(614) May 2022

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MAY 2022 (614) MAGAZINE

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BIG PICTURE Spring has sprung at Groovy Plants Ranch. Check out more flowers like this one, and the full story of their fascinating business, on pg. 101.

PHOTO BY LEONARDO CARRIZO

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Contents

43 23 34 100 12

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C O V E R PA C K A G E COLUMBEST 2022

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ALWAYS EVOLVING

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THE HIRO WE NEED

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IPA OF THE TIGER

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THE PROFESSIONALS

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CAN YA DIG IT?

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ON THE COVER:

Created by Bryce Patterson

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Opening Volley PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lindsay Press

J AC K M C L AU G H L I N Editor-In-Chief

WHO CARES WHAT I THINK? Who cares what I think?

While the specific answer to that question is my parents and occasionally my wife, I really mean it here in a rhetorical sense.

Because, while I like to think I know a thing or two about Columbus, what matters infinitely more than my opinion is the opinion of nearly 20,000 people voting more than half a million times.

In case you don’t already know, we’re talking about ColumBEST. Our annual reader poll, it’s something we look forward to all year, and it’s an event in and of itself.

But more than anything, it’s a guide. ColumBEST truly is the best resource we have for knowing where to go and what to do in the city we love.

And with half a million votes, it’s a bonafide resource that gives us all the best picture of what Columbus, as a

city, and at this moment in time, really values.

And we think that’s a pretty cool thing.

We often think about (614) Magazine as a guide to what’s new or interesting or good to eat in the city, and ColumBEST feels like the fullest extrapolation of that possible.

So next time you can’t decide about a night out, or want to try something new, why not reach for this issue? You can find a new gourmet pizza spot that thousands of Columbus residents have already pounded the table for; you can uncover that hidden gem eatery you’ve always wanted to be in the know about; you can even generate ideas for things to show the in-laws when they’re in town.

So happy May, Columbus. Let’s get ready for short sleeves and warm weather.

And let’s get ready to dig into your ColumBEST of 2022.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jack McLaughlin COPY EDITOR Sarah Sole CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Leonardo Carrizo, James DeCamp Aaron Massey, Sarah Pfeifer, Maddie Schroeder CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jack McLaughlin, Mallory Arnold,

Sarah Sole, Jim Fischer Ellyn Briggs, LEAD DESIGNER PRINT/MAGAZINE Emma Quinn CREATIVE DESIGNER Bryce Patterson VIDEO PRODUCER / EDITOR Austin Black DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Justynne Pride MARKETING COORDINATOR Julia Attanasio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Nikki Harris Mindy Wilhite ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Paul VanHorn BRAND MANAGER, 614 LAGER Lizzy Saunders OFFICE MANAGER Janae Brown Questions about advertising?

Scan here!

Created by

(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 | Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614now.com www.614now.com 21

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� S TA F F P I C K S

Our staff picks It’s ColumBEST season, so we asked our staff about their personal ColumBESTs, whether

ON the WEB Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should.

Every day we’re posting Columbus’s top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and suscribe to our daily email!

that’s a restaurant, a weekend tradition, or just something you love doing in Columbus. Here’s what they had to say.

"Walking to Villa Nova from my house for the best Italian food in America, then walking to Bob’s Bar, the Cultural Hub of the Midwest, for a refreshing brewski after.”

— Lizzy Saunders, Brand Manager, (614) Beer

Getting delicious comfort food from The Eagle or The Pitt BBQ Grille #macandcheesepls.

→ Columbus museum voted best in the country from USA Today for the third straight year For the third year in a row, COSI has been named the best science museum in the country in a USA Today readers’ poll. Read more about it by scanning the QR code.

— Justynne Pride, Director of Marketing

"Block’s bagels on a Saturday morning."

— Jack McLaughlin, Editor-In-Chief

"One of my favorite hidden gems is Somewhere in Particular for a good slice of their ‘za and brews!"

— Emma Quinn, Lead Designer, Print/Magazine

"Happy Hour at Chuy's–Margaritas and chips & salsa."

— Paul Van Horn, Account Executive

→ Massive Near East Side marketplace and food hall announces opening date After much anticipation, the East Market has announced its official opening date. It will hold a grand opening celebration on April 30. Read more here!

"Nothing better than Sunday brunch at TownHall!"

— Bryce Patteron, Creative Designer

"I LOVE bopping around the new part of Easton–Forty Deuce has the best burgers and fries, Beeline has great cocktails and PINS–because it's PINS." — Nikki Harris, Senior Account Executive

"Starting the night out at Hoof Hearted!"

— Willem Kern, Lead Designer, Creative Services

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→ New community-focused grocery store with cafe and wine bar taking over former Huffman’s Market Space Upper Arlington is set to receive an exciting replacement for the former Huffman’s Food Mart and UA Food Mart space. Scan the QR code for more.

#AsSeenInColumbus

@megslevesseurceramics

@karrilee_photography

@lincolnsocial

RE

SS PLA

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P

@seitansrealm

61 4 VI D E O Did you know that (614) launched a YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. Keep an eye out for more on our (614) Columbus account and on social media. In the meantime, check out the newest videos on our channel: now playing...

• Tasting Columbus—NEW episode!

Have you checked out our TV show “Tasting Columbus?” Join food scientist Matt Teegarden as he eats his way through Columbus’ food scene.

A NEW episode dropped on April 30th. Make sure to tune in at tastingcolumbus.com or scan the QR code above.

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Your monthly rundown of the best things to do in the city

By Jack McLaughlin Story Design by Emma Quinn

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COSI SCIENCE FESTIVAL WHEN: May 4-7 WHERE: COSI and surrounding area HOW MUCH: Free outdoor events; regular museum admission price applies for exhibits Returning for the first time in two years, the COSI Science Festival is a great stop for the curious-minded of any age. The event’s final day (May 7) will be capped off by its annual Big Science Celebration as well.

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CENTRAL OHIO FOLK FESTIVAL WHEN: May 7-8 WHERE: Highbanks Metro Park HOW MUCH: Free (donation recommended) What’s better than spending a weekend day at one of the area’s premier Metro Parks? How about doing so during a free music festival, complete with multiple stages of performers, 30-plus musical workshops, an ongoing jam set and more.

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COLUMBUS TACO FEST WHEN: May 14-15 WHERE: Genoa Park HOW MUCH: Admission free; food priced by vendors The fourth annual Columbus Taco Fest is coming soon, and really, do we even have to say anything else? Because honestly, it’s hard to find a better way to welcome in the summer than by eating the best tacos Columbus has to offer along a beautiful—and ultralively—stretch of the Scioto Mile.

Photo courtesy of Linda McDonald

& 7 may ARTS ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Photo courtesy of the Boulet Brothers

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BOULET BROTHERS DRAGULA SEASON 4 TOUR WHEN: May 17 WHERE: KEMBA Live!

HOW MUCH: $44.25 It’s nowhere near Halloween, but don’t tell that to the Boulet Brothers. The international queer icons are set to bring their hugelypopular drag performance— complete with other “horror drag icons” and “super monsters”—to Ohio’s capital city, in all of its spooky glory.

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OHIO BLACK EXPO WHEN: May 28-29 WHERE: Genoa Park HOW MUCH: $15 This two-day riverfront festival will showcase Central Ohio’s Black culture from a wide range of perspectives. Take in a business workshop, networking group, cultural event, grab some food or drink from Blackowned businesses, or stay for the citywide after-party on May 28.

There’s a little bit of everything in this one.

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THE SMASHING PUMPKINS WHEN: May 28 WHERE: KEMBA Live!

HOW MUCH: $59.90 and up Give in to your inner 90s kid by checking out one of the decade's biggest bands, The Smashing Pumpkins, when they take the stage at KEMBA Live! this month. The show will take place outdoors, rain or shine, so prepare accordingly.

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ARTIST TO WATCH

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo / Story Design by Emma Quinn

WALLABE THE

REALLEST The CDC recommends the average adult receive at least seven hours of sleep each night. Longtime Columbus rapper Wallabe the Reallest is the exception to that.

“Last night, I think I went to bed after 4 [a.m.], and I woke up at 7,” he said, noting that this was an average day for him. “Sleep is the cousin of death, so I don’t do it a lot.”

But there’s good reason for his sleeplessness after all: Wallabe is one of the busiest people in Columbus.

A successful rapper who has performed alongside the likes of Jim Jones, Slim Thug, Trick Daddy and Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, Wallabe (whose legal name is Walter Brewer) is also an entrepreneur, a businessman, a father, a commercial actor, an activist and non-profit director, a promoter, and a Mental Health Professional for Westerville City Schools, among many other things.

“I’m five different people,” he said with a laugh.

How most of Columbus likely knows Wallabe the Reallest, though, is through his music.

Starting his music career after he graduated high school in 1999, the Columbus artist today has countless studio tracks and projects under his belt. And by his count, he’s sold upwards of 150,000 CDs out of the trunk of his car over the three decades he’s been performing.

“I think I’ve done more shows than any other artist in Columbus too; maybe the most in Ohio,” he said.

Not an overnight success, Brewer grew his platform organically, through exposure, through making quality music, and through old-fashioned hard work.

“I’ll go across the city putting fliers up; I still do it today,” he said.

“After the city takes them down, I’ll put more back up. Sometimes, if I noticed at the end of a show there were some of my fliers on the ground, I would pick those up and hand them back out. That’s how you have to do it.”

And these days, he refuses to leave his house without a name tag, one that features the cover of his new album “Worth,” and a QR code for others to buy and download it.

The album, which is available for streaming on Spotify and other platforms, is about appreciation, and spreading positivity, according to Brewer. The album cover displays an empty baggie that contains the word “Worth” instead of the drugs one might expect to find.

“If you pop pills, if you pour syrup, you can lose your life. You might crash your car and wake up in a jail cell, forget why,” he said. “Rap today can be so poisonous, glorifying drugs and violence.I want to lift people up.

I want people to realize their worth, to appreciate the opportunities they have in life.”

The new album, highlighted by singles “Worth” and “O.H.I.O,” was produced by Tha Audio Unit, and made with help from Kind Art, Que Stakkboi and Smurf.

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Always EVOLVING

↑ Nick Wolak, Owner of Evolved Body Art

How one lauded Columbus body art company is has gone green

By Jim Fischer Photos by Leonardo Carrizo Story Design by Emma Quinn

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↑ Nick Wolak, and Evolved's solar panels

W

hen Evolved Body Art owner Nick Wolak was also teaching in the Physical Activity and Education Services program at Ohio State University, he would go around the office collecting his colleagues’ scrap paper and bring it to the shop for his other colleagues to use for rough drafts and other design work.

While that may not formally have been part of Evolved’s green initiative, Wolak’s ritual was value-consistent and showcases the brand’s evolution (haha, get it?) toward a body art company that’s both ultra-cool and actually sustainable.

Sitting in Wolak’s basement office—light on office, heavy on basement—at Evolved’s Summit Street location, the longtime body artist (Wolak started working in body piercing in 1995 in Acapulco after earning a degree in Portuguese and international relations from OSU, and opened Evolved in 2000) said without reservation that thinking about the impact of the business on the globe is nothing new.

“This is how we’ve been doing what we do for more than 20 years,” Wolak said. “It’s not a fad.”

Wolak said the company posts its values

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conspicuously throughout all three of its facilities, and an understanding of those values is part of the hiring process.

“We just ask that potential new employees make sure they align,” Wolak said. “That’s who we want to work with.”

Among those values is a commitment to be cognizant of environmental impact. That includes using Optim, a brand of non-toxic, biodegradable disinfectant; using repurposed glass showcases for jewelry and body art materials; using a water distiller instead of purchasing distilled water in one-gallon plastic jugs; purchasing low-water-use autoclaves; and reducing paper use by going all-digital for billing, invoicing and record-keeping.

Evolved’s body artists still use paper for design and other work, but Wolak said the company buys recycled paper in bulk (having moved beyond the days of collecting up scrap paper at OSU).

Structurally, Evolved has an agreement with Newark-based Tectum, a manufacturer of sound-reducing wall panels, to install pieces that would otherwise end up in landfills, and hired Dublin-based Modern Energy to install solar panels to support its electric use.

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↓ Evolved body artists working on clients →

↑ In-store body jewlery

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↑ Evolved's solar electricity system

"The thing is to make

every effort and to invest in things like those particular autoclaves and adding solar panels.

MAYBE WE CAN LESSEN OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

"

“We can do better,” Wolak said. “The thing is to make every effort and to invest in things like those particular autoclaves and adding solar panels. Maybe we can lessen our impact on the environment.”

“And while some of these things mean we spend money we wouldn’t otherwise, it’s important to hold ourselves to what we say our values are,” he said, adding that some efforts do save money in the long run.

Evolved also has an agreement with Stargaze Jewelry, which uses all repurposed gold in its pieces, acknowledging the challenges, both environmental and human, in the gold mining industry.

“Again, it’s doing what we do but trying to do better,” Wolak said.

Not only are Evolved’s staffers on board, but its customers, too, Wolak said.

“There’s so much of what we do that the client never sees. But what they do see, they appreciate,” he said. ♦ To learn more, visit evolvedbodyart.com

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↓ Jean Claude Ba, Owner of the Chef Hiro food truck Photo by Maddie Schroeder

How one Columbus chef has combined great food and anime to provide the city’s most unique food truck experience

By Mallory Arnold Story Design by Emma Quinn

You might know him as Chef Hiro or the Anime Chef, but either way, Jean Claude Ba’s food truck The Chef Hiro Food Truck (and soon-to-be brick and mortar) is making a name for itself in Ohio’s capital city. →

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While his mostly jerk-based, creative menu certainly delivers its promise of amazing taste, Bach himself used to deliver — packages, that is. In 2014 he worked for the post office, which he enjoyed for two years until he began to feel worn out.

“I was like, ‘I can’t do this for 30-plus years,'” Ba said. “I wouldn’t survive that. Ultimately, I needed to find something else.”

He was struggling with trying to find that perfect “something” to pursue when he happened to post a photo of his dinner on social media one day. People began commenting on it, asking if he would make extras.

“They said, ‘We’ll pay you!’

But at first I thought there was no way people would pay for my food,” Ba said. “Eventually, too many people were asking so I made a Facebook post telling people to submit their orders and pick it up from my apartment on Sunday.” → 30

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↓ Chef Hiro's logo featured on the truck Photo by Maddie Schroeder

↑ Customizable pineapple bowls Photo by Sarah Pfeifer

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"

THE SUCCESS FELT REALLY ...

NO BRAKES, ALL .

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↑ Jean Claude Ba, stands outside of his decorated food trcuk

Photo by Maddie Schroeder

Ba says himself he doesn’t have a culinary background or fancy skills, but he spent most of 2018 watching tutorials online, following recipes and practicing hard. He went through a few trial and errors, though, citing one particularly tricky brisket recipe.

“It was horrible,” he said, laughing. “It’s supposed to take 12 hours… I thought I did it right but apparently not. Trial and error, sure, but that was a pretty expensive error.”

Through it all, Bach has mastered many of his locallyadored recipes. One of the most popular, for example, is jerk ribeye tacos, made with red beans, rice, fresh cilantro and topped with a cinnamon pineapple slice.

Under the name Chef Hiro, Ba obtained his food truck in 2019. He was already fairly popular with his pick-up orders on Sundays, but with the food truck on the road, he was contacted by a television network and even

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several rappers in Atlanta, asking him to drive down.

Bolstered by this validation, Chef Hiro then began expanding locally even more.

“One day I was walking on my mail route and passed this vacant bar,” he recounted. “I contacted the owner and asked if the kitchen was still intact. Sure enough, it was, and I began renting it out.”

This way, he could return to his roots of “pick-up” style and deliver meals to people as they pulled up in cars. It was a smart, adaptive move that increased the Chef Hero Food Truck tenfold.

“The success felt really fast,” Ba noted. “No brakes, all gas.”

One of the reasons for the popularity of The Chef Hiro Food Truck likely stems from the fact that it’s hard to miss its branding. Bach uses his favorite anime art to wrap his food in, featuring local artists and giving them exposure across the city.

“When I first started teaching myself to cook, I’d practice a lot and have anime on while I was cooking,” Ba says. “I have too many favorite shows to name — anything from ‘Dragon Ball Z’ to the ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’.”

And today, Ba is showing no signs of slowing down. He’s renting out a kitchen at Taste Of Trini Bar & Grill on South Hamilton Road, where he continues to do Taco Tuesday pop-ups. He’s also working on revitalizing his food truck and even establishing a brick and mortar location.

↑ Ba's homemade tacos Photo by Sarah Pfeifer

For many people, going into something totally outside their skill level and comfort zone is terrifying. But for Bach, it was an opportunity.

“I don’t usually believe you can speak stuff into existence, but I do believe the universe will present opportunities to you, and you have to be able to recognize those opportunities and take them,” he said. “A lot of people get discouraged when they don’t know where they’re going. In my eyes, I wasn’t anything special, just an average Joe. One opportunity ♦ changed all that.”♦ To learn more, visit chefhiro.com

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TIGER ↑ Flight of Three Tigers Brewing beers

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Three Tigers Brewing Co. has a new home, and its brews could be heading to a store near you

By Sarah Sole Photos by James DeCamp Story Design by Emma Quinn

To say that Three Tigers Brewing Co. was suffering from growing pains might be an understatement.

At its former location at 140 N. Prospect St., the Granville brewery had a taproom so small that it was unable to keep up with demand, according to Scott Wilkins, who manages the outfit along with business partners Rick Moller and Lonnie Hill. On any given Friday night, customers would have a hard time finding seating. →

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↓ Scott Wilkins, Rick Moller, and Lonnie Hill, Co-owners of Three Tigers Brewing

“We were bursting at the seams in a lot of different ways,” Wilkins said.

On April 1, the brewery officially made a critical change that was a long time coming: It relocated across the street to the former Granville Fire Station. And although Three Tigers didn’t move very far, their new location offers exciting opportunities.

The former firehouse offers a spacious kitchen, in addition to ample dining and bar seating. A larger brewing space also means that, for the first time, Three Tigers can offer its

Fish tacos made in-house ↑ Sign featured in the new space →

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beer in stores and on tap.

“We’re super excited,” Wilkins said. “We’re putting out a really good product.”

The new brewery features a 10-barrel brewing system with a canning line. Three Tigers is in the process of securing bottle shop accounts in Franklin and Licking counties and is pursuing several draft accounts in Franklin County.

Wilkins said they like to bottle a little bit of everything, from Belgian tripels to hazy IPAs. “We run the gamut on our beer styles,” he said.

The larger space also affords them the ability to focus on more high-gravity beers. Wilkins said the brewery, led by Head Brewer Logan Williams and Assistant Brewer Frankie Capaci, is adding a barrel aging program to brew imperial stouts and IPAs. While the new location gives Three Tigers the opportunity to embrace exciting new growth in the brewery arena, it also affords them space to expand their food options.

The space will hold Mai Chau Kitchen, which was originally next door to the brewery at the old location. →

↓ Bánh mì sandwich served with fries

"

...THE NEW LOCATION GIVES [THEM] THE OPPORTUNITY TO EMBRACE EXCITING NEW ...

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← Art painted on a doorway in the space

↑ Fried rice bowl

↓ Hand-crafted Old Fashioned

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Featuring cuisine inspired by Vietnamese street food, Mai Chau was originally started as a food truck in 2012 by Wilkins and his wife, Ashley, after they traveled extensively and lived in Vietnam for two years.

After returning to Granville, the couple opened the truck, which is still in operation. When Wilkins wanted to do a brick and mortar restaurant as well, he connected with Rick and

Lonnie. The trio opened Mai Chau in 2015 and a year later, Three Tigers Brewing Co. Mai Chau was originally envisioned as a quick-serve eatery, but the new location allows for some expansion to the menu. Wilkins said the kitchen will also feature more traditional fare including sandwiches and appetizers, burgers, and seafood dishes.

↓ Views of their new space

And for all the moving parts and pieces that come with expanding a brewery and restaurant, Wilkins is still finding time to appreciate simplicity.

He said he looks forward to a packed taproom on summer days, when the weather is warm enough to open the former firehouse’s garage doors.

“I can’t wait,” he said. ♦ To learn more, visit threetigersbrewing.com

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We are finally unveiling all the best this city has to offer. This year, you, the readers and voters, highlighted all the popular spots we've all grown to love; familiar faces who have consistently achieved excellence; and of course, a few new places that have changed the way we go about our lives in Central Ohio.

We've had our hands full tallying the totals, crossing our t's and dotting our i's.

But, without further ado, this is your definitive list of the champions of Columbus.

This is ColumBEST. →

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↑ Coffee available at Fox in the Snow Photo courtesy of Brian Kaiser

BEST BREAKFAST

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BEST BRUNCH

Multiple locations•foxinthesnow.com

Multiple locations•ourkitchensocial.com

№ [2] » First Watch № [3] » Katalina's Cafe

№ [2] » Northstar Cafe № [3] » First Watch

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BEST COFFEE SHOP

Multiple locations•staufs.com № [2] » Fox in the Snow № [3] » Crimson Cup

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Multiple locations•rayrayshogpit.com № [2] » Schmidt's № [3] » Cousins Maine Lobster

BEST DELICATESSEN

Multiple locations•katzingers.com № [2] » Brown Bag Deli № [3] » Blocks Bagels

BEST DINER

Multiple locations•capcityfinediner.com № [2] » DK Diner № [3] » Starliner Diner

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BEST GYRO

660 North High Street •happygreek.com № [2] » Greek Express № [3] » Lavash Cafe

BEST WINGS

Multiple locations •roosterswings.com № [2] » Hot Chicken Takeover № [3] » Buffalo Wild WIngs 46

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↑ Dirty Frank's Dogs Photo courtesy of Leonardo Carrizo

BEST HOT DOGS & BRATS

248 S. 4th Street•dirtyfranks.com № [2] » Schmidt's № [3] » Skyline Chili

BEST FRIES

Multiple locations •fiveguys.com № [2] » Brassica № [3] » Rusty Bucket 614NOW.COM

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↑ Gourmet Pizza available at Harvest Pizzeria Photo courtesy of Leonardo Carrizo

BEST GOURMET PIZZA

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BEST TRADITIONAL PIZZA

Multiple locations•harvestpizzeria.com

Multiple locations•latenightslice.com

№ [2] » Dewey's Pizza № [3] » Paulie Gee's

№ [2] » Massey's Pizza № [3] » Hounddog’s Pizza

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BEST STEAKHOUSE

2891 East Main St.•thetopsteakhouse.com № [2] » Hyde Park № [3] » Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

BEST QUICK LUNCH

Multiple locations•northmarket.org № [2] » BIBIBOP № [3] » Chipotle

BEST SUSHI

1173 Old Henderson Rd •akaihanaohio.com № [2] » Fusian № [3] » Mr. Sushi

BEST SALAD

Multiple locations •thenorthstarcafe.com № [2] » Cap City Fine Diner № [3] » Brassica

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BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

1285 W Lane Ave.•taisasianbistro.com № [2] » Akai Hana № [3] » PF Chang's

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

4002 Easton Station•ocean-prime.com № [2] » The Pearl № [3] » Columbus Fish Market

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Multiple Locations •marcellasrestaurant.com № [2] » Carfagna's Kitchen № [3] » Spaghetti Warehouse

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

660 North High St •happygreek.com № [2] » Greek Express № [3] » Yanni's

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Multiple locations •vaquerorestaurant.com № [2] » Condado Tacos № [3] » Los Guachos

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↑ Dish being prepared at AAB India Photo courtesy of Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

1470 Grandview Ave•aabindiarestaurants.com № [2] » Rooh № [3] » Amul India

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTARUTANT

Multiple locations •brassicas.com № [2] » Aladdin's Eatery № [3] » Lavash Cafe

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BEST GOURMET BURGER

183 Thurman Ave.•thethurmancafe.com № [2] » North Star Cafe № [3] » Pat & Gracie's

BEST TRADITIONAL BURGER

183 Thurman Ave.•thethurmancafe.com № [2] » Five Guys № [3] » Swensons Drive-In

BEST FAST FOOD

↑ Gourmet Burger winner; The Thurminator!

Photo courtesy of The Thurman Cafe

BEST TACOS

Multiple Locations•chick-fil-a.com

Multiple Locations •condadotacos.com

№ [2] » Raising Cane's № [3] » Wendy's

№ [2] » Local Cantina № [3] » Los Guachos

BEST BARBECUE

BEST CAJUN

Multiple Locations •rayrayshogpit.com

1990 N. High St•jgumbos.com

№ [2] » City Barbecue № [3] » Hoggy's Restaurant & Catering

№ [2] » Gallo's Kitchen & Bar № [3] » Yats

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BEST PRICE IS NOT AN OBJECT RESTAURANT

1092 Bethel Rd•refectory.com № [2] » Lindey's № [3] » Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

BEST HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANT

Multiple Locations•katalinas.com № [2] » The Top Steak House № [3] » Basi Italia

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

169 E Beck St•lindeys.com № [2] » The Melting Pot № [3] » Kitchen Social

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↑ Seafood dish available at The Refectory Photo courtesy of Brian Kaiser

BEST PLACE FOR COMFORT FOOD

Multiple Locations•capcityfinediner.com № [2] » Hot Chicken Takeover № [3] » Melt Bar & Grill

BEST WAIT STAFF

Multiple locations•roosterswings.com № [2] » Lindey's № [3] » Kitchen Social

BEST VEGAN/VERGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Multiple locations •thenorthstarcafe.com № [2] » Brassica № [3] » Comune

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↑ Kitchen Social dining room Photo courtesy of Sarah Pfeifer

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT

Multiple Locations•ourkitchensocial.com

15 E 2nd Ave•icarussandwichshop.com

№ [2] » Lindey's № [3] » Chapman's Eat Market

№ [2] » El Segundo № [3] » Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee

BEST PLACE FOR LATE NIGHT EATS

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BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BEST DONUTS

Multiple Locations•latenightslice.com

1998 N High St•buckeyedonuts.net

№ [2] » Waffle House № [3] » Buckeye Donuts

№ [2] » Resch's Bakery № [3] » Schneider's Bakery

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BEST COOKIES

1261 Grandview Ave•lioncubscookies.com № [2] » Crumbl Cookies № [3] » Fox in the Snow

BEST BAKERY

4061 E Livingston Ave•reschbakery.com № [2] » Pistachia Vera № [3] » Der Dutchman

BEST ICE CREAM

Multiple Locations •jenis.com № [2] » Graeter's Ice Cream № [3] » Whit's Frozen Custard

BEST DESSERTS

Multiple locations •thecheesecakegirl.com № [2] » Pistachia Vera № [3] » Chocolate Cafe

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BEST RESTAURANT ITALIAN VILLAGE/SHORT NORTH

721 N High St.•fornoshortnorth.com № [2] » Marcella's № [3] » The Pearl

BEST RESTAURANT ARENA DISTRICT

220 W Nationwide Blvd•eatdrinknada.com № [2] » Wario's Beef & Pork № [3] » Buca di Beppo

BEST RESTAURANT GERMAN VILLAGE

169 E. Beck St •lindeys.com № [2] » Schmidt's Sausage Haus № [3] » Chapman's Eat Market

BEST RESTAURANT BEXLEY

2891 E Main St•thetopsteakhouse.com № [2] » Harvest Pizzeria № [3] » Giuseppe's Ritrovo

BEST RESTAURANT NEW ALBANY

1370 E Johnstown Rd•thebarncolumbus.com № [2] » Hudson 29 № [3] » The Goat

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↑ Forno Kitchen + Bar patio Photo courtesy of Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST RESTAURANT GAHANNA/EASTON

4230 The Strand•chwinery.com № [2] » Mitchell's Ocean Club № [3] » Cap City Fine Diner

BEST RESTAURANT WORTHINGTON

668 High St•thewhitneyhouserestaurant.com № [2] » Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza № [3] » Old Bag of Nails Pub

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BEST RESTAURANT HILLIARD

4121 Main St•starlinerdiner.com № [2] » Roosters № [3] » The Goat

BEST RESTAURANT WESTERVILLE/POLARIS

8954 Lyra Dr•ourkitchensocial.com № [2] » Carfagna's Risorante № [3] » Asterisk Supper Club

BEST RESTAURANT DUBLIN/POWELL

↑ Dining room in the Starliner Diner Photo courtesy of Brian Kaiser

BEST RESTAURANT REYNOLDSBURG

641 N High St•thepearlcolumbus.com

7051 E Main St•thehickoryhouse.com

№ [2] » Tucci's № [3] » Local Roots

№ [2] » Block's Bagels & Deli № [3] » Scali

BEST RESTAURANT GRANDVIEW/UA

BEST FRANKLINTON/HILLTOP

1051 Goodale Blvd•highbankdistillery.com

914 W Broad St•tommysdiner.com

№ [2] » Third & Hollywood № [3] » Cap City Fine Diner

№ [2] » BrewDog № [3] » Yellow Brick Pizza

BEST RESTAURANT GROVE CITY

BEST RESTAURANT CAMPUS/CLINTONVILLE/LINDEN

1650 Stringtown Rd•roosterswings.com

4241 N High St•thenorthstarcafe.com

№ [2] » Plank's on Broadway № [3] » Grove City Brewing Company

№ [2] » Pat & Gracie's № [3] » Harvest Bar + Kitchen

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↑ Patron enjoying Skeeball at Pins Mechanical Co. Photo courtesy of Megan Leigh Barnard

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BEST OVERALL BAR

Multiple Locations•pinsbar.com № [2] » Seventh Son Brewing Co. № [3] » Land-Grant Brewing Co.

BEST NEW BAR

4120 Worth Ave•rh.com/columbus/restaurant № [2] » Townhall № [3] » Getaway Brewing

BEST IRISH PUB

1248 W. 3rd Ave•byrnespub.com № [2] » Fado Irish Pub № [3] » Dublin Village Tavern

BEST DIVE BAR

284 E Beck St•@becktavern № [2] » Hey Hey Bar & Grill № [3] » Char Bar

BEST SPORTS BAR

Multiple locations •roosterswings.com № [2] » Grandview Cafe № [3] » Short North Pint House

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BEST LGBTQ BAR

782 N High St.•unioncafe.com № [2] » Slammers Bar & Pizza Kitchen № [3] » Axis Nightclub

BEST ROOFTOP BAR

711 N High St.•lincolnsocialrooftop.com № [2] » VASO № [3] » RH Rooftop Restaurant

BEST DINING PATIO

169 E. Beck St •lindeys.com № [2] » Milestone 229 № [3] » Barcelona

BEST DRINKING PATIO

421 W. Town St•landgrantbrewing.com № [2] » BrewDog № [3] » Pins Mechanical Co.

BEST GASTROPUB

1051 Goodale Blvd•highbankdistillery.com № [2] » 101 Beer Kitchen № [3] » The Pearl

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↑ John Maher - Watershed Photo courtesy of Watershed

BEST BARTENDER

1145 Chesapeake Ave•watersheddistillery.com № [2] » Rokellee Pace - Union № [3] » Nathan Borders - Union Cafe/Axis

BEST BAR/ARCADE

Multiple Locations•pinsbar.com № [2] » 16-Bit Bar + Arcade № [3] » Old North Arcade

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BEST LOCAL BREWERY

1101 N. 4th St•seventhsonbrewing.com № [2] » BrewDog № [3] » Land-Grant Brewing Co.

BEST LOCAL SPIRITS

1145 Chesapeake Ave•watersheddistillery.com № [2] » High Bank Distillery Co. № [3] » Middle West Spirits

BEST BLOODY MARY

Multiple Locations•thepearlrestaurant.com № [2] » HangOverEasy № [3] » Standard Hall

BEST TO-GO COCKTAILS

↑ Full House at Seventh Son Brewing Co Photo courtesy of Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST WINE SELECTION

1051 Goodale Blvd.•highbankdistillery.com

4230 The Strand•chwinery.com

№ [2] » Condado Tacos № [3] » Local Cantina

№ [2] » The Wine Bistro № [3] » The Bottle Shop

BEST CREATIVE COCKTAILS

BEST BEER SELECTION

1051 Goodale Blvd.•highbankdistillery.com

Multiple locations •101beerkitchen.com

№ [2] » Watershed Kitchen & Bar № [3] » Antiques on High

№ [2] » Pins Mechanical Co. № [3] » Short North Pint House

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BEST HAPPY HOUR

721 N High St•fornoshortnorth.com

№ [2] » High Bank Distillery Co. № [3] » Kitchen Social

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BEST BAR EASTON/GAHANNA

4080 Worth Ave. •forbiddenroot.com № [2] » Gatsby's Bar & Grille № [3] » 101 Beer Kitchen

BEST BAR WORTHINGTON

Multiple Locations•oldbagofnails.com № [2] » Pies & Pints № [3] » Zaftig Brewing Co. & Taproom

BEST BAR NEW ALBANY

7148 Town Market Ln East •lcgoat.com № [2] » Rusty Bucket № [3] » Pastimes Pub & Grill

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↑ First Floor, Forbidden Root Photo courtesy of Zane Osler

BEST BAR WESTERVILLE/POLARIS

Multiple Locations•ourkitchensocial.com № [2] » Uptown Deli & Brew № [3] » 101 Beer Kitchen

BEST BAR HILLIARD

5354 Center St.•crookedcanohio.com № [2] » The Goat № [3] » Roosters

BEST BAR DUBLIN/POWELL

6540 Riverside Dr.•vasodublin.com № [2] » Nocterra Brewing № [3] » Dublin Village Tavern

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BEST BAR GROVE CITY

3946 Broadway•grovecitybrewery.com № [2] » Zassy's Taproom № [3] » Hop Yard 62

BEST BAR REYNOLDSBURG

4796 W Broad St•otoolesgrill.com № [2] » Prost Beer & Wine Cafe № [3] » Sextons Pizza

BEST BAR DOWNTOWN

1101 N. 4th St•seventhsonbrewing.com № [2] » Short North Tavern № [3] » Union Cafe

BEST BAR ARENA DISTRICT

↑ Highbank Distillery Co. Photo courtesy of Collins Laatsch

BEST BAR BEXLEY

415 N Front St•rbararena.com

2891 E Main St•thetopsteakhouse.com

№ [2] » Betty's Bar № [3] » Brothers Bar & Grill

№ [2] » Harvest Pizzeria № [3] » Rusty Bucket

BEST BAR UA/GRANDVIEW

1051 Goodale Blvd.•highbankdistillery.com № [2] » Grandview Cafe № [3] » Byrne's Pub

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BEST BAR CAMPUS/CLINTONVILLE/LINDEN

20 Frambes Ave•@outrinn № [2] » The Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar № [3] » Bob's Bar

BEST BAR GERMAN VILLAGE/OTE/MERION VILLAGE

714 S High St•antiquesonhigh.com № [2] » Thurman Cafe № [3] » Club 185

BEST BAR FRANKLINTON/HILLTOP

421 W. Town St•landgrantbrewing.com № [2] » Yellow Brick Pizza № [3] » Strongwater Food & Spirits

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↑ Nina West Photo provided by Lane Bryant

FAVORITE COLUMBUS CELEBRITY

@ninawest № [2] » Ryan Day № [3] » Archie Griffin

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BEST COVER BAND

@the_reaganomics № [2] » Hoo Doo Soul Band № [3] » Shucking Bubba

BEST LOCAL BAND

@caamp № [2] » MoJoFlo № [3] » North to Nashville

BEST LOCAL SOLO MUSICIAN

@mollywintersmusic № [2] » John Schwab № [3] » Dave Powers

FAVORITE LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

@yolandaharristv № [2] » Dom Tiberi (10TV) № [3] » Monica Day (NBC4)

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO STATION

1036 S Front St•cd929fm.com № [2] » 97.9, WNCI № [3] » 92.3, WCOL

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BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

800 Baldwin Dr•apartmentsattheyard.com № [2] » Grandview Apartments by Albion № [3] » Bridge Park Apartments

BEST HOTEL

50 W Broad St•hotellevequecolumbus.com № [2] » Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph № [3] » AC Hotel

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

grandviewheights.gov № [2] » Clintonville № [3] » German Village

BEST RECEPTION/EVENT SPACE

↑ Grandview Yard Photo courtesy of James DeCamp

BEST EMPLOYER UNDER 500 EMPLOYEES

1777 E Broad St•fpconservatory.com

Multiple Locations•hotchickentakeover.com

№ [2] » Columbus Museum of Art № [3] » Columbus Athenaeum

№ [2] » BrewDog № [3] » Moo Moo Car Wash

BEST LOCAL PLACE TO GET MARRIED

BEST EMPLOYER OVER 500 EMPLOYES

1777 E Broad St•fpconservatory.com

281 W Lane Ave•osu.edu

№ [2] » Jorgensen Farms № [3] » Whetstone Park of Roses

№ [2] » Nationwide Children's Hospital № [3] » Ohio Health

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BEST BOWLING ALLEY

5499 Ten Pin Alley•tenpinalley.com № [2] » Pins Mechanical Co. № [3] » Star Lanes

BEST MOVIE THEATER

275 Easton Town Center•amctheatres.com № [2] » Marcus Crosswoods № [3] » Gateway Film Center

BEST ART GALLERY

1871 N High St•wexarts.org № [2] » Studios on High № [3] » 934 Gallery

BEST COMEDY VENUE

145 Easton Town Center•columbus.funnybone.com № [2] » Shadowbox Live № [3] » Woodland's Tavern

BEST PARK

1051 Goodale Blvd.•highbankdistillery.com № [2] » Columbus Park of Roses № [3] » Schiller Park

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↑ Quarry Trails Metropark Photo courtesy of Spencer Lookabaugh

BEST FREE FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

Multiple Locations•metroparks.net № [2] » Franklin Park Conservatory (First Sundays) № [3] » Columbus Museum of Art (Sundays)

BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION

4850 W Powell Rd•columbuszoo.org № [2] » COSI № [3] » Zoombezi Bay

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS

4850 W Powell Rd•columbuszoo.org № [2] » North Market № [3] » The Short North

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↑ Bustiling day at North Market Downtwon Photo courtesy of Brian Kaiser

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BEST LOCAL GROCERY STORE

Multiple Locations•northmarket.org № [2] » Carfagna's № [3] » Weiland's Market

BEST LARGE GROCERY STORE

Multiple Locations•kroger.com № [2] » Trader Joe's № [3] » Giant Eagle

BEST MEAT MARKET

1440 Gemini Place•carfagnasmarket.com № [2] » The Butcher & Grocer № [3] » Weiland's Market

BEST BICYCLE STORE

rollbicycles.com № [2] » Trek Bicycles № [3] » Paradise Garage

BEST DRY CLEANERS

Multiple Locations•swancleaners.com № [2] » Dublin Cleaners № [3] » Westerville Cleaners

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BEST TATTOO PARLOR

Multiple Locations•evolvedbodyart.com № [2] » High Street Tattoo № [3] » Sacred Hand Tattoo Society

BEST FURNITURE STORE

1900 IKEA Way•ikea.com № [2] » Elm & Iron № [3] » Grandview Mercantile

↑ Evolved Body Art exterior Photo courtesy of Leonardo Carrizo

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BEST JEWELRY STORE

Multiple Locations•diamondcellar.com № [2] » Worthington Jewelers № [3] » Red Giraffe

BEST SPA/SALON

Multiple Locations•penzonesalons.com № [2] » Kenneth's Hair Salon № [3] » Boss Gal Beauty & Bar

BEST MASSAGE PARLOR

Multiple Locations•woodhousespas.com № [2] » Massage Envy № [3] » PENZONE Salons + Spa

BEST BANK

Multiple Locations•huntington.com № [2] » Chase Bank № [3] » PNC Bank

BEST HOSPITAL

3535 Olentangy River Rd•ohiohealth.com № [2] » Wexner Medical Center № [3] » Nationwide Children's Hospital

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↑ Homage location in the Short North Photo courtesy of Collins Laatsch

BEST CLOTHING STORE

BEST HARDWARE STORE

Multiple Locations•homage.com

Multiple Locations•menards.com

№ [2] » Vernacular № [3] » Jolie

№ [2] » Zettler Hardware № [3] » Schreiner Ace Hardware

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

BEST THRIFT STORE

160 Easton Town Center•eastontowncenter.com

Multiple Locations•ohiothriftinc.com

№ [2] » Polaris Fashion Place № [3] » Tanger Outlets

№ [2] » Goodwill № [3] » Rag-O-Rama

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BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

Multiple Locations•germainofcolumbus.com № [2] » Byers Auto Group № [3] » Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet

BEST CAB COMPANY

uber.com № [2] » Yellow Cab № [3] » Dublin Taxi

BEST BOOK STORE

631 S Third Street•bookloft.com № [2] » Half Price Books № [3] » Barnes & Noble

BEST PLACE TO GET FIT

Multiple Locations•planetfitness.com № [2] » Orange Theory № [3] » YMCA

BEST PET STORE

Multiple Locations•petpeople.com № [2] » Pet Smart № [3] » Mutts & Co.

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↑ OSU Animal Hospital

BEST BEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL

601 Vernon L Tharp St•vet.osu.edu № [2] » MedVet № [3] » Avery Animal Hospital

BEST PET GROOMER

1627 West First Avenue•doggiedayspacolumbus.com № [2] » Mutts & Co № [3] » PetSmart

BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE

Multiple Locations•dogtopia.com № [2] » Camp Bow Wow № [3] » Pet Suites

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↑ Oakland Nursery Photo courtesy of Collins Laatsch

BEST GARDEN/NURSERY STORE

Multiple Locations•oaklandnursery.com

5890 Scarborough Blvd•magicmountainfuncenter.com

№ [2] » Strader's Garden Center № [3] » Groovy Plant Ranch

№ [2] » Play CBUS № [3] » The Chiller

BEST FLORIST

FAVORITE LOCAL CHARITY

1877 Kenny Rd•5thaveflowers.com

3960 Brookham Dr•mofc.org

№ [2] » Flowerama № [3] » Connell Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts

№ [2] » Ronald McDonald House № [3] » Columbus Humane Society

BEST PLACE FOR PARTIES

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BEST PLACE FOR A KIDS BIRTHDAY

BEST BED AND BREAKFAST

Multiple Locations•pinsbar.com

519 S Drexel Ave•bexleybedandbreakfast.com

№ [2] » Top Golf № [3] » Ten Pin Alley

№ [2] » Timbrook Guesthouse № [3] » 50 Lincoln Bed & Breakfast

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Let's face it, when you need a professional, whether it's a doctor, a Real Estate agent, or some other service-related field, you want to know what services they offer, but you also want to know who they are and what they're about. (614) is going to help you with that!

Every quarter, we will feature some of Columbus' top professionals in this special advertising section that helps you learn not just what they do, but how they do it and what their story is. From social enterprises that work to better their communities to highly skilled medical professionals who can better your health, we've got the story behind the storefront—and we're excited for you to meet them. Columbus, meet The Professionals. →

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↓ Christian Tharp

Charting a Course The new, in-person classes that help Columbus residents take control of their financial futures

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

O

hio native Christian Tharp has dipped his toe into a variety of business ventures, from home improvement to real estate. Eventually though, he realized his favorite money-making venture was trading stocks and options.

“I learned to figure it out, and like any entrepreneur, I wanted to take it to the next level,” Tharp said.

Tharp went all in. Soon after educating himself, he realized what he really enjoyed was educating others. Now, Tharp is looking to share his trading and investment expertise to empower other central Ohio residents. On April 1, he celebrated the grand opening of The Chartist Academy, a one-of-a-kind space at 1325 Grandview Ave. with classes covering stocks, options, and—coming this summer— crypto currency.

“Tackling the market is something you can do,” he said. “I keep things extremely simple.”

In-person classes led by Tharp are offered during the day, night, and weekends to accommodate a variety of schedules. The goal is to give attendees the knowledge to handle their own financial investments. Classes are limited in size to provide hands-on experience and immediate feedback.

Classes include Stocks 101 and 102 and Options 101 and 102. Each class includes four in-class sessions, four pre-class video tutorials, and two months of access to weekly Live Market Rundown Zoom meetings and trade support via email. The building block for everything else, Stocks 101 includes the fundamentals of the stock market, as well as trend analysis, charting, and basic strategies to reduce risk and maximize profitability.

Tharp said relating to his students is easy because he was once in their position.

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↓ Christian Tharp, instructing how to trade stock

"Tackling the

market is something you can do, I KEEP THINGS EXTREMELY SIMPLE.

"

↑ Christian Tharp, teaches individuals

“I had to learn to figure it out,” he said.

After discovering a passion for trading and investing, Tharp earned the designation of Chartered Market Technician from the CMT Association by demonstrating a mastery of investment risk in portfolio management, quantitative approaches to market research, and rules-based trading system design and testing.

He had a few years of trading under his belt by the time he reached out to a New York-based stock and options trading company. Tharp became a stock and options coach for the company, working with students for months to teach them how to manage risk and develop discipline. Working with 80 to 100 students a week, Tharp taught over 4,000 individuals from over 30 countries around the world.

He worked with stay-at-home moms, senior citizens managing their retirement, and those trying to create a second income.

“It was really empowering,” he said.

After the company changed its business model and opted for advisory services instead of coaching, Tharp decided he needed to continue teaching others what he learned. He knew he loved helping people manage their own investments.

“Those things were very fulfilling to me,” he said.

Tharp came up with the idea for The Chartist Academy about two years ago, and spent the last year working on the company’s buildout. Because of his previous coaching work, he knew how much people craved in-person education. There was a

general distrust of online courses.

“I’m not hiding behind a website in California,” he said.

Through the classes offered at The Chartist Academy, students can learn trend analysis, price pattern recognition, risk management, loss protection, and more. In addition to group classes, The Chartist Academy offers private events, a free weekly newsletter and free events. Tharp offers private coaching and is also available for public speaking engagements for local businesses.

Class offerings and schedule information can be found via the academy website, and individuals can also attend free events to learn more.

“No one cares as much about your money as you do,” Tharp said.

1325 Grandview Ave. Columbus, Ohio (614) 745-0035 Info@TheChartistAcademy.com thechartistacademy.com 614NOW.COM

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Experts in the Field How the LKW Home Team has become one of the biggest names in central Ohio realty

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Aaron Massey

S

ince 2019, LKW Home Team has been giving their clients the tools they need to adeptly navigate the central Ohio housing market as buyers and sellers—especially those new to the game.

“Our goal is to make sure that they’re 100 percent comfortable,” said Jennifer KesselWhite, who co-owns the LKW Home Team with her partner, Lauren Lucas.

Lucas and Kessel-White have built their team to be family oriented, and are focused on building lasting relationships. With their stats, it shows! Since June of 2019, the LKW Home Team has sold 319 homes - 220 of those sales came from their sphere, past clients, and referrals from past clients. With over 100 5 star reviews on Google and Zillow, you can see how the LKW Home Team really sets themselves apart in their industry.

When hiring the LKW Home Team for the job, Buyers can expect a personalized one-onone consultation where expectations are set to be a Buyer in this market. Jenn, Lauren, and their team, ensure their Buyers not only understand terms like appraisal gap coverage, but also what it takes to win in this market. They believe having those tough conversations in the beginning of the process can help their Buyers navigate the market better, but also empowering their Buyers is very important to them. The LKW Home Team can frequently be found in neighborhoods that their Buyers would love to live in, flyering and door knocking to find off market opportunities.

Sellers, on the other hand, can expect representation that goes above and beyond just sticking a For Sale sign in their yard, and uploading their home to the MLS. The LKW Home Team takes the time to provide their Sellers with feedback on what needs done to get them top dollar! They pay for professional photography, and take marketing to the next

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↑ Lauren Lucas and Jennifer Kessel-White

"YOU TELL

US WHAT YOU WANT, AND WE’RE GOING TO GET THE JOB DONE...

"

level with postcards, flyers, social media, and elite open houses - so top notch that they have had neighbors ask them to come list their home multiple times after an Open House.

Located at 1510 W. Lane Ave. in Upper Arlington, the LKW Home Team was founded by Lucas and Kessel-White in June of 2019. The team has since grown to include a total of six agents, a client concierge specialist, and a transaction coordinator.

Since its inception, LKW Home Team has been earning a slew of accolades . In 2019, 2020, and 2021, LKW Home Team was recognized in the top 1 percent of agents in Central Ohio from a group of over 9,000 agents. In 2020, three members of the LKW team were recognized as one of the top 100 social media agents in the state. In 2021, the business was named one of the top 10 agents to watch out for in the USA and Canada in Yahoo Finance and Forbes.

Though LKW Home Team is a leader in its industry, co-owners Lucas and Kessel-White didn’t always know they wanted to work in the housing market.

Lucas, in fact, had initially followed in her family’s footsteps and entered the job market in law enforcement. An internship with the Ohio State Highway Patrol gave way to a career that also included employment with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. But despite her progress, Lucas realized she was unhappy.

A turning point came when Lucas tried to purchase a home in Gahanna that was being sold via short sale. Uneducated in the home buying process, Lucas didn’t know she could work with a buyer’s agent who could represent her, and ended up in contract for months.

The experience motivated her to begin researching the home buying process and earn her real estate license in March of 2017.

“Ever since then, I have made it my goal to make sure that none of my clients would ever have to go through what I went through,” she said.

While Lucas was motivated to enter the real estate industry after a bad buyer experience, KesselWhite’s motivation stemmed from life experience.

Throughout her childhood, her parents rented homes, but never owned them—it wasn’t until she was an adult that her parents finally owned their own homes.

“I wanted a different trajectory for myself and my family,” Kessel-White said.

Kessel-White spent 15 years in the hospitality industry before determining that her entrepreneurial goals were better suited for real estate, and earned her real estate license in October of 2017.

Both members of the central Ohio LGBTQIA community in addition to being newcomers to the real estate industry, Kessel-White and Lucas became acquainted with each other. In 2019 they joined forces, working as business partners and later becoming personal life partners. They now live together in Westerville, where they help to raise their

two boys.

Today, LKW Home Team has become a force in the central Ohio real estate industry in large part because of the team’s reputation and attention to detail. Education is also key, and the team ensures first-time buyers and sellers thoroughly understand the process.

“You tell us what you want, and we’re going to get the job done,” Lucas said. “‘No’ is not an option for us.”

1510 W. Lane Ave Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

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(614) 321-9262 lkwhometeam.com

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Still Shining After 75 years, Denig Jewelers celebrates a sparkling reputation

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Sarah Pfeifer

T

hough 75 years has passed since Denig Jewelers first began serving the central Ohio community, at its core, the jeweler remains the same.

Three generations have since operated the business since Fred Denig first opened his jewelry shop in 1947. The business now sits at 677 High St., a few doors away from its original location. But the Denigs continue to carry on the legacy of integrity, excellent customer service, and expertise that the business has become known for over decades.

Scott Denig, who co-owns the business with spouse Stephanie Denig, said his grandfather, Fred, and his father, Jack, worked for a lifetime to establish a stellar reputation.

“My dad was a very good teacher,” Scott said. “I try to carry on his ways.”

Scott began working for the family business beginning in the ninth grade, when he would work afternoons after school. He started working on the shop floor, and realized a love for working with people.

“I’ve been at it all my life,” he said.

After working with customers, Scott started learning goldsmithing and silversmithing. He is a resident graduate gemologist and is certified by the American Gem Society, and skilled at jewelry appraisal.

In addition to offering custom work, appraisal, and jewelry and watch repair, Denig offers a stunning variety of fine jewelry at various price points, including watches, engagement rings, colored stone, sterling silver, pearls, and more. The shop also offers designer items from Lika Behar, Mastoloni, Simon G., Gumuchian, Kit Heath, E.L. Designs by Ed Levin, Zeghani, and Tissot. Denig also offers estate pieces.

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↑ Scott and Stephanie Denig

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WE TRY TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS IN ANY WAY WE CAN...

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↑ Denig Jewler's showroom

↓ Clay Denig

Pieces for every season will be on display during the shop’s annual May sale event, where customers can shop for gifts for graduations, Mother’s Day, baptisms, weddings, and more.

The business has amassed a large following by word of mouth from the central Ohio area, as well as customers across the country on the east and west coasts.

“We try to help our customers in any way we can,” Scott said.

Denig is also known for their custom work.

Stephanie said she often hears phenomenal stories from dedicated customers when she’s out and about. Once, while voting at her local precinct, Stephanie met a presiding judge who excitedly showed her a custom ring that she said Jack Denig had made for her.

“She was just so proud of her ring,” Stephanie said.

While Denig has attracted families with generations of dedicated customers, the jeweler’s longevity is owed to family members who remain committed to quality customer service. Four generations of Denigs have now worked at the jeweler. Scott and Stephanie took over the business in 2011, and their daughter and son, Raleigh and Clay, now work at the shop as well.

Like his father did before him, Clay is an apprentice in gold- and silversmithing, and he’s pursuing a gemology certification. He spends most of his time on the floor with sales—he especially enjoys discussing custom work with customers.

“I’m very thankful that I’m here to be able to do this,” he said.

677 High Street Worthington, Ohio 43085 1-800-601-2801 denigjewler@midohio.twcbc.com www.denigjewelers.net

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↓ Chris Bright

Better Prepared The investment services planner that will help you develop a roadmap to financial security

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Sarah Pfeifer

I

f you feel like you’re at a loss when it comes to learning about financial investments, know that you’re not alone.

In fact, Chris Bright, financial advisor at Pathways Financial Planning, said many members need help with learning how to plan and invest, especially in today’s complicated economy.

“In today’s challenging and complex economic environment there services are needed now more than ever,” Mr. Bright said.

Mr. Bright is a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC), employed by the Credit Union National Association, or CUNA. He provides services such as retirement planning and investment management for members or non-members to Pathways Financial Credit Union locations across Ohio; you don’t have to be a Pathways member to access Bright’s services The benefit? Since Mr. Bright isn’t tied to a particular company, he doesn’t have to use the proprietary products and services many big name investment firms offer. This control is particularly valuable because each situation and client is unique.

“I have complete autonomy running my practice. The goal is to construct the best plan for our Members. Having control over the financial planning and investment decision making process has proven invaluable.” Mr. Bright said.

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" THESE SERVICES ARE

NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER...

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→ Interior of Pathways

With seven offices in Columbus, three in Dayton, and one in Springfield, Pathways serves members in Ohio and beyond. The organization began offering investment management services in 2016, and in 2020 was recognized as the best private wealth management by Columbus CEO. Mr. Bright brings 13 years of experience to his clients.

Chris earned two bachelor's degrees from OSU and a Masters in financial economics from Ohio University before diving deeper into the investment management world.

“I wanted to have that additional exposure and that expertise – beyond the traditional series 7 requirement,” he said.

Mr. Bright has worked at several companies with different investment processes – including a local Independent investment firm, a large Broker Dealer and an investment management company. His broad industry exposure allows him to utilize aspects that worked for clients at these firms in his current practice.

Bringing transparency, honesty, and empathy to his service, Bright has the unique flexibility to collaboratively work with his clients to decide which products make the most sense for each member.

Some are looking for specific products and services, while others are looking for a holistic financial planner. In both cases, Bright can meet the needs of his clients.

Covering all Ohio branches for Pathways, Bright can meet his clients in a number of different locations. He can also meet with clients over the phone and via Zoom. To help people learn more about his services, Bright offers free, no-stringsattached consultations in which prospective clients can ask questions about preparing for retirement, managing financial planning, and everything in between.

His clients represent a diverse age group and come from different phases of life. Many sometimes need help with the technical side of investing, and aren’t knowledgeable about the financial market.

No matter what challenges each client faces, Bright works with all of them to help them better prepare for their financial future.

Talking to people and problem solving are parts of his job that Bright most enjoys.

In working with his clients, he encourages them to share with him their most important goals.

“Every situation is unique – but the first step is always listening,” he said.

5665 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus, OH 43230 (614) 416-7588 mail@pathwayscu.com www.pathwayscu.com The message and any attached material are confidential. If received in error, please inform me immediately and destroy the information at once. Any unauthorized use, distribution, or copying of this information is prohibited.Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.

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↓ Leahna Little

So Fresh, So Clean How a family-owned cleaning company created a name for itself

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Sarah Pfeifer

P

inkney’s Loving Care Services has come a long way.

Back in 2015, Leahna Little and her husband, Travis Little Sr., started the cleaning company after a supplies run and some classes on chemical cleaners.

And while some didn’t believe their business would ever be successful, the Littles slowly built up a customer base on a foundation of communication and attention to detail.

Now, the family-owned company employs 28 employees and carries out a variety of cleaning services in the central Ohio area.

“It feels amazing,” Leahna said. “We’ve been able to employ some family members, also.”

Pinkney’s Loving Care Services specializes in commercial and residential cleaning, preand post-construction clean-up, drain and detail cleaning, janitorial cleaning, disinfectant treatment, green cleaning, and customized cleaning. The business has clients in Columbus, Gahanna, Blacklick, Heath, Lancaster, Springfield, and Bowling Green.

But long before they built up their clientele, the Littles were inspired to become entrepreneurs when Leahna, a director of operations for a senior living community, was tasked with finding a cleaning and maintenance company. After receiving quotes that were much higher than she desired, Leahna talked to her husband, who had worked for cleaning companies in the past.

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"WE PAY

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↓ Leahna Little and Travis Little Sr. with their family

“We just decided that we would start our own business,” she said.

Despite Travis’ previous experience, the Littles wanted to ensure they could expertly assist their customers. The couple took classes to learn about how to safely use cleaning chemicals. They took $500 and purchased supplies. And despite some doubts from a few people they knew, the Littles took their idea and ran with it.

“We look back, and we always laugh about it,” Leahna said.

Leahna and Travis started their cleaning company using a database in which businesses pay for client leads. They also worked door to door.

Their hard work paid off. Customers soon grew to associate Pinkney’s with a strong work ethic as well as open communication.

“We pay attention to detail,” Leahna said.

The Littles now use commercial equipment and cleaners for all client visits. This comes in handy, especially when using low-noise vacuums at office buildings during the day.

“They could be on the phone, and we could still vacuum their office,” Leahna said.

Pinkney’s has a variety of clients, including factories, libraries, and offices. The business also also works with dialysis centers and specializes in addressing blood-borne pathogens and expertly cleaning blood, urine, and feces.

After meeting a client, Pinkney’s will schedule a walk-through at the place of business before issuing the client an estimate. Employees are able to begin cleaning as little as five days after the estimate is issued. The business requires a 30-day notice if the client wishes to suspend cleaning. Interested parties can contact the business via travislittle@plcsvcs.com or by calling 614-817-7989 or 614-312-1254.

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4449 Easton Way Columbus, OH 43219 (614) 817-7989 plc.services@yahoo.com pinkneylovingcare.com

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GROOVY PLANTS

↑ Flight of Three Tigers Brewing beers

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How Marengo’s Groovy Plants Ranch blossomed from a handful of succulents into a whacky-but-wonderful collection that’s nothing short of world class

By Jack McLaughlin Photos by Leonardo Carrizo Story Design by Emma Quinn

Ask Jared Hughes where Groovy Plants Ranch began and he’ll give you the same answer he gives to everyone. And it’s the last place most of us would expect.

“It was the floor of Foertmeyer & Sons,” he said with a restrained chuckle.

While in college, Hughes took a position as a general laborer at Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse in Delaware, Ohio. He didn’t know— or care—much about plants or their cultivation at the time, but slowly, like a green sliver of sprout breaking through the soil, both his knowledge and his desire grew. → 614NOW.COM

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↑ Liz and Jared Hughes, Owners of Groovy Plants Ranch

He began moonlighting as a landscaper, and started paying more and more attention to the plants in the nursery that were around him daily.

“I would notice all these little pieces of plants would fall off the nursery shelves. A few weeks later, there would be little plants growing where they fell,” Hughes said. “And then I got more and more interested.

I fell in love with plants; I soaked up everything I could like a sponge.”

So instead of pursuing a career in natural resources—his college major—Hughes chose to pivot instead. He purchased an entire retail rack of succulents for $300 that his boss at Foertmeyer & Sons wasn’t able to sell, chopped them up into “thousands of pieces,” and plunged forward into his plants.

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“That’s how it’s been, really,” Liz Hughes, Jared’s wife and co-owner of Groovy Plants Ranch, said of the propagation process. “One crop would eventually pay for another, and then one greenhouse would pay for the next. It’s a process, but it’s one we love.”

Groovy Plants Ranch initially began as a wholesale operation, selling home-grown succulents to customers like Oakland Nurseries and Strader’s Garden Center. And to this day, the Hughes say that the use of plant cuttings to propagate their own plants is core to the operation of the Ranch.

Because of this, they’re always on the lookout for interesting species, even when they’re on vacation.→

"I FELL IN LOVEWITH PLANTS; I SOAKED UP EVERYTHING I COULD LIKE A SPONGE.

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↑ Flowers blooming in the morning sun

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↑ Jared Hughes, with potted plants

“We’re kind of worried about the TSA at this point,” Jared Hughes said with a laugh. “There was one trip we went to Denver for a conference, and we had to buy a new suitcase to fit everything we found. And we filled it up completely; I don’t think that suitcase would have held one more plant.”

They estimate that one of their best-selling flowers, a species they found while in Portland, has been propagated upwards of 40,000 times.

If things are starting to sound a

bit scientific, that’s because they sort of are. The experience of being at Groovy Plants Ranch—with nearly two acres of walkable, plant-lined greenhouse and outdoor space (plus four more acres of plant “production” space)—begins to feel like a stroll through a natural history museum, with a giant, interactive catalog of interesting and unusual plants all around.

But at the same time, the calculated and the systematic are just as often thrown out the window at Groovy Plants Ranch.

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This is nowhere more evident than in the business name itself.

“A lot of people see our name and think, ‘What exactly does that mean: Is it 70s? Are there cowboys?’” Liz Hughes said. “But that’s it exactly: It’s not definable on purpose. We’re not a curated plant store in a little building.

We’re not just a garden center. This is this kind of undefinable thing.”

While the space needs to be seen in person to truly appreciate all of its unique flavor and flair, it has also becoming something of a social media sensation, where people

↑ Golden blooms

take photos of the vintage 70s van permanently parked in front of the Ranch, or a sprawling section of Cryptanthus with stark, multi-colored stripes.

“Our mission statement is basically to have a plant mecca where people can come and see and experience plants,” Liz Hughes said.

“Because we’re not just a store. If we were just a store, we wouldn't be in the middle of a wooded lot in the country.

It’s not just just about growing and selling; It’s about people coming and enjoying their time.”

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↓ Visitors enjoying the greenery

To this end, the Ranch is always growing and evolving as well. Jared Hughes has added a new greenhouse tour to the list of Groovy Plant attractions. For $20 (an amount that is later put toward your plant purchases for the day), visitors can join Hughes on a walk through Groovy Plants Ranch’s offerings, pick his brain for advice, and simply talk about plants with other passionate plant people.

The Hughes are always constantly adapting to the highly mutable plant market as well. Last year, they noted the “house plant boom” was in full effect, and they could barely keep up with demand. And while they probably can’t predict the next huge trend with pinpoint accuracy, it likely doesn’t matter much.

They’ll be ready either way.

“We have hundreds of rare plants, but for people only looking for one thing, they might just walk right past it and not know,” Jared Hughes said.

“We have all of these things because we love plants. We really do. Our place has grown considerably, but at the end of the day, we’re just plant nerds. That’s why we do this.” ♦ To learn more, visit groovyplantsranch.com

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↑ Jared Hughes, tending to the flowers

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