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Columbus Business First
Why this craft beer bill is stalled and what might move it forward
Ohio legislators supporting a change to a state law that impacts craft breweries said they’re not meeting resistance to the idea, but there needs to be more education on the issue.<\p> Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, last summer introduced Senate Bill 138, which would change the Ohio Alcoholic Beverage Franchise Act, giving brewers making less than 250,000 barrels of beer a year more freedom to leave or change distributors.<\p>
Larrimer Building in downtown Columbus sold
A historic property in downtown Columbus has changed hands. <\p> An LLC tied to a former Bexley restaurant owner bought the Larrimer Building, a downtown Columbus property home to the Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus restaurant. Empire Square LLC purchased the building and a nearby parking lot for $4.3 million. <\p>
Among small businesses, there's a huge divide on finances
The smallest businesses are the ones most likely to be struggling, as larger small businesses report better conditions.<\p> The latest data from the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey — released earlier this year but since followed up with a more detailed breakdown by size and demographics — shows how, even within the realm of small businesses, there is wide variation.<\p>
Municipal Light Plant houses new downtown event venue
Cameron Mitchell Premier Events is adding a third exclusive event space at the Municipal Light Plant in downtown Columbus. <\p> The Stack at the Municipal Light Plant, located at 589 W. Nationwide Blvd., officially opens this summer across the street from Lower.com Field. The space features about 11,000 square feet, including a cellar area and outdoor area. <\p>
Here are JobsOhio's priorities for 2024
As economic development deals slow nationwide, JobsOhio is focused on helping find the hires for companies that already pledged jobs.<\p> Readiness is the watchword in the organization's 2024 goals, outlined in its annual report released last week: Site preparation, worker attraction, innovation district development, startup investments. JobsOhio also is continuing its revitalization efforts with grants to existing small businesses and Ohio small towns.<\p>
What's new? The Columbus area's spring restaurant openings
The craft beer industry’s been a struggle as of late, but that hasn’t hampered new taprooms and expansions from opening.<\p> As Columbus Business First looks back on new additions to the local food and drink scene through the spring, six of the openings are new spots from which to grab a locally-made beer.<\p>
Here's what's planned for Newark's historic Louis Sullivan building
A historic Newark building designed by a renowned architect is undergoing a transformation.<\p> The Home Association Bank building, which is also known by the name of its designer, Louis Sullivan, was recently approved for a $1.2 million historic preservation tax credit from the state of Ohio. The funding will be used for interior restorations to the facility, which is located at 1 N. 3rd St. in downtown Newark. <\p>
Local owners opening third Italian eatery in three years
The couple behind a local Italian restaurant and a sandwich and gelato shop are opening a new café.<\p> Vinny and Christina Pelino, who opened Pelino’s Pasta at 245 King Ave. near Victorian Village in 2021 and added Piazza Pelino at 772 N. High St. in the Short North last year, this weekend will open Caffe Pelino at 680 N. Pearl St., also in the Short North. The grand opening is Saturday.<\p>
Drive-backed Columbus cybersecurity startup makes first acquisition
A Columbus startup in the Drive Capital LLC portfolio has extended its cybersecurity capabilities by making its first acquisition.<\p> Finite State Inc. acquired MergeBase, a cybersecurity company with complementary offerings, according to a news release. The two join forces as cybersecurity threats increase to critical infrastructure such as the electric grid.<\p>
Small-business grants you can apply for this month
Small-business owners might be more confident about their future, but they are still worried about inflation.<\p> That’s the big takeaway from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Index, conducted in partnership with MetLife, which hit the highest level of optimism since early 2020, with about 73% of business owners expecting their revenue to grow in the next year. <\p>
What Central Ohio restaurants closed in the second quarter?
Central Ohio lost hundreds of years of local food history with the closing of several dining establishments in the past few months.<\p> A trio of pizzerias alone add up to over 185 years of business, between the more than 80 years at Anthony’s Pizzeria in Bexley, 60 years at Zamarell’s Pizza in Grove City and another 45 years at the Tommy’s Pizza at 174 W. Lane Ave. near Ohio State University, though the Iacono family still runs two other Tommy's locations. <\p>
Cameron Mitchell talks new restaurant and growth plans
Cameron Mitchell thinks Butcher & Rose won’t just be a standout restaurant for his company, but for Columbus.<\p> “The food is really some of the best we’ve ever done,” the CEO of his eponymous restaurant company said. “We want it to be the best restaurant in the city.”<\p>
Reynoldsburg property planned for $31M mixed-use redevelopment
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority seeks to acquire a downtown Reynoldsburg property for a $31 million mixed-use development.<\p> A purchase option agreement for the site is set for a third and final reading at the Reynoldsburg City Council meeting on July 8. If approved, CMHA would have the option to acquire the city-owned property for $1.5 million.<\p>
Check out this organization's Pride partnership with LGBTQ+ drag racer
A dragster is sporting a Columbus-based science and technology organization's Pride logo for a national race this weekend.<\p> Travis Shumake's 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster will be participating at the Summit Racing Equipment National Hot Rod Association Nationals in Norwalk June 27-30 while sporting the CAS name and the organization's logo in rainbow colors.<\p>
Small Plates: A new taproom and restaurant, three notable closings
A local craft brewery opens its new taproom and restaurant, a popular pizza chain shutters a location and a Grandview-area staple is closing after nearly 60 years.<\p> The week in Columbus food and restaurant news starts with:<\p>
Ohio State-area project headed for city council
A project that would replace the Bier Stube near Ohio State University is heading to Columbus City Council. <\p> Harbor Bay Ventures, a development firm with offices in Cleveland and Chicago, plans to build a 13-story, 183-unit apartment building at 1479 N. High St., the site of beloved Ohio State bar, the Bier Stube. <\p>
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