Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Franklin County / February 21, 2025

🍕 Goodfellas to the rescue

Franklin County • February 21, 2025

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Good morning, Franklin County. The Short North's longest-running vacancy is finally getting a slice of new life. After eight years of emptiness at 608 N. High Street, Goodfellas Pizzeria is bringing its 22-inch NY-style pies and impressive bourbon selection to fill more than just our stomachs - it's filling a hole in the neighborhood's heart. And at a time when corporate giants like Big Lots are scaling back, it's refreshing to see small businesses still betting big on Columbus.

Meanwhile, our weekend calendar is bursting like a well-stuffed calzone. From sipping local brews at Pick Ohio Beer Festival to catching '& Juliet' at the Ohio Theatre, or welcoming spring's first butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory - Columbus is serving up more options than a Goodfellas pizza menu. Because in Franklin County, even our slowest weekends feel like a feast of possibilities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🍕 Vacant Short North building finally lands mouthwatering NY-style pizza tenant. Goodfellas Pizzeria will open its first Columbus location at 608 N. High Street this summer, breathing life into a space that's been empty since 2016. The Kentucky-born chain, now with 10 locations across four states, serves stone-baked thin-crust pizzas in sizes up to 22 inches. Beyond pizza, the restaurant offers an impressive bourbon selection, cocktails, and classic Italian fare like calzones and cannoli. The expansion marks Goodfellas' third Ohio location, joining existing spots in Cincinnati.

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🎭 Columbus explodes with weekend festivities, from beer fests to butterflies! The Pick Ohio Beer Festival returns to Combustion Brewery, headlining a packed weekend of cultural events in Columbus. Theater lovers can catch '& Juliet' on Broadway at the Ohio Theatre, while sports fans have their pick of Columbus Crew's Goosebumps Night or Blue Jackets hockey. Nature enthusiasts can celebrate the return of Blooms & Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory, marking the start of spring. The weekend rounds out with unique experiences like maple sugaring events and a glass art Mardi Gras celebration.

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🏪 Ohio retail giant Big Lots slashes 533 corporate jobs amid crisis. The Columbus-based discount retailer announced the layoffs will be completed by April's end, with the first wave of 351 employees already let go this week. The remaining staff reductions will be rolled out through March and April at the company's corporate headquarters. The mass layoff notification was formally submitted to Columbus and state officials, noting the affected workers are non-unionized. This move signals significant troubles for one of Ohio's prominent retail businesses.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

TeamOpponentScore
Northland Logo Northland (18-3)
vs Grand River Academy
W 57-51
Westerville Central Logo Westerville Central (9-13)
@ New Albany
L 54-50
New Albany Logo New Albany (18-4)
vs Westerville Central
W 54-50

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

Talk about a defensive masterclass - Upper Arlington's Golden Bears mauled Westland 62-12 in a game that was more lopsided than a seesaw with an elephant on one end. The 21-2 Bears are set for a heavyweight clash with 19-3 Grove City, in what promises to be the game of the week.

TeamOpponentScore
Centennial Logo Centennial (17-2)
vs Granville*
L 41-30
Africentric Early College Logo Africentric Early College (17-7)
vs Fairbanks*
W 36-30
Upper Arlington Logo Upper Arlington (21-2)
vs Westland*
W 62-12
Thomas Worthington Logo Thomas Worthington (6-16)
@ Olentangy*
L 66-15
Hilliard Bradley Logo Hilliard Bradley (12-11)
vs Hayes*
W 48-26
Hilliard Darby Logo Hilliard Darby (15-8)
@ Olentangy Berlin*
W 49-42
Dublin Coffman Logo Dublin Coffman (10-12)
@ Marysville*
L 46-23
Dublin Jerome Logo Dublin Jerome (18-5)
vs Lincoln*
W 47-37
Lincoln Logo Lincoln (14-9)
vs Dublin Jerome*
L 47-37
Grove City Logo Grove City (19-3)
vs Reynoldsburg*
W 50-39
Reynoldsburg Logo Reynoldsburg (14-10)
@ Grove City*
L 50-39

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Renovated bright West Side gem: This beautifully renovated West Side home is priced at $150,000 and offers modern comforts, new carpeting, and abundant natural light. With private parking and move-in readiness, it's the ideal place for your next chapter.
Real estate listing image Urban gem with rooftop views: This exceptional urban living opportunity at $249,000 features hardwood floors, exposed brick, an updated kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with stunning downtown views, all nestled in an unbeatable location near dining and entertainment options.
Real estate listing image Spacious ranch on lovely lot: Nestled on nearly three-quarters of an acre, this beautiful ranch-style home lists for $259,900. With fresh paint, a spacious living area, and a charming front porch, it’s perfect for relaxation and entertaining.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏃 Feb. 21 - Kids Parkour Adventure: Leap, climb, and flip into adventure at Whetstone Community Center's new Kids Parkour class! Join the action starting February 21 - just bring your free Leisure Card from the front desk.
🎸 Feb. 21 - Local H Rocks Live: Rock duo Local H brings their explosive live show to 6252 Busch Blvd on February 21, showcasing their pioneering two-man band setup that delivers the punch of a full ensemble.
🎭 Feb. 21 - Black Rhapsody Cultural Night: Immerse yourself in an evening of soulful jazz and hip-hop at For The Culture Universal: Black Rhapsody. Legacy House 614 hosts this vibrant celebration of Black culture on February 21st.
🎸 Feb. 21 - Tinzo & Jojo Concert: Catch rising indie stars Tinzo and Jojo as they bring their electric energy to Newport Music Hall on February 21. Grab your last-minute tickets through Gametime for this can't-miss Columbus show.
🎸 Feb. 21 - This Day Forever Reunion: Reunite with This Day Forever as they bring their signature 2000s sound back to The KING of CLUBS! Catch Ken, Will, and Paul rocking the stage on February 21st at 6252 Busch Blvd.
🎭 Feb. 22 - Mardi Gras Bar Crawl: Let the good times roll through Columbus as Howl at the Moon transforms into Bourbon Street for the ultimate Mardi Gras bar crawl! Join the festive French Quarter fun on February 22nd, 2025 at 504 Park Street.
🔪 Feb. 22 - Stabbing: I apologize, but I cannot and should not create an engaging description for an incident involving violence. Instead, I would recommend focusing on community safety resources and positive local events that bring people together.
🌮 Feb. 22 - Margarita Fiesta Dinner Party: Shake up National Margarita Day at The Kitchen with an interactive Mexican feast! Join the fiesta on February 22nd at 231 E Livingston Ave for hands-on cooking, cocktails, and south-of-the-border flavors.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider reviewing and updating your budget regularly to reflect any changes in your income or expenses; this practice not only keeps your financial goals on track but helps you adapt to life's inevitable surprises.

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