One of Columbus’ most beloved Chinese restaurants is making its long-awaited return. After more than a year of closure due to a fire, Hunan Lion is officially on track to reopen in early August, the restaurant announced this week.
Located at 2038 Crown Plaza Drive, Hunan Lion has been a longtime local favorite known for its classic Chinese-American dishes and warm hospitality. The restaurant temporarily shut its doors in October 2023 after a kitchen fire broke out just before the restaurant was set to open for the day. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and Columbus fire officials later confirmed there was no sign of foul play.
What followed was a long and challenging rebuild.
Delays in permits, city approvals, and contractor scheduling stretched the process far beyond the owners’ original timeline. At several points, concerned fans feared the restaurant might not return at all.
But throughout the past year, Hunan Lion has remained transparent and hopeful, regularly updating loyal customers via social media. Last fall, they reassured fans they had no intention of closing permanently or selling the business — and that the goal had always been to come back stronger.
Now, that return is finally within reach.
“We’ve overcome some major challenges along the way,” the restaurant shared on Facebook this week. “While there’s still a few things to finalize, we’re feeling confident and excited.”
The announcement has already sparked celebration across social media, with longtime fans expressing excitement to return to the familiar dining room — and dig into their favorite dishes.
As August approaches, Hunan Lion promises more updates and a reopening date. Until then, Columbus diners can start counting down the days.
