The restaurant shared the news on Facebook, describing the decision as “bittersweet” and noting that “an opportunity we could not refuse has presented itself.”

Skillet first launched in 2009 as a food truck before transitioning into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in German Village later that year. At the time, Columbus’ dining scene looked very different. The now-ubiquitous brunch boom was still in its early days, and farm-to-table sourcing had not yet become standard language on menus across the city.

Over the years, Skillet built a steady following with a focus on scratch cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and a menu that balanced comfort food with seasonal touches. It became known as a reliable brunch destination and a neighborhood gathering spot, serving everything from casual weekday breakfasts to milestone celebrations.

In its announcement, the restaurant thanked customers for their support over nearly two decades, as well as its staff, many of whom were long-term team members.

While the physical restaurant has closed, Skillet’s branded retail products will continue to be available online, including its hot sauce and coffee offerings.

The post After 17 Years, A German Village Brunch Spot Abruptly Closed Its Doors appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

That chapter will come to an end this spring.

The YMCA of Central Ohio has announced that the Jerry L. Garver YMCA will permanently close on May 30, 2026, with the building’s final day of operations set for May 29.

According to the organization, the decision followed an evaluation of the facility and its ability to serve the community long term. The building’s limitations and declining use made it harder to maintain programs at the level the YMCA aims to provide.

The closure is not immediate.

Classes, childcare, and other programs will continue through May, giving members and families time to adjust and plan what comes next.

The YMCA says staff members affected by the closure will be supported and offered opportunities to move to other locations within the organization.

The building itself will also have a future. The property is being sold to the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, which plans to redevelop the site for housing. While details are still being finalized, the goal is for the space to continue serving the neighborhood in a new way.

For members, the transition will be gradual.

Those who currently use Garver as their home YMCA will be asked to select a new location in the coming months. If they do not, memberships will eventually be transferred to the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA, one of the system’s newer facilities.

YMCA leadership says this does not mean they are stepping away from Southeast Columbus. Programs like day camp and preschool are expected to continue in the area, though possibly at different locations, and many family support services will remain in place.

For more info about the closure, head over to ymcacolumbus.org.

The post A Columbus YMCA Is Closing Permanently This Spring appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The restaurant, which opened in 2014 and quickly became a staple for many Columbus diners, shut down abruptly on January 10 with little notice. News of the closure came via a social media post shared earlier this week.

“After 15 years we are sadly closing Rishi as we know it,” the post reads. “But… wait until you see our 2nd Act!”

No additional details were shared about what that next chapter might look like or when it could happen, but the message thanked Rishi’s team members and guests for their support over the years.

For many locals, Rishi was more than just a sushi spot.

It was a go-to for easy comfort meals, dependable rolls, and nights that stretched into one more drink than planned. Its sudden closure has already sparked plenty of nostalgic comments online from diners sharing favorite dishes and memories.

For now, Rishi as Columbus knew it is gone. What replaces it, whether a new concept or something entirely different, remains to be seen.

We’ll update this story if more details about Rishi’s “second act” are announced.

The post Downtown Sushi Spot Closes Abruptly After 15 Years appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The brewery confirmed this week that both BrewDog Franklinton and BrewDog Short North have closed. The news was shared through social media posts thanking the communities, guests, and team members who supported each taproom over the years.

BrewDog Franklinton, located along West Town Street, had become a gathering spot for neighborhood events, patio hangs, and downtown crowds. In its announcement, BrewDog described the decision as a difficult one and expressed gratitude for the community that helped bring the space to life.

“Thank you for the memories, the support, and the incredible community that made this space special,” the company wrote. “We’re grateful for every guest, every moment, and every team member who brought this taproom to life.”

The BrewDog Short North location has also closed. BrewDog acknowledged the role the location played in the neighborhood and thanked the guests and staff who shaped its atmosphere.

“This bar has been part of countless great moments—from late-night pints to unforgettable game days,” the company shared. “We’re grateful for the guests, teammates, and partners who brought it to life.”

While both Columbus locations are now closed, BrewDog will continue operating several locations in Ohio. The company’s DogTap brewery and taproom remains open in Canal Winchester, alongside a separate retail bar location in New Albany and another in Cleveland. BrewDog beers will also continue to be available at grocery stores, convenience shops, and bars throughout the state.

The company has not released additional details about the closures or whether further changes are planned.

For a full list of BrewDog locations across the U.S., visit usa.brewdog.com.

Featured image via Facebook.

The post BrewDog Shutters Two Columbus-Area Taprooms appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Market Blooms owner Marty McGreevy will retire at the end of 2025, closing out a chapter that began in February 1990, just one day before Valentine’s Day. If you’ve ever stopped by North Market for a bouquet, a last minute gift, or just a little pick me up, there’s a good chance Marty or someone from her team was part of that moment.

Market Blooms has been there through it all.

Back when North Market was housed in a Quonset hut surrounded by dirt, all the way through its transformation into the downtown staple it is today, the flower shop has remained a constant. It’s long been the kind of place where people feel known, not rushed, and where flowers come with genuine care attached.

“Every moment here has been a kindness,” McGreevy shared. She says the decision to retire came after making sure a few things were in place: that Market Blooms would stay at North Market, that her longtime team would be taken care of, and that she could walk away feeling proud of what she built. With those boxes checked, she’s looking forward to more time with family and friends, traveling, golfing, and embracing a slower pace.

The good news for Market regulars is that Market Blooms is not going anywhere.

Beginning January 3, 2026, the shop will continue under new ownership, with Morgan and Kyle Laberdee stepping in to carry on the legacy. Customers can expect the same floral services, familiar friendly faces, and welcoming vibe they’ve always known. The shop will be closed January 1 and 2 to support the ownership transition.

“I have such great confidence in the new owners,” McGreevy said. “They’re the full package, and I know they’ll honor what Market Blooms has always been.”

Rick Harrison Wolfe, Executive Director and CEO of North Market, called McGreevy’s impact immeasurable.

“For nearly four decades, she has helped define what it means to be a Market merchant—deeply personal service, consistency, and genuine care for people, and perhaps most of all, the ability to adapt and evolve,” said Wolfe. “On a personal level, Marty has been a trusted presence and source of perspective for me, offering wisdom, steadiness, and an unwavering commitment to this place that has shaped my own leadership. Market Blooms is woven into the fabric of North Market’s history, and we are incredibly grateful for Marty’s leadership, vision, and heart.”

North Market plans to celebrate Marty’s legacy in the coming weeks, and if you’ve ever had a meaningful moment at Market Blooms, consider this your sign to stop by, say thank you, and maybe grab one more bouquet.

As a reminder, North Market will close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. More details are available at northmarket.org.

The post The End of an Era: Market Blooms Founder Retires After 36 Years at North Market appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

In a statement released this week, the team at Watershed Distillery Kitchen + Bar shared the difficult news, citing economic challenges as the main factor behind the decision.

“After eight incredible years, Watershed Kitchen + Bar will serve its final meal and close its doors on November 8,” the statement reads. “Like many restaurants across the country, Watershed Kitchen + Bar has faced economic challenges that have left the restaurant unable to continue.”

While the restaurant is closing, fans of Watershed’s spirits can take some comfort in knowing that Watershed Distillery will continue to operate as usual.

The distillery, which has become one of Ohio’s most recognized craft spirit producers, also shared that it plans to reimagine the restaurant space in 2026.

Watershed Kitchen & Bar opened in 2017 next to the Grandview-area distillery, quickly becoming known for its elevated, locally inspired menu and expertly crafted cocktails. Over the years, it earned a loyal following from spirit enthusiasts and foodies, who appreciated its blend of creativity, hospitality, and community focus.

The restaurant also showed its appreciation for its staff and community in the statement.

“This space has been a home for unforgettable meals, award-winning cocktails, and countless memories shared with our Columbus community. To our incredible staff, thank you for always going above and beyond to create an exceptional experience for every guest,” the statement reads.

The restaurant’s closing marks the end of an era for Columbus’ dining scene, but it’s not the end for Watershed’s story. With new plans already in motion for the space, it’s clear that the distillery isn’t done evolving. And you can still stop by for one last meal this week.

The post After Eight Years, Watershed Kitchen & Bar Will Serve Its Final Meal appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Now, after more than a century on the city’s East Side, the beloved bakery is closing its doors at 4061 E. Livingston Ave.

Founded in 1912 by Wilhelm Resch, the family-owned shop has been a fixture in Columbus for six generations. From its first home at 1029 E. Livingston to its longtime base since 1962, Resch’s became a go-to for buttercream birthday cakes, trays of donuts, and the kind of old-school service that keeps people coming back for decades.

But starting this fall, all roads to Resch’s will lead to Gahanna.

The family has decided to consolidate operations into its new, significantly larger space there — a move they say will allow them to increase production and even roll out new menu items.

The timing is bittersweet: the Livingston Ave. bakery will serve its final customers on September 30. The Gahanna shop will welcome its first guests the week of October 6.

While the shift marks the end of an era for East Side families, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter. The Gahanna store is significantly larger than the Livingston Avenue location, which will allow them to “increase output and potentially introduce new menu items,” the bakery shared when the Gahanna plans were announced.

So if you’re craving one last Livingston Ave. cream horn, or want to stand under that familiar neon sign one more time, now’s your chance. Because come October, Resch’s next century begins in Gahanna.

The post After Generations of Cakes, Donuts, And Memories On Livingston Ave, Resch’s Bakery Is Moving On appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The beloved music venue and bar, tucked away on Hudson Street, has announced that it will officially shut its doors on October 1, 2025, after more than a decade of hosting shows, fostering a community, and creating memories.

Back in June, the co-owner shared that he was stepping down and looking for someone to take over the space. Two months later, no new owner has stepped up, though the team says they’re still open to offers and willing to work with anyone committed to bringing the venue back to life.

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In the meantime, Rambling House is rallying for one last month of good times.

Shows will continue through September, and the staff is encouraging people to come out, support the artists, and celebrate the space before the final curtain call. Tickets for shows scheduled after October 1 will be refunded automatically.

It’s not all goodbye, though. Rambling House Soda, the brand’s sister business, is still going strong and won’t be affected by the closure.

If Rambling House has ever been part of your story, this is the time to come back, grab a drink, dance a little, and make one more memory before the lights go down. To check out the remaining events and plan your visit, head over to ramblinghousemusic.com.

The post Rambling House Will Close Its Doors This October After 11 Years appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

But sadly, all good things must come to an end. We highlight new restaurants that are opening every month, but we also think that it’s important to let people know when local spots close.

Get ready to say goodbye to some of the delicious eateries that have closed here in Columbus over the past month.

Sapporo Sushi Factory

New management had taken over in 2015, and loyal diners were told the owner has now retired. For many, it was a neighborhood staple that will be missed.

Parable Café

Downtown’s gratuity-free coffee shop, Parable Café, has pressed pause. The café, which opened its High Street space in 2022 after a pop-up run inside Comune, announced on Instagram that “all operations [are] paused for the time being” while working through business issues. But behind the scenes, staff shared accounts of late paychecks and clashes with new ownership.

READ MORE: Parable Cafe Has Closed Temporarily And Employee Are Voicing Concerns

GENJIGO (Downtown)

The Downtown location of GENJIGO has permanently closed. The fast-casual hibachi spot first opened at 77 E. Gay St. in 2021 but shuttered earlier this summer with little fanfare. A sign on the door confirmed the closure, but if you’re craving GENJIGO, don’t worry, there are several other central Ohio locations, including Reynoldsburg, Grove City, Pickerington, and Lewis Center.

Chapman’s Eat Market

After five memorable years in German Village, Chapman’s Eat Market has closed. The beloved restaurant marked the occasion with a heartfelt message on Facebook, reflecting on its evolution from takeout during the pandemic to dim sum dinners and 8-course tasting menus.

Owner BJ Lieberman thanked both guests and staff, saying, “Five years is a HELL of a run!” The farewell was filled with gratitude and love for the community, cementing Chapman’s as one of the city’s most celebrated dining stories.

Diaspora

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Technically a July closure, but worth mentioning: Diaspora has served its last bowl of noodles near campus. The Korean eatery at 2118 N. High St. had been a staple since 2007, known for bibimbap, ramen, and comforting late-night meals.

“After 18 unforgettable years, we’ll be closing our doors for the last time,” the owners shared on social media. “It’s been an incredibly challenging, humbling, and beautiful journey—one we couldn’t have taken without you. From students and faculty to longtime locals and new neighbors, thank you for making us part of your daily rituals, late-night cravings, and everything in between. We’ve made the difficult decision to accept our landlord’s offer to end our lease early.”

The post Say Goodbye: 5 Columbus Restaurants That Closed Last Month appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

As the restaurant nears its fifth birthday, and the end of its lease, owner and chef BJ Lieberman made the tough call to wrap up the Chapman’s chapter on a high note.

“We were faced with the difficult decision on whether or not to continue what we’ve started at Chapman’s,” the restaurant shared in a statement. “Inevitably, we chose to finish our story on a high note, celebrating all that we have accomplished and created over the years and within these walls, including the team that we’ve built and the memories we made.”

An exact closing date hasn’t been announced yet, but the team promises one more month of service filled with crowd favorites, like the General Tso’s cauliflower, khao soi, and the ever-iconic maple budino. So if you’ve got a favorite dish or just want to soak up that cozy, eclectic Chapman’s energy one more time, now’s your chance.

A Spot That Put Columbus On the Map

When Chapman’s opened in 2020, it quickly became one of the most exciting restaurants in Columbus—not just for the food, but for the experience. Tucked into the former Max & Erma’s building in German Village, the restaurant earned a reputation for playful, globally inspired dishes that were comforting, surprising, and consistently delicious.

It didn’t take long for the accolades to roll in. In 2021, The New York Times named Chapman’s one of the “50 Restaurants We’re Most Excited About,” a huge nod for both the restaurant and the city’s food scene. And last year, BJ Lieberman was recognized as a semifinalist in the James Beard Awards for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region.

Lieberman’s background includes time at some of the country’s most celebrated kitchens, including Michelin-starred Rose’s Luxury and Little Pearl in Washington, D.C., as well as the legendary Husk in Charleston. In Columbus, he’s continued to grow and evolve, from Chapman’s to the moody Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge, and more recently, with the opening of Hiraeth in the Short North.

What’s Next?

For now, Chapman’s fans still have a few weeks to enjoy one last meal at the restaurant. A final day of service will be announced in August, but until then, the team is inviting everyone to stop in and celebrate the legacy they’ve built.

The post This Critically-Acclaimed Eatery In German Village Is Shutting Down appeared first on Columbus Navigator.