Franklin County • February 21, 2025
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.
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🍕 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.
🎭 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.
🏪 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.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
vs Grand River Academy | W 57-51 | |
@ New Albany | L 54-50 | |
vs Westerville Central | W 54-50 |
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.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
vs Granville* | L 41-30 | |
vs Fairbanks* | W 36-30 | |
vs Westland* | W 62-12 | |
@ Olentangy* | L 66-15 | |
vs Hayes* | W 48-26 | |
@ Olentangy Berlin* | W 49-42 | |
@ Marysville* | L 46-23 | |
vs Lincoln* | W 47-37 | |
vs Dublin Jerome* | L 47-37 | |
vs Reynoldsburg* | W 50-39 | |
@ Grove City* | L 50-39 |
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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.
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