One of Columbus’ most recognizable names in dining is preparing to launch a new restaurant in Upper Arlington.
Rick Doody, the longtime restaurateur behind Lindey’s, Brio, Bravo, and more recently Bar Italia at Easton, has plans to bring a new upscale dining destination to Kingsdale Shopping Center. The concept, called Arlington Grille, will take over the former Houlihan’s space at 3150 Tremont Rd.
While Arlington Grille will offer a more elevated atmosphere than a traditional neighborhood restaurant, the goal isn’t fine dining. Instead, NCR Ventures, Doody’s Cleveland-based hospitality group, is aiming to create the kind of place that becomes part of residents’ weekly routines.
According to the company, Arlington Grille is being designed as a gathering place first and foremost.
Renderings show a warm, inviting interior filled with natural wood tones, deep green accents, leather seating, and soft lighting. Outside, a year-round patio complete with string lights and a fireplace is expected to make the restaurant a destination in every season.
The menu will focus on familiar favorites executed at a high level. Lunch plans include burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, sushi rolls, and shareable starters, while dinner will expand into dishes like steak frites, pork chops, barbecue ribs, and Idaho rainbow trout.
Rather than creating an entirely new culinary identity, NCR Ventures is drawing from concepts that have already proven successful at its Northeast Ohio restaurants, including Cedar Creek Grille and 17 River Grille.
For Columbus diners, Arlington Grille represents another investment in the local restaurant scene from a hospitality group that’s increasingly focused on Central Ohio.
Earlier this year, NCR Ventures opened Bar Italia at Easton, and the company says the response from Columbus diners has encouraged further expansion.
The restaurant is still moving through the approval process with the City of Upper Arlington, but if everything stays on schedule, Arlington Grille could welcome its first guests before the end of the year.
“Houlihan’s was such an institution in the area, and we’re leaning into that,” said Tony Ciuprinkskas, Director of Executive Support at NCR Ventures. “The concept we’re putting in, Arlington Grille, is paying homage to the city. We want to be as connected as we can to the community.”
And while many locals still miss having Houlihan’s in the neighborhood, Arlington Grille appears poised to fill a similar role: a comfortable, reliable spot for weeknight dinners, drinks with friends, and special occasions close to home.
