06.06.2024

Today’s Forecast

📍 Founded here

Columbus-based restaurants that shaped the city’s culture

This Ritzy’s location in Clintonville offers a vegetarian-friendly burger as well. | Photo via Google Maps

Local business comes in many different sizes in Columbus. While some are Fortune 500 companies that have expanded their reach, others are family-owned establishments with deep roots. So, today we are sizing up our landscape to show our city is full of powerhouses.

Flipping burgers

CBUStoday Wendys.png — Do you remember when Wendy’s had solariums? | Photo via Wiki Commons

Fast food restaurants have to start somewhere, and Columbus is home to one of the most popular burger chains in America — Wendy’s. The operation started here in 1969 and has since expanded to all 50 states and 2,600+ cities.

On the other hand, those who have been in the city since 1981 knows there’s no other spot in CBUS for hamburgers like Ritzy’s (formerly known as G.D. Ritzy’s.) It’s gone the way of the dodo in nearly all other states, but the location in Clintonville is thriving with smash patties, shoe string fries, and milkshakes.

Grabbing a pizza slice

Screenshot 2023-05-15 at 1.18.51 PM.png — Massey’s is credited as one of the first Columbus-style pizza spots in CBUS. | Photo by @masseyspizza

Let’s not forget Columbus has its own standard for slices. And no other chain represents this better than Donatos, the CBUS-born shop that now has 460+ locations in 29 states. It started in 1963, and the original downtown shop is still one of the busiest locations across the country.

Conversely, CBUS-style pizza can be found all throughout the city at popular shops like Rubino’s, Tommy’s Pizza, and Massey’s Pizza. Each of these are historic in their own right, with Rubino’s opening in 1954; Tommy’s in 1952; and Massey’s in 1949.

Scooping ice cream

The queen of ice cream hails from Columbus, and her name is Jeni Britton Bauer, owner of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. This artisan creamery flashed onto the scene in 2002, and has since exploded in popularity with 80 scoop shops around the country.

Others, like Johnson’s Ice Cream, started in Bexley in 1950. This family-owned operation is still in business today with multiple locations around Columbus, offering real hard ice cream.

Asked

What’s the best part about living in Columbus?

We’ll highlight our favorites on 614 Day, Friday, June 14.

Talk to us

Events

Thursday, June 6

The Memorial Tournament | Thursday, June 6-Sunday, June 9 | Times vary | Muirfield Village Golf Club, 5750 Memorial Dr., Dublin | $40-$200 | Watch the top golfers from around the world in this PGA Championship series tournament.

Friday, June 7

International Gem & Jewelry Show | Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9 | 12-5 p.m. | Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Fairgrounds | $8 | Shop directly from reputable wholesalers and manufacturers at this three-day sale.

Saturday, June 8

5K Beer Run | Saturday, June 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Parsons North Brewing, 685 Parsons Ave., Merion Village | $35-$50 | Walk, jog, or run this 5K that ends with a party at the brewery.
Fritz The Night Owl: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” | Saturday, June 8 | 11 p.m.-1 a.m. | Grandview Theater & Drafthouse, 1247 Grandview Ave., Grandview | $15 | Sip craft beer while you watch a late night flick, hosted by a beloved Columbus personality and socialite.

Sunday, June 9

Sugarhill Gang x Furious 5 | Sunday, June 9 | 7 p.m. | Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St., Campus | $30-$85 | Listen to two influential hip-hop groups from the late 1970s that hail from New York City, known for hits like “Rapper’s Delight.”

100+ more local events

Click here to have your event featured.

Shop

Matching ‘fits for Father’s Day (plus 30% off)

Match your mini-me this Father’s Day. | Photos provided by Harlestons

Parents, is there anything cuter than matching your mini?

Harlestons is now offering matching polos and swimwear for dads and sons to share the same swag — just in time for Father’s Day. (Nope, it’s not too late to order his gift.)

Bonus: All swim — men and youth — is 30% off.

Shop the sets. What better way to celebrate than twinning?

(T)win Father's Day

News Notes

Open

The Bogey Inn is back. The popular bar and restaurant will temporarily reopen this weekend in honor of the Memorial Tournament. It will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight, Thursday through Sunday. (10TV)

Development

A nearly $53 million expansion is headed to Hilliard. Eco Plumbers, the largest employer in that area, will build a new, 158,000-sqft facility near Britton Parkway. It will be used for retail and office space, and aims to create 60 new jobs. (Columbus Business First)

Drink

FAUX, an alcohol-free bar, is expected to open on Saturday, June 8 at 123 N. Broad St. in Lancaster. The bar is still 18+ to maintain an adult atmosphere. The menu features a range of thoughtful non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits, as opposed to drinks made with syrups and additives. (614now)

Ranked

Ohio was ranked No. 2 in the US for most complaints about robocalls. According to national numbers, Ohioans racked up 6,000+ complaints between throughout 2023. Delaware County reportedly led the pack, with 3,000 complaints from citizens. (10TV)

Watch

We took a trip to the new Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk, and the views did not disappoint. Mitch especially loved the netted bridge that traverses across the middle of the boardwalk. And he channeled his inner child when he slid down the fireman’s pole. Trust us — it’s worth a 25 minute drive.

Drink Up

Own a local beverage business? Offer a drink deal to our readers during Drink Up Week from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. Whether it’s BOGO smoothies or 20% off wine bottles, drop your deal into this form by Friday, June 28 and let’s get this party poppin’.

Sports

Lathan Ransom is determined to end his Ohio State career on a high note. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Ohio State Buckeyes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Number

27,000: That’s the number of trees that are cut down each day to make toilet paper. This luxury three-ply bamboo toilet paper is changing that. It feels just like regular high-end TP, but doesn’t harm trees. Use code 6AM30 for 30% off through midnight. Learn more + shop.*

Home

Did you know you can bring all your debt under one roof by borrowing from your home to pay off high-interest loans, bills, and credit cards? Calculate your payment.*

Art

✈️ Flying back in time

New mural at Rickenbacker Airport honors Ohio’s heritage

CBUStoday Tuskegee Airmen mural Rickenbacker Airport

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Mural was created by local artist Adam Hernandez. | Photo via Columbus Regional Airport Authority

A new mural just landed at Rickenbacker International Airport.

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Mural is a special piece of public artwork that honors a group of aviators who were stationed at Rickenbacker from 1946-1949. This airmen were part of a collective most known for being America’s first-ever African American military pilots, according to historical records.

“Originally the idea of an airport employee, this mural represents part of our rich aviation heritage here in Central Ohio,” said Joseph R. Nardone, President + CEO of CRAA.

The mural pays homage in many different ways to this group, such as the inclusion of the fighter planes. In fact, many called these airmen the “Red Tails,” which was inspired from the red painted airplane tails.

The Buy

Six & Main is turning 2. Celebrate with us and enjoy 25% off sitewide. Use code BIRTHDAY25.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mitch

From the editor

Happy Thursday, CBUS. While this Chappell Roan show is sold out, I can’t help but mention it here. I highly recommend checking out this up-and-coming artist who is taking over social media by storm. If you have tickets, consider yourself lucky.

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