Columbus History: Restaurants
Just a fun little post that I did before when I first started my website; and of course it was one that magically disappeared. Oh no…I’m not bitter (side-eye). Anyway…the history nerd in me is always researching and looking up information; mainly on things here in Columbus, Ohio. I’ve always had this fascination when I see a building or even just a piece of land. I want to know what was there before; what’s the history behind this place. While researching one day, I came across this site that showed restaurants that are no longer in business in the city or altogether. We all know restaurants that were started restaurants that were started here such as Wendy’s, White Castle (started in Wichita, Kansas but moved operations to Columbus not long after founded) and Bob Evans to name a few; that are still open for business. What about the ones that are no longer open or just don’t operate out of Columbus anymore? I really liked this site because it shows what may sit there now, has pictures and even menus of the some of the places. I’m not quite sure if the website’s been updated recently but I think it’s still a good, fun read and to reminisce. I’m an 80’s baby so I can personally remember only that far back. I’ve heard about many popular restaurants and businesses that were favorites in this city that no longer exist from years before from my elders. Just listening to their stories and they may mention where they hung out back in day and what were some of their favorite places. In my 36 years, I’ve been witness to so many stores, businesses and restaurants that have come and gone in this city. The stores and businesses will be posted later; this post will focus on restaurants and fast food chains that are no longer in business.
Some spots on the website I completely forgot about and some I never heard of. Growing up…it was considered a treat to eat out. We may have eaten fast food once a week and usually if we were out and on the go. Other than that…my mother cooked at home. When we did eat out, we would get something good and make it worth while (I guess). One of my favorites was G.D. Ritzy’s. Growing up on the north side of town, we would go to the one on Morse Road in the Morse Center shopping plaza. This fast food chain gave off a good, old-fashioned, retro 1950’s “Soda Shop” vibe. I used to love their hot dogs. I was never into french fries but of course I would take a few of my mom’s. I’ve never really been into milkshakes but I heard they were some of the best. Today, the equivalent to G.D. Ritzy’s would be Steak & Shake. In my opinion, Steak & Shake is just okay. They give the same vibe and aesthetic; with fast food and drinks prepared the old-fashioned way. Two other fast food chains we used to go to that seem to have just changed their name…obviously bought out with the same concept in mind were: Zantiago’s that was purchased by Taco Bell and Snapp’s that turned into Rally’s/Checker’s. Popular one’s that left the city altogether are: Sister’s Chicken & Biscuits (I remember it being EVERYTHING), Rax (similar to Arby’s, the closest one to Columbus is in Lancaster, Ohio). I’m not going to lie…Kahiki used to scare the piss out of me. Those Easter Island heads with fire shooting out of them in the front of the building and it was so dark on the inside; but cool at the same time. Here’s an article I found on Kahiki. I also remember not having to drive on opposite sides of town for York Steakhouse (only one left is on the west side) and Ponderosa (only one left is on the south side). At one point in time, these restaurants were all over town. Who remembers Chi-Chi’s? I thought that was the best “Mexican” food on earth. Little did I know huh? I could go on and on. Below are the links to the website that I found…Columbus Restaurant History. Reminisce and Enjoy!
Here’s the main link to the actual website: Columbus Restaurant History
