WWW.DISPATCH.COM Sa t u r d a y , Fe b r u a r y 6, 2010 Ohio State to license sports bars Hall of Fame Grill set to open Sept. 1 in Grandview Yard
By Marla Matzer Rose Nationwide Realty In- reason for its demise. THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH vestors. The owners of that “We’re really thrilled Olentangy River Road Ohio State University fans will to have this relation- site, on which the Jai have a new sports bar with a some- ship with Ohio State,” Lai restaurant once what familiar name to celebrate Ellis said. “We expect stood, now plan to victories or drown their sorrows this to be a best-of-class build a hotel there. after football games this coming sports bar within a mile The Buckeye Hall of season. of both Ohio Stadium Fame Cafe at Port Co- Nationwide Realty Investors has and Nationwide Arena, lumbus is unaffected struck a licensing deal with Ohio with really good food by the Grandview Yard State to open the Buckeye Hall of and some great memo- deal. Fame Grill at its Grandview Yard rabilia.” Other tenants in the first phase project. It is expected to open He said he’s confident in the of Grandview Yard include a Hyatt Sept. 1 as part of Grandview Yard’s concept despite the previous res- Place hotel, an Urban Active fit- first phase. taurant’s struggles. ness center, Jason’s Deli and an The restaurant’s name might “This will be a completely dif- office building anchored by M&A sound familiar, but it is not asso- ferent restaurant with a new op- Architects. ciated with the Buckeye Hall of erator,” Ellis said, adding that an Capitol Square Ltd., the real- Fame Cafe on Olentangy River operator will be chosen by the end estate arm of The Dispatch Print- Road, which closed last month. of next month. “This restaurant ing Company, publisher of The Nationwide is acquiring some will be between 6,500 and 8,500 Dispatch, has a 20 percent stake in equipment and fixtures from the square feet, compared to the Buck- Grandview Yard. n former Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe eye Hall of Fame Cafe, which was but will acquire its own memora- nearly 50,000 square feet.” [email protected] bilia, said Brian Ellis, president of The latter’s size was cited as one