There’s nothing worse than pulling up to your favorite lunch spot and finding dark windows and a for-lease sign where your favorite patio used to be. Central Ohio’s restaurant and small business scene moves fast, and 2026 has already said goodbye to some serious local staples.
We’re keeping a running list of every Central Ohio restaurant, bar, and business that’s closed this year, updated as we hear about it. Bookmark this page, check back often, and you’ll never get caught off guard by a locked door again.
Central Ohio Businesses that Closed in 2026
January
Rishi Sushi Kitchen & Bar
114 North 3rd Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Rishi Sushi closed Jan. 13 after nearly 12 years downtown. The good news: founder Sudhir Dubey and chef David Kim are returning to the same address this summer with SAGE, an elevated Asian-inspired concept with live music, art shows, and chef tasting dinners.
March
The Little Bar
2195 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
The Little Bar poured its last drink March 29 after 20 years as a neighborhood staple. The building has already been torn down to make room for a new student housing development.
In my completely biased, OSU grad opinion, leave High Street small businesses alone!!!
16-Bit Bar + Arcade (original location)
254 South Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43215
16-Bit closed the doors to its original Downtown spot in March, but their location inside Pins in Bridge Park is still alive and well!
China Bell
1947 Stringtown Road, Grove City, OH 43123
China Bell in Grove City served its last customers March 31 after 40 years as a true community staple. Founder Gary Shyu opened the restaurant in 1988 and passed away in 2021.
April
Dairy Twist
2860 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204
The Hilltop’s legendary ice cream stand known for more than 20 flavors permanently closed following the death of longtime owner Larry Cordial, a retired Norwich Township firefighter who took over the shop more than a decade ago.
May
Fives Up High
2375 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43202
The sister dive bar to Three’s, Four’s, and the late Too’s closed May 5, right after the annual Senior Bar Crawl. However, this decision was made in part to support the (re)opening of Two’s Under High – note the slight change in spelling.
Meetpot BBQ
110 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43235
Despite great reviews and excellent service, Meetpot BBQ & Hotpot announced its closure May 18, a big loss for Central Ohio’s Korean food scene.
Ajumama
Food truck, no fixed address
Rolled to a stop after 14 years on the road, closing for good in mid-May.
Monster Baby Cafe
700 Bryden Road, Columbus, OH 43215
This mini donut cafe lasted only a few months before closing May 8. The Monster Baby food truck is still rolling, so you can catch it at festivals and the Oakwood Farmers Market.
Legacy Smokehouse
3987 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43026
Closed after service May 31 after owner Chad Smock suffered a heart attack. The barbecue joint opened in 2018 and had already rebuilt once after a serious fire in 2021.
PJ’s Original Family Restaurant
571 West Cherry Street, Sunbury, OH 43074
Served its last meal May 31 after nearly a decade. The owner cited rising food and labor costs for the motivation towards their closure.
June
Local Matters
633 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
Not a restaurant, but a major loss for the food scene nonetheless. This 18-year-old nonprofit, a self-described pillar of the Central Ohio food justice movement, ceased operations June 6 after what it called an unstable funding environment.
Firehouse Pizza
4 South Main Street, Thornville, OH 43076
Closed in its current space June 6. The building sold, and the new owners have different plans for it.
Due Amici
67 East Gay Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Abruptly closed June 8 after 22 years downtown, with owners citing changing circumstances in the area.
Winan’s Chocolates + Coffees
611 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
The Short North chocolate shop and cafe abruptly closed June 8.
BD’s Mongolian Grill
6242 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH 43017
Closed in mid-June after 27 years serving up all-you-can-eat stir-fry in Central Ohio.
Mitchell’s Steakhouse
45 North Third Street, Columbus, OH 43215
The Cameron Mitchell Restaurants flagship, open downtown since 1998, abruptly closed.
Coffee Connections
4004 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43026
After nearly 10 years, this Hilliard coffee shop was forced out by floor damage in its 100-year-old building. June 27 was its last day, but the owners say pop-ups and a new location are in the works.
Lemongrass Fusion Bistro
641 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Columbus’s first Asian fusion restaurant, open since the late 1990s, closed June 28. Second-generation owner Jesse Vitt pointed to the economy and third-party delivery apps.
The Point on Main Street
1192 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus, OH 43213
This restaurant, bar, and live music venue closed after a decade so its owners could spend more time with family and travel.
July
Golden Donuts & Diner
1928 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH 43207
This retro South Side donut shop quietly closed in recent months, no announcement, just a boarded-up building and a for-rent sign.
Magic Mountain Fun Center East
5890 Scarborough Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43232
After 45 years of mini golf, go-karts, and birthday parties, this East Side entertainment staple closed July 5.
Park Service Coffee
19 West Russell Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Poured its last cup July 5. The shop shares a space with Woodhouse Vegan, which announced its own closure earlier this year.
Trek Brewing
1486 Granville Road, Newark, OH 43055
Closing its doors July 12 after 8 years and a program that raised tens of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.
Want to be the friend who always knows what’s going on?
Our free daily newsletter drops the best things to do, eat, and explore around Central Ohio straight into your inbox. No digging required.
👉 Sign up here and start looking like a genius.
Food & Drink News
This list will keep growing as 2026 goes on, so bookmark it and check back before you plan your next night out. Know about a closure we haven’t covered yet? Send us a tip and we’ll add it to the list.
