakery’s original space in mid-2022.
Winking Lizard Westerville
Winking Lizard’s Westerville location has been a go-to spot for beers and bar foods for more than 20 years. Late in the year the company announced its closure just before Christmas.
