Columbus Monthly - January 2022

Power Outage

Wexner is diminished. Fischer is moving on. The era of the Titans is over, creating both uncertainty and hope.

Is anyone in charge?

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Contents

POWER OUTAGE

The era of the Titans is over, creating uncertainty and hope.

Features

40 HOTTER THAN HELL

What do you get when you mix Columbus, Cincinnati, the USMNT, international intrigue and two proud Ohio fan bases? Bad blood, intensifying rivalries and a glorious season of high-stakes soccer (and trolling).

44

PIZZUTI VS. THE NEIGHBORS

The development battle in the German Village area isn’t just another NIMBY squabble. It’s also about the future of growth in a city bursting at the seams.

Photo by Tim Johnson

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ART DIRECTOR

Betsy Becker

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Power, Through the Years

Much has changed since Columbus Monthly published its firs major survey of power in the city in 1976. Players have come and gone—Charles Lazarus, James Rhodes, Buck Rinehart, Mel Schottenstein, so many people named John (John W. Wolfe, John F. Wolfe, John B. McCoy, John H. McConnell)—but this magazine has been a constant through it all. Every fiveyears or so, we publish a deep dive into the city’s power dynamics: Who’s in, who’s out, who’s on the rise, who’s MIA. We’re as reliable as rain at the Memorial Tournament or a victory over Michigan in November.

WHAT WE LEARNED THIS MONTH

1 The top fundraiser in the Upper Arlington school board race collected $73,947, nearly triple the biggest total from four years ago (Page 14).

Contributors

Maybe this moment is just a blip, and a new billionaire will emerge and rally the community around his or her vision. But I doubt it. The more likely scenario is we’ve entered a new era of shared leadership, and we have to figureout how to accomplish things in a different way.

2 Columbus officials hen’t updated the city’s zoning code in nearly 70 years (Page 44).

3 You can try your hand at the Winter Olympics sport of curling at Land-Grand Brewing Co.’s beer garden in January (Page 80).

But circumstances change— even Michigan can get lucky every 10 years or so. Last year, we didn’t publish a traditional power story on our usual five-year rotation. Because of the racial justice protests, we chose to focus on the activists at the center of that burgeoning grassroots moment. This year, we planned to go back to the old model, which has always included a ranked list of the city’s most powerful people. But again, we had to adjust. New developments—Les Wexner taking a step back from the civic scene, Columbus Partnership CEO Alex Fischer resigning—have created unprecedented uncertainty.

It’s a fascinating time, with new leaders emerging and interesting questions to explore, but clarity about who’s on top of the power structure isn’t there. As one civic leader told me: “It used to be pretty obvious; you could get eight right out of the gate that nobody would argue with. But to get 10 and then to rank them? I don’t even know how you would do it.”

So we didn’t. Instead, our cover package (“Power Outage,” Page 26) digs deep into the circumstances the city faces at the moment: shifting dynamics, new leaders, serious challenges. But you won’t find any ankings.

If you’re a subscriber, you may have noticed that your recent issues have been arriving a week or so later than usual. Printing delays are causing the slow delivery. Just like so many other industries, printers are struggling to find enough workers to manage production at their facilities, and that has caused challenges for Columbus Monthly and its sister Dispatch Magazines publications. We’re working with our printer to address the issue, but for the time being, magazines will continue to arrive a little later than usual.

Dave Ghose dghose@columbusmonthly.com

PHOTOS: CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT, ROB HARDIN; COURTESY LAURA ARENSCHIELD; COURTESY CHRIS DEVILLE; COURTESY TERESA WOODARD

Laura Arenschield is a Worthington-based writer and a former Columbus Dispatch staffe. Her feature, “Pizzuti vs. the Neighbors,” appears on Page 44.

Chris Deville wrote about the intensifying rivalry between Columbus and Cincinnati soccer fans (“Hotter Than Hell,” Page 40). He’s the managing editor for the music website Stereogum.

Teresa Woodard is a lifestyle writer for local, regional and national magazines. She wrote about the Highland Youth Garden in the Hilltop (Page 74).

MARCH

Health Matters: Surviving Cancer

This special sec tion will give readers important information about screening, early detection and treatment options available right here in Columbus.

Guide to Cosmetic Procedures and Treatments

In this special advertising section, you can let readers know about your specialty, your experience and how you can be a partner in their quest to keep looking and feeling great.

March Issue Closing: January 21

Home & Garden:

Spring/Summer

Springtime is about refreshing the home, from interior rooms to outdoor settings. This issue will focus on seasonal updates, with home and garden features that have looks we love Home & Garden Closing: January 14

APRIL

Spring Fashion

Keep up with what’s current in fashion.

FACES

FACES will showcase some of the most interesting people in local business. Each pro le is industry speci c, providing advertisers the opportunity to identify as the face of their eld in Central Ohio. Make sure Columbus knows your “Face.” Call today to schedule your photo shoot!

Health Matters:

Men’s Health & Cardiac Care

Impor tant information on heart health and local care options.

Travel

An editorial package highlighting great tips and in-depth on a destination hotspot.

Ask the Expert

Share your expertise with our readers in this content-driven adver tising opportunity.

Winer y Showcase

Vacations & Getaways

Space Deadline: February 18

For complete information call (614) 888-4567 or email advertise@columbusmonthly.com

Forgotten No More

In our November issue, Peter Tonguette wrote about author Dawn Powell (“Almost Famous”). Powell was a prolific writer, but the Mount Gilead native never received the acclaim that her contemporaries did. After her 1965 death, however, her work attracted a small band of devoted fans, several of whom were thrilled by Tonguette’s profile. “Thanks so much for your marvelous story about Dawn. I couldn’t be happier with it. What a service you have paid her,” wrote Tim Page, Powell’s biographer.

“If you don’t know the novels of Dawn Powell, read this great article and find out what you’re missing! You’ll be putting ‘Turn Magic Wheel,’ ‘A Time to be Born’ and maybe ‘Dance Night’ (her favorite) on your reading table,” said WOSU book critic Kassie Rose on Twitter. Tonguette’s article also led to a new Powell devotee: Ohio Citizens for the Arts executive director Angela Meleca, who stopped halfway through reading the article to send Tonguette an email. “I’m engrossed, intrigued, and now wanting to invest in reading the work of Dawn Powell.”

Good Eats in Granville

Exciting things are happening in Granville— and people are taking note. Dining editor Erin Edwards created an itinerary for the Licking County village, outlining the best places to eat and drink, from local favorites to new hot spots (“Day Trip to Granville,” November 2021). “Thanks for featuring our village! We are so lucky to have all of these choices!” Granville Community Foundation commented on Instagram. “Stoked and proud to see all of these village treasures highlighted!” wrote Christian Long, also via Instagram. Meanwhile, Kelly Archer Tamerlano was already planning a visit. “Let’s take a day trip and see Christmas decorations and visit that cidery!” Tamerlano wrote, tagging friend Lyndsey Archer.

Correction

Due to an editing error, a December story about neon sign maker Mike Bowersmith listed an incorrect first name for him.

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PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

To request information, go to birdielight.org or write to beth@birdielight.org

Shining a Light on Hidden Dangers

A grieving mother and sister are transforming their loss into an effort to prevent fentanyl deaths.

BY JACK SHULER

Beth Weinstock says that her son Eli’s death from an unintentional fentanyl overdose last March made her slow down and pay attention to the world around her, to the directions the universe was pushing her.

“Grief strips away everything,” she says.

Eli, a Bexley High School graduate and a student at American University, was found with kratom, a legal herbal supplement, and the synthetic opioid fentanyl in his system. Beth, who is a medical doctor, doesn’t know what Eli thought he was taking, but she learned that a simple test exists that would have alerted him to the presence of fentanyl. It could have saved his life.

What the universe was urging her to do, Beth felt, was to help prevent such accidents from happening to others. She has made it her mission to get fentanyl test strips into the hands of every 15-to-25-year-old she can.

More than 100,000 people in the U.S. died from an unintentional overdose in the 12 months ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5 percent from the prior 12 months. Almost two-thirds of those deaths involved some form of fentanyl, which is increasingly showing up in cocaine, pressed pills

and methamphetamine. Fentanyl test strips allow people to check whether a pill, a powder or a crystal contains fentanyl by dissolving the drug in water and placing some of the resulting solution on the strip.

On a gorgeous evening in August, Beth and her daughter Olivia, 22—Eli’s older sister—went to Eli’s gravesite. They shared a beer, and with the energy they felt there— close to Eli—they started fleshingout a plan for an organization that would take their sorrow and transform it.

In September, they launched the nonprofitBirdieLight, to educate parents and young people through small group meetings on ways to reduce the harms posed by fentanyl use. They want to share this message at high schools and colleges nationwide.

The name BirdieLight comes from a nickname Eli’s best friends in middle school called themselves, as well as a reference to how, in the wake of someone’s death, people often say the light of those who are lost persists.

The logo is a bird wearing a miner’s helmet. “I started thinking about birds, and the canary in the coal mine is in some ways the fentanyl test strip,” Beth says.

Finally, they saw that Eli’s name was in the middle of the word—just as he is at the heart of their work.

Their message, Olivia says, is transparent and realistic: “If you’re planning to take something, we’re saying, ‘Here’s a way to safely make that decision. Closer to safe. [It’s] best to test.’”

They point out that test strips are not 100 percent effective, and they stress the need to have the overdose reversal drug naloxone (or Narcan) available and to never use alone. In Ohio, test strips are still considered illegal drug paraphernalia, but there is legislation in the works to change that.

Olivia and Beth say that at Eli’s memorial, many people said he was their best friend. Eli could bring people together, and in this way, Beth and Olivia carry on his legacy. The more they do this work, they say, the more they are still with him.

Recently, Beth got a call from some college students who wanted some test strips, and when she met up with them, she learned that they were 20 years old—the same age as Eli. She felt like she was there to save their lives. ◆

Beth and Olivia Weinstock with a photo of Eli Weinstock; right, BirdieLight drug tests

Anger, cash and a burst of energy dominated 2021’s suburban school board races. An Unusual Campaign Season

BY SUZANNE GOLDSMITH

A pair of billboards proclaiming a local school board member a “failure” with a “political agenda.” Harshly worded campaign mailers from a Washington, D.C., PAC. Dark money, a threatening letter, a shadowy LLC and complaints of malfeasance.

Welcome to last year’s Central Ohio school board races.

The past two years presented public schools and their governing bodies with unique challenges. In a political moment fraught with heightened rhetoric, districts faced not only questions about how to deal with a global pandemic, but also public brouhahas over gender-neutral bathrooms, critical race theory and police officersin schools. Their decisions triggered ire.

In Worthington, school board president Nikki Hudson received a letter in the mail signed by a purported member of a group called “Citizens to Remove CRT from America” that began, “We are coming after you and all the members on the Worthington BoE” and ended by calling the mother of two a “filthytraitor.” Her colleague Charlie Wilson, a 16-year veteran of the board and a former president of the Ohio School Board Association, says someone threw a rock at

his door with a note attached, warning him to end mask mandates, “or else.”

“If I had young kids at home, I’m not sure if I’d have stayed on the board,” Wilson says.

Things got even more heated as an unusual number of candidates emerged. In Upper Arlington, Worthington, Dublin, GahannaJefferson, Bexley, Pickerington and Hilliard, a total of 46 candidates ran for 20 school board seats. Of those, 35 were newcomers. Six incumbents were voted out of office

“This year was different,” says Jerry Rampelt, the founder of Support Ohio Schools, a nonprofitthat helps cities and towns pass levies. Rampelt, who keeps a close eye on school board races, says the number of candidates, the amount of money spent and the number of outside groups that got involved in 2021 were all unusually high.

In Upper Arlington, newcomer Lou Sauter raised $73,947, according to campaign financedisclosures. Nidhi Satiani, also a challenger, raised $44,693. By comparison, in 2019 the top fundraiser among those elected to the UA school board took in $26,635.

At least one outside group also played a role. Satiani was targeted by a negative mailer

funded by Hometown Freedom Action Network, a D.C.-based Republican super PAC. Both Sauter and Satiani were elected, defeating two incumbents and a third challenger.

In Worthington, incumbent Nikki Hudson prevailed, despite the negative billboards (sponsored by an LLC called Save Worthington Schools) and negative mailers paid for by OneWorthington, a 501(c)(4) nonprofi organization. OneWorthington fueled additional controversy by promoting three candidates, one of whom, Kelli Davis, renounced the group’s endorsement. Davis, a newcomer, was elected, along with incumbent Jennifer Best, while challenger Brian Steel, also endorsed by the group, was defeated. At press time, the Ohio Board of Elections was preparing to hear a complaint that OneWorthington had violated the rules of its incorporation by supporting specific candidates

Hudson says she learned in a recent Zoom meeting sponsored by a Democratic group that other races around the state were similarly brutal, and she found it “strangely comforting.” Indeed, a recent report by the New York Times podcast The Daily indicated the trend is national.

Hang on for 2022. ◆

PHOTO: BROOKE LAVALLEY

A billboard on North High Street targeted Worthington Board of Education member Nikki Hudson

A Historic UA Election

When Ukeme Awakessien Jeter moved to Columbus from Cleveland in 2018, she knew what kind of community she was looking for. Great schools. Proximity to Downtown. Lovely parks. She chose Upper Arlington.

But when she told friends of her choice, “There was a kind of, ‘You … aaare?’ kind of vibe,” she recalls. Upper Arlington is about 1 percent Black. Its tradition of racially discriminatory land development was struck down in the 1970s, but the legacy remains.

Jeter was undeterred. When her 5-year-old daughter came home from kindergarten, where she was the only Black student, and asked if she could straighten her hair, Jeter didn’t revisit her choice. She decided a school in Columbus was a better fit for he child, but within the community, she took action. She decided to run for City Council. She didn’t focus on racial issues during the campaign; although she doesn’t hide her passion for diversity and inclusion, she is just as passionate about infrastructure improvement.

While Jeter received some “disgusting” hate mail during the campaign, she focused on the more numerous messages of support she received. And her positivity paid off: She came in second in a seenway race for four seats, becoming the first person of color to be elected to ciy council in Upper Arlington.

“It validated everything that I always believed about Upper Arlington—which is just, we have a loud minority.” She points out that, according to the 2020 census, 44 percent of residents are newcomers to the city. She sees opportunity for change.

“The perception is not the reality,” she says. “We’ve got to catch up to the reality.”

Suzanne Goldsmith

PHOTO: OH MISS MEGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrating Those With the Baton

Fans of the Funky Winkerbean comic strip probably know that Harry L. Dinkle, the self-described “World’s Greatest Band Director,” was invited to march in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. What they might not know is that Harry—or, more precisely, 275 of his real-life counterparts—was given this opportunity thanks to a Pickerington educator. Or, rather, thanks to his widow.

Michael Sewell spent 34 years leading the band at Pickerington Central High School. When he died in 2017, just two years after his retirement, his wife wanted to finda way to honor the man who’d taught his students to be both good musicians and contributing members of society. Pickerington band members “do a lot of work for the Ronald McDonald House,” Karen Sewell says, citing just one of the charitable efforts her husband instituted.

Equally determined to honor the band director was Jim Kuebler, the father of fiv children who studied under him. “They

learned a lot more from Mike Sewell than music,” Kuebler says, including teamwork, generosity and the ability to set and achieve goals.

Together, Karen Sewell and Kuebler launched the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation and immediately began looking for ways the nonprofitcould benefitmusic educators and students. Because Mike Sewell took Pickerington bands to the Rose Parade four times, they soon set their sights on Pasadena’s annual celebration, firstby handing out annual cash prizes to participating bands that were active in community service. Then they hatched a really big idea.

“What would you think of doing a float?” Karen Sewell recalls Kuebler asking. This seemed like a good way to honor Mike Sewell and all band directors who work long hours to teach and inspire their students. A major hitch, they realized, was that Rose Parade floatscost a quarter-million dollars or more, but they solved this problem with a

second big idea: Invite up to 300 band directors to march along with the float,which would be paid for from a portion of their participation fees.

The ambitious plan was advertised all over the country with help from Funky Winkerbean creator and Ohio native Tom Batiuk, who supplied a promotional image of Harry Dinkle and even featured the project in his strip. The band of band directors came together to march in the 2021 Rose Parade, though their participation was postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19. Ohio State will face off against Utah at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Among the educators to be featured are two former students of Mike Sewell who now teach in Pickerington: Matt Guirreri, a band director for grades 6–12, and his wife, Janelle, an elementary music teacher and one of the handful of participants to b e honored with a place on the float Janelle Guirreri says she well remembers Sewell’s efforts to teach community service,

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

In memory of a beloved band leader, a Pickerington foundation will bring a band of band directors to the Rose Parade.

BY RICHARD ADES

Band director Matt Guirreri leads a class at Pickerington Lakeview Junior High School.

especially when he took a band to the 2001

State’s marching band in 2012 and served as an assistant director for a decade before. But less than two years after being named band leader, the university fied him over what was described as the ensemble’s “sexualized culture.” Some fans, including the TBDBITL’s alumni association, complained that the university had not given Waters enough time to deal with what was a long-standing problem.

Karen Sewell makes it clear she agrees, which is one reason Waters was invited to lead his fellow directors in Pasadena. “I wanted him to have a chance to shine,” she says. Besides, she adds, Waters was a longtime friend and supporter of her late husband, even writing drill for Mike Sewell’s Pickerington Central band and teaching it to the students.

Jim Kuebler also has a high view of Waters’ generosity, having once asked him to help out the nonprofit goup Nellie’s Champions for Kids, which supports families of children with cancer. Waters invited some of the children the group served to an OSU band rehearsal. “We brought a whole bunch of pediatric cancer kids over there, and they got to hold instruments and play with the band.” It ended, Kuebler says, with the children marching alongside band members as they spelled out Script Ohio, launching an annual tradition that continues to this day.

PHOTO: CHRIS RUSSELL

Canine Comfort

Therapy dogs offer calm and an occasional kiss to stressedout passengers at CMH.

BY SUZANNE GOLDSMITH

It’s early afternoon on the Monday after Thanksgiving, and Mike and Toni Kanzigg are seated near gate B35 at John Glenn Columbus International Airport waiting for their return flightto Orlando when Debby Drake approaches gingerly. Close at her side is her dog Kali, a stocky white terrier mix with brown spots, perky ears and a paw print bandanna around her neck. Kali looks at the couple with an air of quiet expectation, her tail slowly wagging, and Toni leans forward. “ You are a nice doggie.”

“She reminds me of my sister’s dog,” says a woman sitting with her husband opposite the Kanziggs. “And she sheds like my sister’s dog, too,” she chuckles, glancing at Kali’s fur-covered “Therapy Dog” vest. The couples, seemingly strangers until now, begin telling each other about their pets, past and present, as Hermi Barrera-Harmon toddles up to the dog and begins patting her on the head. The 4-year-old has been stalking Kali through the airport.

“She saw her in the security line,” says her mother, Stephanie Harmon. “She kept saying, ‘Can I ask if that puppy is nice or mean?’ She was almost crying, she wanted to get to her so badly ”

Drake puts an elastic band with two bows on Kali’s head, and everyone starts snapping photos. Drake looks on proudly. “Want to see her roll over?” She gives the child a baseballstyle card with Kali’s picture, credentials and stats. “Fav Toy: Piggy. Nickname: Wigglebutt.”

Kali is one of 10 certifiedtherapy dogs in a new program at the Columbus airport, playfully dubbed Paw Force One. The dogs and their volunteer handlers roam the concourses with the goal of bringing canine love to stressed-out, bored or lonely travelers. With science backing the idea that dogs can make people feel better, therapy dogs are now sometimes found in schools, courtrooms, nursing homes and elsewhere. Paw Force One, says Sarah McQuaide, a communica-

For more photos of Kali and her partner Debby Drake at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, go to columbusmonthly.com

tions and marketing manager for Columbus Regional Airport Authority, was launched by the airport’s customer experience team. “Their whole goal is to delight passengers,” McQuaide says.

Kali, 5, spent her firsttwo years in a rural shelter before Drake adopted her. The dog got her training through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and completed the AKC Canine Good Citizen training course, Drake says. She and Drake volunteer at a

range of assignments, including a hospital and at Ohio State, calming anxieties during student move-in day.

During an hour of walking around concourse B meeting passengers, Kali calmly accepts hugs and pats. She licks a couple of faces and face masks but stolidly ignores bags of chips and disregards a smaller dog that yaps at her.

Kali is always excited for her two-hour, bimonthly shifts at the airport, says Drake, a graphic artist who works for Battelle. “This is her thing. When we’re driving up to the airport, she’s raring to go and her tail is banging against the door.”

“I just love spending time with her, and I love to watch people being happy with her and enjoying her like I do,” Drake says. ◆

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

Hermi Barrera-Harmon, 4, pets Kali.

Seely’s

Nursery

Ryan’s Landscaping Backyard Tailgate Landscape

Backyard Wedding

Oakland Nurseries

Visitors enjoy the holiday light display at the Columbus Commons.

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Datebook

Things to See and Do

HASAN MINHAJ

Jan. 22, Palace Theatre

Five years after the release of his Peabody Award-winning Netflix special “Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King,” The Morning Show actor, former Daily Show correspondent and star of his own satirical comedy series is returning to his standup roots. His new show features his patented mix of personal storytelling and multimedia visual aids, covering marriage, parenthood, South Asian culture and more. capa.com

RUSSIAN WINTER FESTIVAL

Ohio Theatre, Jan. 7–9 and 22–23

Works that evoke a strong audience response will headline the Columbus Symphony’s two-part Russian Winter Festival this month. Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” the ballet and orchestral work that reportedly caused a rumble at its 1913 Paris premiere, will be featured in the firstshow, along with Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Part II will present Rachmaninoff ’s crowd-pleasing Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by Inon Barnatan (pictured below). columbussymphony.com

MICHELANGELO: A DIFFERENT VIEW

Through Jan. 23, Greater Columbus Convention Center No time to make it to Italy this month? Don’t worry—the Convention Center is bringing one of the country’s greatest artistic treasures to town. The exhibit showcases Michelangelo’s entire set of works that adorn the Sistine Chapel. The images were reproduced and transferred to special fabric webs, which will give attendees a realistic reproduction of the works. The exhibition is officialllicensed by the Vatican Museums and is the only one of its kind showcasing the entire set of works. Tickets are $11 for children and $17 for adults and must be purchased ahead of time. columbusconventions.com

“SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY”

Jan. 27–Feb. 13, Studio Two, Riffe enter

This theatrical spin on the 2004 filmis sure to be so fetch. Written by Ohio State grad Jocelyn Bioh in 2017, the adaptation flipsthe movie script by focusing on an American student who shows up at a school in Ghana. Teen drama and laughs ensue as the school’s queen bee, Paulina, has her rank challenged by a newcomer. catco.org

GIVE BACK

LITTLEST HELPERS

Begins Jan. 13

Seeds of Caring, an organization that encourages volunteerism for kids, offersa seven-week program of activities and service for ages 4–5 (with a grown-up) on Thursday mornings, covering senior empathy, planet protection and more. Contact Liz@seedsofcaring.org.

RESCUE LEFTOVER FOOD

Ongoing

Help reduce waste and fight hunger in as little as an hour a week by volunteering for the Columbus branch of Rescuing Leftover Cuisine. Pick up donations from local businesses and deliver them to participating nonprofi organizations. rescuingleftovercuisine. org/columbus-oh

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP WITH HANIF ABDURRAQIB

Jan. 6, virtual

Get writing tips from Columbus’ new MacArthur “genius,” Hanif Abdurraqib (pictured at left), in this immersive workshop. Attendees will work with the celebrated poet/essayist to “create a poetic tapestry” that focuses on the Ohio Arts Council’s 2021 Biennial Juried Exhibition, which features the work of 53 artists in a variety of media. The free workshop is at capacity as of press time; sign up for the waitlist. riffegallery.eventbrite.com

LEARNING THROUGH A LIFETIME GALA

Jan. 20, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Children’s book illustrator Oge Mora (pictured) will be the keynote speaker at the Columbus Early Learning Center’s annual gala, raising funds to help young learners develop, families succeed and communities thrive. columbusearlylearning.org

PHOTOS: CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, MICHAEL SCHÄUMER; ABIGAIL BEST; JOSHUA A. BICKEL; MARCO BOREGGREVE

Eat Up Columbus

After a virtual event in 2020, Freedom a la Cart’s signature fundraiser returned—albeit outdoors—for 2021. The organization supports survivors of human trafficking by oviding employment through its catering business and café. The Sept. 4 event raised $116,000 for Freedom a la Cart. The 400 attendees enjoyed live music, a silent auction, a table-decorating competition and picnic dinners from local restaurants.

1 Molly and Cameron Mitchell, Luciana and Tom Ramsey, Jason Best, Laura and Todd Raish, Sonya Best 2 Attendees enjoy food, drinks and conversation

3 Brian Estabrook, Caroline Moore 4 Jomel Aird, Lindsey Pavik, Paula Haines, Larry Arment, Dan Bloch, Joyce McKinniss, Kieran Sherry 5 Jomel Aird, Christopher Spurlock 6 Back row: Sheena Griffit Christine Focht, Grace Figliomeni, Devin Trout, Carissa Martin, Kathy Sherry, Rose Daniels; front row: Mandie Knight, Paula Haines, Dori Sessoms, Bekah Moran, Laurie Sargent, Barbie Witt 7 A table setting 8 Eat Up attendees 9 Hannah Estabrook, Heather Mohranan 10 A cookie and floal arrangement

PHOTOS: JESSICA METCALF AND MADELEINE SNARE

From L’eggs to Leggings

A farewell to fancy

BY KATHERINE MATTHEWS

I pulled out my ironing board recently to dewrinkle a shirt left sitting too long in the dryer. A finelayer of dust had settled on the edge of the board. The whole contraption shrieked like a rusty fence gate as I popped it open. Apparently, I hadn’t ironed anything in months.

At one time, that would have been unimaginable. Now I pondered whether to relegate the board to the basement. And then it struck me: Am I living in a post-ironing society?

Growing up, I earned money ironing my dad’s endless parade of dress shirts ($1 each) and handkerchiefs (25 cents apiece). Getting ready for church every Sunday was a mad scramble of shoe polishing and clothes pressing, as well as a frantic search for unsnagged pantyhose. As an adult, I decided to get rid of my pantyhose after Carrie Bradshaw tossed hers. And my shoe polish collection has dwindled to fivehockey pucks of dry wax.

The way we attire ourselves has taken a long slip-and-slide from formality to casualness. I’m not weeping over this, but I am a tad wistful. Not for struggling to flatte the sleeves of a cotton shirt or for worming my way into a pair of L’eggs, but for bidding farewell to dressing up.

When I firstcame to Ohio in 1985, fresh out of college, I landed a job at Columbus Monthly . My cobbled-together position involved processing subscriptions in the morning, covering for the receptionist at lunch and selling classified advertising in the afternoon. Even as the youngest staff memb er, I still dressed up for work, although my style wasn’t particularly businesslike. Favorite combos included a splashy flo al midi skirt with sky-high red heels and a denim miniskirt with rose-floweredtights and cranberry suede boots.

During this era of Dynasty and shoulder pads, dressing up meant glitz and shine. At

my engagement party, I wore a quintessential Moonlighting-era Cybill Shepherd look: a pink satin skirt and matching draped top, complete with padded shoulders and sparkly rhinestone buttons. This sounds over the top now, but it was darn near perfect then.

In 1987, I headed to Ohio State for graduate school, in pursuit of a master’s degree in English. A 24-year-old teaching assistant with a baby face, I looked barely older than my students. So, I eschewed jeans and sneakers in hopes of appearing mature. Or, at least, old enough to drink legally. Vintage frocks, beaded cardigans, black boots, tubular knit skirts, oversized white shirts and wide, grommeted belts were my go-tos for classroom wear. My hair was big, and my earrings were bigger.

After securing my degree, I settled into the 1990s and motherhood, which meant a suburban mom uniform of jeans, T-shirts and white Keds. Everything had to be able to withstand the foul trifecta of spit-up, peanut butter and poop.

Once a year, I would glam up for a formal winter holiday party in the Hyatt Regency’s enormous chandeliered ballroom, courtesy of my husband’s law firm.This meant tuxedos and long gowns and drop earrings

Katherine Matthews models a few of the looks she has sported over the years.

and tiny evening bags. Every December, I trekked to the silk-and-sequin wonderland of Lazarus’ eveningwear department. One favorite stands out: a sweeping pewter-blue taffeta skirt paired with a gleaming blueand-black brocade bodice.

This outfitturned out to be a unicorn. My other formal duds saw nightlife only once or twice, but the blue ensemble managed to leave the closet multiple times. However, I did not don the dress to drink cocktails and schmooze with grown-ups.

As a writing instructor at Thurber House, I’ve taught in costume many times. That blue dress convinced fourth and fifthgraders that I was a woman freed from a Dutch Baroque painting at the Columbus Museum of Art. When I taught steampunk writing to middle schoolers, I grabbed the skirt and turned it quasi-Victorian by pouffing it with petticoats and topping it with a lace blouse, tweed vest and brass-buckle corset belt. At Thurber House’s summer camp, I impersonated Louisa May Alcott by adding a high-necked blouse, powder-blue shawl and my grandmother’s cameo. I fashioned a bustle from a small pillow, and the blue skirt worked exceedingly well—although I could not say the same for my attempted Boston accent.

Odds are I will recruit the skirt for a future costume, but I have no expectation of wearing it again in my own time period. Those fancy holiday parties at the Hyatt no longer require fancy dress. About 15 years ago, I noticed that the younger attorneys had started to abandon tuxedos and gowns. As time passed, I saw hemlines come up and heels go down. I adjusted my garb accordingly. I also mothballed my rhinestone earrings and necklace to avoid looking as though I’d been invited to dine on squab and aspic with the Crawleys at Downton Abbey.

When mulling over these shifts—and my dusty ironing board—I can’t help sympathizing with dry cleaners, a declining industry that got further walloped during the pandemic. In the 1980s and early ’90s, I regularly patronized Caskey Cleaners in Merion Village which, unlike many dry cleaners, does all the work on-site. Caskey sits inside a vast, steamy, concrete-block building, scented with starch. A battalion of rotating racks hold hundreds of cleaned items, each draped in filmyplastic. Back then, I trundled in every two weeks, my arms loaded with my husband’s Oxford button-down shirts (light starch, hang). At 8:30 in the morning, Caskey was always hopping, as popular as any fern bar on a Friday night.

Once Lands’ End invented the miraculous “No Iron Buttondown Dress Shirt,” I stopp ed making the trip to Caskey. But I never forgot it. When I discovered my son’s wedding suit stuffed in the trunk of my car, wrinkled and sweat-stained, the pant cuffs caked with rust-red Virginia mud, I knew what to do. If anyone could save this onceproud suit, Caskey could. I deposited the postman-blue mess on their counter and crossed my fingers.When I picked it up, the suit was perfect.

So Caskey may survive, as long as groomsmen continue wearing suits. Other kinds of clothing have changed so drastically, I scarcely recognize them. At one time, if my shirt slipped and revealed a bra strap, I was terrifiedsomeone would notice. That strip of material was meant to remain unseen, like the creepy clown who hides in the sewers in Stephen King’s “It.” You knew it was there, but you pretended it wasn’t.

Showing a bra strap now is a fashion choice, not a faux pas. My only mistake would be flashinga boring beige strap. Better yet, if I’m wearing a sports bra, I can skip a top and wear the bra by itself. More than 20 years ago, soccer star Brandi Chastain celebrated a big win by doffingher jersey, revealing her black sports bra. When the image of her, fistsraised and midriff exposed, appeared on the cover of Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated, the nation clutched its pearls. But now? Stop by any GoYoga, and half the class will be wearing sports bras in a dazzling array of colors and strappiness.

Not to mention leggings and yoga pants, which have so insinuated themselves into our daily lives that I cannot imagine a world without them. Even my 84-year-old mother-in-law loves her leggings. And she looks great in them, since she hits the gym far more than I do. However, if 24-year-old Kathy suddenly materialized as I headed out to yoga class, she would likely grab my arm and say, sotto voce, “Ma’am, do you realize that you’re only wearing tights? Where’d your pants go?”

As I fumbled for an answer, she would politely add, “And your bra strap is showing.”

That once-clear dividing line between what we wear in public and what we wear at home has nearly been erased. Now my daily goal is to wear outfitsthat come as close to pajamas as possible. Since I’m constantly sitting in front of a computer, there’s no good reason to suffer a tight waistband. I’m well-stocked with leggings, yoga pants and joggers. If I can’t do a plié in it, I don’t want to wear it.

During the pandemic, the performative nature of clothing fell away. No one was striding down a city sidewalk trying to impress strangers or vamping up to attend a party. As people broadcast from bedrooms and dining room tables, public selves and private selves became one and the same. And we didn’t hate it.

While this change felt sudden, social formality has been fading away for years, just like our dressy clothing. Almost everyone is on a first-namebasis with everyone else now. We swear more and we share more. The salty exchanges between me and my daughter would burn my mother’s ears, but I revel in them.

Still, as I sit here in my oh-so-comfortable gray sweatpants, I can’t deny my nostalgia for bygone days. I’m not alone. The middle schoolers in my steampunk classes surprised me by embracing the world of calling cards and oyster forks. They found Victorian England, with its strict etiquette and elaborate rituals, as exotic as any fantasy world. For our finalclass, everyone designed their own costumes and arrived impressively attired in velvet skirts and top hats, lace-up boots and pocket watches.

Clearly, I’m not the only one who likes to dress up.

Nonetheless, I don’t want to trade in my yoga pants for velvet skirts. I’ll take the loss of gloss in exchange for the joys of informality and openness. And the fact that I don’t need to plug in the iron anymore? That’s just a bonus. ◆

That once-clear dividing line between what we wear in public and what we wear at home has nearly been erased. Now my daily goal is to wear outfis that come as close to pajamas as possible.

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

POWER

POWER OUTAGE

THE ERA OF THE TITANS IS OVER, CREATING BOTH UNCERTAINTY AND HOPE.

BY DAVE GHOSE

ON POWER PLAYER

a recent October morning, Fifth Third Bank regional president Francie Henry and Ohio State University president Kristina Johnson share the stage at the Cardinal Health Ballroom on the second flor of the Lincoln Theatre. Music echoes through the space—courtesy of a single saxophonist in the back of the room—but Henry and Johnson are harmonizing on something else: a $20 million capital investment from the Cincinnati-based bank that could help transform the neighborhood that surrounds the Lincoln.

Columbus’ new power dynamics are also on display. Henry is part of a group of emerging (and often outspoken) female community leaders who’ve pushed the city’s civic establishment to focus more on affordable housing, diversity and racial inequality in recent years. And as Johnson speaks enthusiastically about the mission of PACT— Partners Achieving Community Transformation, the Ohio State-led nonprofitcollaborating with Fifth Third on the initiative—it’s easy to see why she often draws comparisons to her Bricker Hall predecessor Gordon Gee, a master of community engagement and one of the founders of PACT.

In the back of the room, keeping an uncharacteristically low profile,is Alex Fischer, the CEO of the Columbus Partnership, the city’s most influetial civic organization. In recent years, Fischer has been perhaps Columbus’ most visible power broker, in the middle of seemingly every major community initiative, from Save The Crew to Smart Columbus to Downtown development. These days, however, he’s a lame duck of his own making. In early January, Kenny McDonald, the head of One Columbus, the Partnership’s sister economic development agency, will replace Fischer, who surprisingly announced a few months ago

ANDY GINTHER: The Unsinkable Mayor

By Dave Ghose

MAYORS HAVE NEVER HAD IT EASY, but the last two years have set a new standard for difficult. A pandemic, civil unrest, economic uncertainty and polarized politics have put city leaders under unprecedented pressure across the country—and many have had enough. From big cities (Atlanta, St. Louis, Seattle) to smaller communities (Ypsilanti, Michigan; Temecula, California; Pensacola, Florida), mayors are resigning or not seeking reelection.

Andy Ginther isn’t one of them. The Columbus mayor has faced his share of troubles, to say the least, but he says he loves his job today more than ever and is “fully anticipating” seeking a third term in 2023. “I get up every day excited about going to work and love what I do,” Ginther says during a recent interview in his City Hall office.

That response might surprise some people in Columbus. When you talk to people around town about Ginther, you often hear the same remark: Does he even like being mayor? Ginther’s low-key personality is probably at the root of that comment, especially when compared to his exub erant predecessor, Mike Coleman, whose 16-year mayoral tenure was the longest in Columbus history. “Coleman absolutely loved the limelight,” a political insider says. “Andy’s a different person.”

But the concerns aren’t just about Ginther’s personality. His critics say he’s uninspiring, not as accessible as he should be and lacks the intuitive leadership skills of Coleman. He does get credit for his commitment to social issues such as police reform and tackling economic and health inequities, which he was talking about long before the 2020 racial justice protests. But often the praise is faint. “I don’t think he’s bad for the city,” a nonprofitleader says. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Yet for all the grumbling behind closed doors, Ginther is still stand-

ing. He was reelected without opposition in 2019, and at least for the moment, it seems unlikely he’ll face a serious threat in 2023. Though few folks consider him a great mayor, he is unquestionably an effective political operator. “I think the place that Andy is the strongest is in navigating that landscape,” a civic leader says. “I actually think that’s when his leadership shines the most.”

Despite his understated demeanor, Ginther can be punitive. Just ask former Franklin County Sherriff Zach Scott, former Franklin County Recorder Terry Brown and former Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks. Or Columbus City Council member Liz Brown. Or former Columbus Downtown Development Corp. CEO Guy Worley. All clashed with Ginther, and all paid a price: Scott, Terry Brown and Brooks were wiped out in a 2016 Democratic primary; Liz Brown failed to get appointed to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners in June; and Worley was pushed out of the CDDC in March and replaced with a Ginther loyalist, Greg Davies, the mayor’s former chief of staff.

“I would say this about my friend Andy Ginther,” says a political ally. “He isn’t afraid of anything. He doesn’t shy from taking on tough issues. He never has. And he doesn’t lose sleep at night worrying about detractors.”

In Ginther’s CDDC power play, the mayor appointed five new directors to the development nonprofits board, including Coleman, now the board chair. Coleman’s involvement was critical. Ginther would not be so formidable without his unique and mutually beneficial relationship with Coleman. The former mayor helps shore up Ginther’s support in the Black community and serves as a bridge between the current administration and the city’s business leaders, many of whom have become frustrated with Ginther in recent years. Coleman’s steadfast support

PHOTO: ROB HARDIN

Kenny McDonald

also means it’s less likely that Council President Shannon Hardin, Coleman’s ambitious and talented protégé, would challenge Ginther in a primary in 2023.

In turn, Coleman, now a lawyer in private practice at the Ice Miller law firm,gets to remain a power player, both behind the scenes and now in his more public role as the CDDC board chair. Ginther even appears to cede the spotlight to Coleman at times, something that probably never would happen if the roles were reversed. “I can’t recall an ex-mayor who has wielded this much influenceas Mike wields right now,” a political insider says.

A supporter says Ginther is figuringout what it means to be mayor. “He walked through the fire” the supporter says. “These past two years have been the most difficult years of any mayor, any time.” One positive

sign is his hiring of new Columbus police chief Elaine Bryant, who replaced Ginther’s firstpick, Thomas Quinlan. A nonprofi leader gives Ginther credit for correcting his mistake. “A lot of folks would have just let it be,” the leader says. “I’m glad that he recognized that it wasn’t good for this community, and he did something about it.”

Ginther says emboldened activists have inspired him in recent years, even though many aren’t exactly his fans. He says without their voices, the city could not have established a civilian review board, invited the U.S. Department of Justice to help reform the police department or established stronger incentives for building affordable housing. “Part of my job as a leader is to make sure I’m listening to all voices—those that agree with me, and those that don’t,” he says.

That job also may become more influential. As the city’s power structure grows more diffuse—no longer dominated by one or two business leaders—some civic leaders predict government leaders may gain strength.

Over the next two years, Ginther says his priorities include expanding affordable housing, improving public safety and continuing to develop the LinkUS public transportation initiative. But an emerging municipal income tax crisis may take priority over everything else. With more people working from home than in the past, Columbus and other Ohio cities are in danger of losing significant revenue

To fixthe problem will take strong leadership that brings together city, state and business officials.If Ginther really has grown, this is his chance to prove it. 7

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

SANDY DOYLE-AHERN: The Leader of the Edge Sisters

SANDY DOYLE-AHERN SMILES WHEN SHE hears a description of her as a “strong voice.” Her reaction: “I never know how to interpret that.” Does it mean she’s making an impact? Changing opinions? Annoying people? The answer might be all of the above.

W h at’s not in doubt is Doyle-Ahern’s growing civic influence.The president of the New Albany engineering and surveying firmEMH&T has been a longtime advocate for affordable housing, a cause that grew out of her involvement with the Columbus YWCA, where she’s served on the b oard of trustees for more than a decade. But her impact is spreading as her community involvement expands. She joined the Columbus Partnership in 2018 and was appointed to the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. and Columbus State Community College boards this year.

No major economic power base has fueled Doyle-Ahern’s rise; EMH&T is small by Columbus Partnership standards, employing about 330 people and generating about $60 million in annual revenue. Instead, it’s been her energy, commitment and steadfast belief in her causes. When civic leaders talk about her, they use terms such as “forceful,” “outspoken” and “takes no prisoners.”

In 2022, the Partnership is expected to announce an initiative focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Two male Partnership members, Curt Moody of the Mo ody Nolan architectural firmand Mike Kaufmann of Cardinal Health, are leading the effort, but Doyle-Ahern, a co-leader of an education-focused subcommittee, is a player, too, civic leaders say. “I’m good with challenging us,” Doyle-Ahern says. “If we’re going to really be what we say we want to be, then we’re probably going to have to be a little disruptive.”

Doyle-Ahern also created a more informal vehicle for shaking up Columbus. In February 2020, she and several other Columbus women leaders began getting together informally to bond and talk about social justice. They started calling themselves the “Edge Sisters,” because what they were doing felt edg y. At the time, not many organizations in Columbus were interested in delving seriously into racial injustice.

Through the pandemic, the multiracial group kept meeting virtually every week, with sessions growing from the allotted one hour, to 90 minutes, to two hours, as participants talked openly about their experiences with racism, their personal

struggles in a difficult year and their ideas for making Columbus a better place. The group hosted a virtual session with “White Fragility” author Robin DiAngelo in August 2020 and a cocktail hour welcoming new women leaders to Columbus in the fall of 2021.

The Edge Sisters boast an impressive roster in addition to Doyle-Ahern: Donatos’ Jane Grote Abell, YWCA Columbus’ Christie Angel, Ohio State’s Trudy Bartley, Jeni’s Splendid I ce Cream’s Jeni Britton, AEP Foundation’s Janelle Coleman, the United Way of Central Ohio’s Lisa Courtice, the Crane Group’s Tanny Crane, Fifth Third Bank’s Francie Henry, the Columbus Urban League’s Stephanie Hightower, Columbus Auditor Megan Kilgore, KIPP Columbus’ Hannah Powell and Huntington Bank’s Sue Zazon. They remain an informal network without titles or bylaws, but Doyle-Ahern is unquestionably the lead sister.

“We’re not trying to check some box,” Doyle-Ahern says. “We’re not a club. It’s not an organization you can join. It’s just, we’re in positions where we talk about the community, wanting to make it stronger and better, and we are willing to look in the mirror ourselves to become better.” 7

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

 he was leaving the organization. And that’s not the only major Partnership leadership change in the works. For the firsttime since its founding in 2002, Les Wexner is no longer the group’s undisputed guiding force. Also in January, Huntington Bank’s Steve Steinour and AEP’s Nick Akins will become the new co-chairs of the civic organization, assuming a role that Wexner has occupied since the birth of the business group.

These changes have inspired both hope and fear in Columbus. When asked if this is the most uncertain Columbus leadership landscape he’s ever seen, one longtime politico responds, “That’s an understatement. It’s times two—and on steroids.” A nonprofi leader describes the current power structure as “confused” and “scattered,” while a veteran civic leader adds, “It’s a very, very curious time. It’s a very transitional time.”

To get a clear view of the city’s evolving power structure, Columbus Monthly spoke with 29 nonprofit,political, business and civic leaders, most talking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the topic. Almost everyone agrees that power distribution is widening—a phenomenon that isn’t entirely new. Columbus has been moving in this direction for decades as it has grown larger, more sophisticated and less beholden to the so-called “ Titans,” as this magazine has long called the group of Columbus business leaders who once exercised ironfistedauthority over politics, health care, development, education and philanthropy in the city. Still, the decentralizing trend has accelerated in recent years—firstfollowing the 2016 death of Columbus Dispatch publisher John F. Wolfe (Wexner’s friend, civic ally and Partnership co-founder) 

WHERE ARE THE RANKINGS?

For more than four decades, Columbus Monthly has published periodic rankings of the city’s power elite. This year’s installment, however, breaks from that tradition. We’ve decided that leadership instability makes it too difficult to judge the relative strength of our city’s top power brokers. You’ll still find profiles of several community leaders, but the emphasis this time is on the uncertain circumstances of the city’s current civic scene.

POWER PLAYERS

NICK AKINS AND STEVE STEINOUR: The Partnership’s New Power Pair

For nearly three decades, Les Wexner was the city’s most powerful leader, a Titan among Titans. So how do you replace him when he decides to take a step back from community affairs? You get two people to fill his civic wingtips.

In January, Nick Akins, the CEO of AEP, and Steve Steinour, the CEO of Hun tington Bank, will succeed Wexner as the co-chairs of the Columbus Partner ship. In 2002, Wexner and two close allies—the late Columbus Dispatch lisher John F. Wolfe and New Albany Co. chairman Jack Kessler—founded the alliance of Central Ohio business and commu nity leaders. Since then, Wexner has been the group’s chair, and under his stewardship, it’s grown into the city’s most powerful civic organization.

Though Akins and Steinour are admired and respected business leaders with solid track records of community involvement, neither has the civic foot print of Wexner, whose wealth, vision and community commitment have reshaped Columbus over the past four decades. Those differences raise questions about how the Partnership will evolve without him at the helm.

Steinour came to Columbus in 2009. It was a dark time for Huntington, and many Downtown types viewed Steinour, a hard-driving East Coast financial guy, as a short-timer hell-bent on selling Columbus’ hometown bank. But Steinour had a different plan. After pulling Huntington out of its fiscal crisis, he started building a banking empire. Huntington acquired Ohio rival FirstMerit in 2016 and merged with Michiganbased TCF bank in 2021, retaining the Huntington name and its Columbus headquarters. Steinour also stepped up in the Columbus community. He joined the Ohio State University Wexner

Medical Center board and became a major backer of Pelotonia, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and the Columbus Urban League, among other causes.

Since AEP named him CEO in 2011, Akins has been as equally engaged in Columbus. Under his leadership, the electrical utility made the largest financial contribution to the city’s Smart Columbus initiative—$185 million—and Akins, a nationally respected voice on energy policy, just finished a term as the chair of the Ohio Business Roundtable, an alliance of Ohio CEOs. Civic leaders describe him as decent and down-to-earth, having grown up modestly in Louisiana, a background that has helped him connect on a personal level with the missions of local nonprofits such as the MidOhio Food Collective. (Musical prowess is perhaps Akins’ only flashy attribute: He plays drums in a charity band called The Power Chords with fellow Columbus chief executives Tom Krouse of Donatos

Unlike Wexner—a business founder and Columbus native—both Akins and Steinour are corporate hired guns. Does that mean their co-chair tenure will be short? Longevity isn’t common in corporate corner offices, after all, and both have already exceeded the typical length of a CEO tenure. “Both Steve and Nick are rocks, but they won’t be here in five years,” predicts a civic leader.

No matter how long they stay, however, civic types expect a different leadership style from the pair: more collaboration, more humility. One Partnership member envisions a shared leadership model, with Akins and Steinour relying on other governing board leaders to carry bigger loads. The new co-chairs “just don’t hold the same kind of power as Les, nor do they want to,” says the Partnership member.

From top, Steve Steinour and Nick Akins

STEPHANIE HIGHTOWER: Urban Renewal

The 2020 George Floyd protests changed Columbus’ priorities—and gave a boost to a veteran nonprofit leader. Today, seemingly everyone in town wants to connect with Columbus Urban League CEO Stephanie Hightower. She’s got more access to the city’s business, political and civic elite than she’s ever had before— and she seems to be making the most of it.

Hightower is no overnight success. After all, she was the head of the Columbus Board of Education from 2001 to 2005. Since taking the reins at the Columbus Urban League in 2011, civic leaders say she’s breathed new life into the historic civil rights organization. She built strong relationships with two Columbus corporate bigwigs, Huntington Bank CEO Steve Steinour and former Nationwide Insurance CEO Steve Rasmussen. Huntington donated $1 million to the Urban League to help it establish what now is known as the Huntington Empowerment Center, which features a minority business assistance center, a clothing social enterprise and a science and technology education program. Nationwide, meanwhile, played a key role in bringing the National Urban League’s 2018 conference to Columbus.

But more doors are open to her now. She’s working closely with the Columbus Partnership on its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In recent months, she’s secured public funds for business stabilization loans, rental assistance and parental enrichment programs. The Columbus Urban League also received a $500,000 unrestricted investment from the Columbus Foundation. Hightower has called the money a “game-changer.”

Hightower’s racial justice message hasn’t really changed over the past two years. Columbus is just listening more closely now. “She’s become the voice,” a civic leader says.

 and now as Fischer and Wexner make their leadership transitions.

What do these shifts mean? Some envision positive outcomes: more freedom, transparency, openness. Some hope for new leaders to emerge—perhaps a breakthrough moment for women and minorities. Some hope for collaborative decision-making. Some would like to see ideas embraced that come from all corners of the city, not just from a handful of people with access to those at the pinnacle of power. Today, “You can get things done if you have the base to get them done without having to check in somewhere,” says a political insider. “I don’t think anybody has veto authority in Columbus.” But the changes also could have a downside: factionalism, paralysis, helplessness. Some civic leaders fear Columbus may struggle to pull off the kind of complex public-private partnerships that have been so critical to its success over the past two decades without a Titan (or two or three of them) rallying the community around an ambitious vision. “We are rudderless,” says a nonprofi executive. “ There is no plan.”

No matter where folks fall on the spectrum of optimism and anxiety, most agree on at least one thing: The era of the Titans is over. Even though the

PHOTOS: TIM JOHNSON

John F. Wolfe, left, and Les Wexner in 2015

POWER PLAYER

region is coming off a record-setting decade of economic growth, it still faces plenty of challenges: violent crime, inequality, a failing city scho ol district, an overdose crisis, a housing shortage—all of which seemingly have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. And solutions to these problems will have to emerge in a new leadership environment, probably without bigger-than-life powerbrokers setting the agenda. “You don’t know what you miss until it’s gone,” a civic leader says.

INthe mid-2000s, when the Columbus Partnership was still fairly new, its leaders decided they needed to better understand Columbus’ strengths and weaknesses. With that in mind, the group hired 10 MBA students at Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business to produce white papers in fivekey areas: education, economic development, arts/culture, health care/human services and philanthropy/leadership.

A former elected officialrecalls b eing generally unimpressed with the students’ work, which compared Columbus to similar cities such as Cleveland, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Milwaukee. But the official did p ay close attention to the leadership findings, which speculated on whether a new generation was ready to inherit the mantle from the previous one. At the time, a power duo stood far above everyone else in Columbus: Wexner (the billionaire retail tycoon) and Wolfe (the newspaper publisher with an unrivaled commitment to the city). The elected officialspoke to Wolfe about the report. “Look,” the politico told Wolfe, “if something happens to you and Les, what happens to this community ?”

In many ways, the Partnership was a response to that question. After the 1994 death of the city’s most domineering Titan, J.W. Wolfe, the Dispatch Printing Co. chairman and second cousin of John F. Wolfe,

Wexner ascended to the top of the city’s power hierarchy, boosted by his extraordinary philanthropy and cosmopolitan vision for the city. J.W. Wolfe was a fiercerival to Wexner, but his younger and more gracious relative developed a friendship and civic partnership with the L Brands founder after taking over the leadership of the Dispatch Printing Co. empire. Together, Wexner, Wolfe and New Albany Co. chairman Jack Kessler formed the Partnership to serve as a vehicle for Columbus' top business leaders to solve community challenges and develop a culture of civic engagement among the city ’s corporate elite.

When the unthinkable finally did occur—John F. Wolfe’s 2016 death from cancer—the Partnership had matured into a nationally acclaimed group known for a collaborative culture called the Columbus Way. Today, 80 CEOs are part of the organization, with members leading large nonprofits, giant public corporations, emerging tech companies and higher education institutions. Partnership leaders have said that the organization’s outreach efforts have developed a deeper community bench that helped fillthe void created by Wolfe’s death. But in reality, there was no way to truly replace him. Though Wexner was widely considered the city’s most powerful person, Wolfe was the Titan with the broadest interests, focusing closely on politics, the nonpro fi t sector, philanthropy, Ohio State, real estate development—pretty much everything in Columbus.

A s the CEO of the Columbus Partnership, Fischer was perhaps the only other player in town with such a broad portfolio of civic interests. To be sure, he was a “staff guy,” not a traditional power broker who commands a billion-dollar company, a publishing empire or a giant public institution. But he was uniquely skilled—diplomatic, cool under pressure, with an uncanny ability to read a room. Moreover, he had the respect and admiration of both Wolfe and Wexner. 

KRISTINA JOHNSON: A President with Potential

Columbus is swooning over Kristina Johnson. “I’m in love,” says a business leader with close ties to Ohio State. What excites civic types is Johnson’s community focus, a much different mindset from her immediate predecessor, Michael Drake. “I think the president of Ohio State University has an obligation to take a leadership role,” the business leader says. “President Drake didn’t really see that as his role at all. But Kristina does.”

Her model appears to be Gordon Gee, Ohio State’s only two-time president, a beloved local figure who seems to always cast a shadow over other occupants of Bricker Hall. “She’s Gordon Gee-ish in that she never forgets a name, a relationship,” says another business leader. But some feel she might even surpass Gee, especially in his second presidency. One civic type says she may be one of the most impactful presidents OSU has ever had—and the university is getting her at the peak of her powers. “I think we’re on the brink of seeing some dramatic, innovative opportunities with OSU that we haven’t seen before,” the second business leader adds.

You hear all these superlatives—“scary smart,” “visionary,” “absolutely passionate”—and you can’t help but wonder if folks are getting a little carried away. Johnson has been at Ohio State for just over a year. She’s made some impressive hires (provost Melissa Gilliam and Grace Wang, the university’s new technology and innovation czar, to name two), and she’s begun to outline an ambitious plan to attack student debt. But her community initiatives are largely works in progress. A civic leader says she’s being methodical and careful, learning the local politics and players. She told this civic leader she plans to stay at Ohio State for at least eight years. Her goal is to be a force for years to come.

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

TALK TO COLUMBUS CIVIC TYPES, and you often hear the same refrain. What the city really needs, they say, are “owners”—leaders with extraordinary wealth and longterm personal commitments to Columbus. The reason: With Les Wexner’s civic status uncertain, community leadership is increasingly falling into the hands of transitory corporate hired guns. They’re not deep-pocketed, long-term, intergenerational power players who’ve been so critical in Columbus’ transformation over the past few decades.

As a result, community leaders often find themselves scanning the landscape, looking for candidates who might fill this need. The city’s new tech royalty offers hope: Alex Timm of Root Insurance and Sean Lane of Olive both have the potential to become fabulously wealthy if their companies hit pay dirt on Wall Street (though Root's stock has dipped significantly following its 2020 IPO). Matt and Pete Scantland—the found-

THE NEW MONEY IN TOWN

ers of CoverMyMeds and Orange Barrel Media, respectively—are already making waves in the community. Matt is a member of the Columbus Partnership and the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. board, while Pete is deeply involved with local art institutions, making a major gift from his already impressive contemporary art collection to the Columbus Museum of Art in 2021 and serving on the boards of both CMA and the Wexner Center for the Arts. “The Scantland twins have so much potential,” a business leader says. “They’re balanced. They’re successful. They share their wealth. Pete is building what will be one of the major art collections in the country.”

But perhaps the most intriguing possibility is Dee Haslam . She and her husband, Jimmy, swooped into town in 2018 and joined with Pete Edwards to buy the Columbus Crew. Sports fans and the city’s civic establishment welcomed the Haslams

as heroes, and locals continue to sing their praises, especially Dee’s. Of the two, she’s been the most committed to Columbus, becoming an enthusiastic member of the Columbus Partnership. “Anything we’ve asked her to do, she’s done,” says a Partnership member. In addition to building a $314 million new soccer stadium in the Arena District, a civic leader says the Haslams, the owners of the Cleveland Browns, are gearing up to make some major philanthropic gifts—“to the tune of millions of dollars”— primarily around education in Columbus.

Some civic types bemoan that the Haslams don’t live in Columbus. But with their extraordinary wealth— Forbes puts Jimmy’s net worth at $3.7 billion—they could fi ll the deep-pocketed void in the Columbus power structure, no matter where they call home. “They’re wonderful, and they’re solid, and they’re communityminded, and they have the checkbook, if you will,” a business leader says. 7

From left, Dee Haslam; Pete and Matt Scantland; Sean Lane; Alex Timm

PHOTOS: FROM LEFT, BARBARA J. PERENIC; ROB HARDIN (3); JONATHAN QUILTER

 Particularly Wexner. He and the L Brands founder seemed to be perfectly in sync, and that made Fischer powerful. “When you see Alex, you’re looking at Les Wexner’s money,” a political insider says.

Around the time of Wolfe’s death, Fischer’s influence began to grow. “When he sees a void, he steps into it,” says a Partnership member. Fischer's CEO bosses began to treat him as one of their own rather than their employee, giving him more leeway to speak his mind and pursue his own ideas. He replaced Abigail Wexner, Les’ wife, as the chair of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital board and joined the Ohio State University board—two of the most important appointments in the city. “Alex Fischer became the focal point for the business community about the time that John died,” says a former City Hall official. “He filled the void and became very consequential.”

Perhaps nothing showcased his skill and influence more than Fischer’s involvement in Save The Crew, the multipronged effort to keep the professional soccer team in Columbus. After then-owner/operator Anthony Precourt announced plans to move the Crew to Austin in 2017, few thought it was possible to keep the team in the region. But Fischer was willing to lead the fight, which turned into one of the city’s most improbable civic victories.

Then in 2019, another void began to open. Wexner became a less visible power player as he was forced to focus more on his own company’s struggles—particularly, the cultural backlash that was upending Victoria’s Secret, then the signature enterprise of L Brands. But even more significant was the reputational damage Wexner endured because of

A CIVIC TREASURE

his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced pedophile financial adviser. Epstein, who hanged himself in a New York City jail in August 2019 while facing charges he abused dozens of underage girls, became the subject of a media feeding frenzy that led to the most unflattering press coverage of Wexner’s relatively scandal-free life. Wexner’s public appearances disappeared, while Columbus community leaders say he became less active behind the scenes as well. No doubt the pandemic exacerbated the isolation, but a prominent Central Ohio elected official says, “It’s been two years since I’ve even seen the guy.”

Partnership leaders also began talking with Wexner about stepping down as chair. It took a little while for Wexner to accept the idea, but he eventually came around, and in October, he told the organization’s membership that he would relinquish the position. Having resigned as CEO and chairman of L Brands in May 2020, it didn’t really make sense for him to remain the leader of an alliance of chief executives.

Wexner’s diminishment made Fischer even more important to Columbus. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing, Fischer pushed the Partnership to focus more on racial issues and became a co-chair of a successful campaign to establish a civilian review board to oversee the discipline of Columbus police officers. Indeed, if this story came out a year ago, Columbus Monthly might have named Fischer the city’s most powerful person, an improbable choice considering that many of his bosses on the Partnership’s executive committee would have been below him on the power rank-

Perhaps no one has played the civic game better—or longer—than Jack Kessler. The New Albany Co. chairman cracked Columbus Monthly’s top 10 power list twice—in 1980 and five years later. He never made it again, but he’s remained a force through the ensuing decades as a kind of civic consigliere: building relationships, offering advice, setting up deals, resolving disputes. He’s a master networker, either making the rounds at the Columbus Club or his trademark early morning calls to keep tabs on what’s happening. At 85, even as his friend and business partner Les Wexner relinquishes his chairmanship of the Columbus Partnership, Kessler remains a member of the group’s governing board. A 1988 Columbus Monthly profile described Kessler as “quiet class and a great deal of charm.” Some things don’t change.

ings. “If Alex doesn’t have power, then who does?” asks a political insider.

But that honor wasn’t to be. In July, Fischer announced he planned to step down at the end of the year. Unbeknownst to almost everyone in town, he’d actually been considering resigning since 2020, but the pandemic interfered with that plan.

Fischer will remain in Columbus and stay involved in community affairs in a yet to be determined role. He cites exhaustion and a desire to take on new challenges for his exit, but it’s possible he also is reading the room, so to speak. With the Partnership changing—Wolfe gone, new co-chairs ascending, a broadening membership group developing—

PHOTOS: LEFT, JOSHUA A. BICKEL; RIGHT, ROB HARDIN

Alex Fischer at a meeting with members of Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted’s staff in 2019

LOU VON THAER: Building a Better Battelle

When Lou Von Thaer arrived in Columbus, he made some tough choices. Business was stagnating at Battelle, so the new chief executive cut costs. He wanted the nonprofit research giant to become a “leaner and more market-facing organization.” More than 250 people lost their jobs in Central Ohio, as did 90 employees elsewhere.

Von Thaer’s pivot paid off. Since then, revenue has soared at Battelle. In May, he predicted revenue would hit $10 billion in 2021, doubling the figure from his first year at the helm, according to an interview Von Thaer did with Columbus Business First. “Battelle is stronger today than it was when he got here,” says a Columbus business leader. “We’re lucky to have Lou.”

What’s more, Von Thaer has become an active community leader. Civic players say he’s more involved than his predecessor, Jeffrey Wadsworth. Von Thaer, a

member of the Ohio State Board of Trustees, chaired the search committee that hired OSU president Kristina Johnson. Business officials have long wanted Battelle and Ohio State to collaborate more closely, and it appears that’s occurred during the pandemic. “The relationship between Battelle and Ohio State, with Kristina, seems to be better than ever, which is a good thing, because the two of them play a very important part in attracting talent to our community,” the business leader says.

A civic insider says Von Thaer is potentially in line to become the next chair of the OSU board, while another source predicts he’ll rise up the ranks at the Columbus Partnership, becoming a chair or co-chair of the civic organization. “He’s got a runway to be the CEO of Battelle probably for another seven, eight, nine years, and so that makes him a player today and a player tomorrow,” the source says.

 maybe Fischer no longer is the right person for the job. “He had such a great relationship with Les and John F.,” a civic leader says. “I don’t know if it could continue with the new regime.”

With the Titans disappearing, some observers predict Columbus will need to rely more on shared responsibility. In this scenario, empowered and respected nonprofitand public sector leaders—the Columbus YWCA’s Christie Angel, Columbus State Community College’s David Harrison, the Columbus Foundation’s Doug Kridler, the Columbus Urban League’s Stephanie Hightower, to name a few—may play bigger roles, digging into problems in a more organic, grassroots way. In fact, this phenomenon seems already to be happening.

When the pandemic lockdown occurred in March 2020, Columbus Metropolitan Library CEO Pat Losinski worried about inequities in broadband internet access. The library, essentially, is a public computing utility; at its 23 locations, visitors used the library’s computers or accessed its wireless network 1.8 million times in 2019. He wondered what they would do without that service at a time when internet access was more critical than ever “How do you exist in today’s world without broadband access?” Losinski says. “It just creates an unlevel playing field”

Losinski shared his concerns with Kridler, the CEO of the Columbus Foundation. The pair and other nonprofitleaders began meeting every Wednesday over Zoom to talk about the issue. Eventually, the group, now known as the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition, grew to about 40 individuals representing

PHOTOS: LEFT, ROB HARDIN; RIGHT, TIM JOHNSON

Pat Losinski

KIRT WALKER: Bringing Nationwide Back to the Table

The CEO of Nationwide is an automatic power player in Columbus. The corporation is perhaps the city’s most important—the largest Columbus-based private employer, with a deep history of ambitious community commitments, such as the Arena District and the $50 million pledge that gave the insurance company the naming rights to what is now called Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Columbus civic leaders are still getting to know Kirt Walker, Nationwide’s chief executive since 2019, but they already say he’s more involved in community affairs than his predecessor, Steve Rasmussen. For one, Walker is participating in the Columbus Partnership; Rasmussen wasn’t very committed to it, civic leaders say. Walker also is set to become the chair of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital board in 2022, replacing Alex Fischer, and he joined with AEP’s Nick Akins and Huntington Bank’s Steve Steinour in guiding the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s $30 million Rooted In You fundraising campaign, a triumph that will likely meet its financial goal in 15 months instead of the expected three years.

Born on a farm in Iowa, Walker is described as quiet, humble, down to earth and unassuming. A nonprofit leader predicts Walker will mimic Rasmussen in one

about 35 local organizations, including the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Jewish Family Services, the city of Columbus, COTA and Ohio State University.

Coalition members have remained engaged. They’ve met with internet service providers every six to eight weeks to talk about holes in the current infrastructure. They’ve developed pi lot programs for 200 households on the South Side and the Near East Side that provide affordable internet connections through emerging wireless technology. They’ve distributed ab out 500 refurbished computers to low-income families at three events in 2020 and secured grants that made additional low-cost laptops, desktop computers and Chromebooks available to more families. Members “didn’t wait to get permission,” a nonprofitleader says. “There wasn’t any voice saying, ‘Excuse me. You’re kinda getting out of your lane.’”

Losinski and his collaborators tackled the problem on their own, without

way: pushing his executive team to play major roles in the community. “He’s a collaborator and a builder,” the leader says. “He’d rather be in the back of the room than in the front.”

receiving signoff from folks at the top of the power structure, the traditional method of accomplishing things in Columbus. In a world without Titans, it could be a new way to achieve civic progress. But is this ad hoc, scattered approach enough to address Columbus’ biggest challenges?

M o st people aren’t worried that Columbus’ current leadership fragility will cause a sudden decline in the city “The flywheelof growth is spinning pretty well right now, so I don’t think any of the transitions are going to disrupt that growth,” says a civic insider, who expects mistakes will go less noticed as a result.

Many predict the Partnership will become more focused on job growth under Kenny McDonald, moving away from the social initiatives that Fischer embraced. Since 2010, McDonald has been the CEO of One Columbus (formerly Columbus 2020), the regional economic development agency, and by all accounts, he’s excelled at the job. While Fischer, a former 

PHOTOS: TOP, ROB HARDIN; BOTTOM, JOSHUA A. BICKEL

Abigail Wexner

POWER LAPSE

Mike Kaufmann doesn’t completely ignore civic affairs. In fact, the CEO of Cardinal Health co-chairs an important committee at the Columbus Partnership that’s focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and he is a widely admired champion of underrepresented groups in business. But some civic leaders say Kaufmann’s focus is too narrow. “He’s been active in DE&I work but almost nothing else,” an insider says. To be sure, the leader of the Dublin health care giant has a lot to deal with in his day job; Cardinal faces major legal and financial challenges that stem from lawsuits that accuse the company of helping fuel the opioid crisis. But some civic leaders still believe the head of Ohio’s largest corporation by revenue needs to have a bigger civic footprint in Columbus, and they fear Cardinal is returning to its old ways, before Kaufmann’s predecessor, George Barrett, increased its community presence.

 Tennessee deputy governor, is a political animal, McDonald is not. “Alex is a unicorn,” a former elected officialsays. “He could engage in these big civic issues and be a productive part of it. Kenny is unknown in that way.” A political insider describes McDonald as “an economic development savant.”

In the past, the Partnership—with Wexner, Wolfe and Fischer at the helm—was largely responsible for rallying the city around big themes and ideas. Will a new, more jobs-focused Partnership still be able to do that? And will it even want to? “I think there’s going to be a good amount of collaboration, but I just don’t know if there’s going to be that heroic vision,” a nonprofitleader says. Some worry that ambitious projects will fall to the wayside without a visionary in control. “That’s the biggest danger that I see,” a civic leader says.

Wexner’s future isn’t settled, either. A civic insider says he was in “a really bad place” a year ago, beaten down by the nonstop assault on his character and

Les and Abigail Wexner donated $40.6 million to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

PHOTOS: TOP, DISPATCH FILE; BOTTOM, DORAL CHENOWETH

business. The Epstein case has spawned a cottage industry of podcasts, documentaries and books detailing the sordid saga—and damaged Wexner’s reputation in the process. But the insider says Wexner has emerged from his funk and now believes he can continue to play a role in Columbus. He’s not running the show at the Partnership anymore, but he retains the title of “chairman emeritus” and will stay involved in an advisory capacity. Abigail also remains a member of the Partnership, and a civic leader expects she’ll continue to be the major force behind KIPP Columbus, the charter school on the East Side.

In this new phase, civic leaders believe Wexner will focus on the things that have long mattered the most to him: Ohio State, New Albany, the Scioto Peninsula. What’s more, he sold more than $2 billion worth of L Brands stock in July. Such financialliquidity suggests he might be positioning himself for another—or several—blockbuster gifts. “I think his biggest impact may come in the next decade,” a civic insider says. That’s a pretty bold statement considering his and his family’s philanthropic track record: $20 million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, $25 million to the Wexner Center for the Arts, $40.6 million to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, $100 million to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

If the new gifts do occur, they could be both transformative and nerve-racking for their beneficiaries. Wexner is forever tainted by Epstein, a predator who rose to power largely because of his connections to Wexner. That association puts philanthropic recipients in an awkward position. While his money could do so much good for their missions and institutions, the gifts also could attract harsh publicity and perhaps even protests. And what if new damaging revelations emerge? In December, Wexner was supposed to be deposed as part of a defamation battle between Alan Dershowitz and Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims that Epstein sex traffickedher to the famed attorney. Dershowitz’s lawyers want to question Wexner under oath about allegations Giuffre tried to extort him.

(Wexner has denied the claim.)

So what should a Columbus institution do if presented with a Wexner gift? One local nonprofi executive would take the money, as of right now. The leader says no true smoking gun has emerged showing that Wexner was aware of Epstein’s crimes while they worked together, and Wexner’s honorable history in Columbus bolsters his credibility. But the executive acknowledges that decision would b e risky. If evidence comes out implicating Wexner later, “then I’d throw up and probably lose my job,” the leader says.

For Wexner, the Epstein saga isn’t over—and you can’t help but wonder if it ever will be. “He made a tragic mistake in getting involved with Epstein,” a business leader says. “He’s paying a dear price now.”

Wexner will never be the same, nor will Columbus. ◆

ALEX FISCHER’S NEXT MOVE

Columbus civic leaders have a new favorite parlor game: speculating on Alex Fischer’s career options. Some are confident he’ll end up working for Les Wexner, his longtime benefactor at the Columbus Partnership. Others wonder if he’ll run for governor. Or mayor. Or senator. And some think he’s going to hook up with a different extraordinarily wealthy family—his old Tennessee pals Dee and Jimmy Haslam, the Columbus Crew co-owners.

All these scenarios are conjecture, however, because Fischer isn’t really providing any clues. “I’m not ruling anything in or out because that would kind of spoil the exploration,” he says. The only thing he says for sure is he and his wife, Lori Barreras, are committed to staying in Central Ohio.

After stepping down from his job as the CEO of the Columbus Partnership in January, Fischer plans to spend the first three months of 2022 in Arizona, where he and Barreras own a home. His agenda: decompress, reflect and talk with friends, colleagues and his wife about how he can continue to have impact in Columbus. At the Partnership, Fischer was one of the city’s great planners—in fact, he launched an effort to create a 100-year vision for the city. But as he moves on from the civic organization that made him one of Columbus’ most influential people, he says he genuinely doesn’t know what will come next. “A lot of people don’t believe it, and that’s their problem, not mine,” Fischer says. “I couldn’t be more excited about exploring the gray space. It’s a really unique time in my life, and I’m going to do it very thoughtfully, and I’m going to do it on my timeline, not anybody else’s.”

PHOTO: ADAM CAIRNS

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU MIX COLUMBUS, CINCINNATI, THE USMNT, INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE AND TWO PROUD OHIO FAN BASES? BAD BLOOD, INTENSIFYING RIVALRIES AND A GLORIOUS SEASON OF HIGH-STAKES SOCCER (AND TROLLING).

BY CHRIS DEVILLE

PHOTOS BY TIM JOHNSON

➮YOU’VE SEEN THE MEME. “Distracted Boyfriend,” they call it: A woman casts a look of disbelief at the man she is walking with as he whistles approvingly at another woman passing by. This stock photo, such a clear yet versatile visual metaphor, was all the rage back in 2017 and persists online to this day.

“Distracted Boyfriend” made one memorable appearance on TQL Stadium’s Twitter account in July 2021. That day, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced that TQL—the newly constructed home of Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati—would host a World Cup qualifierbetween the U.S. men’s national team and Mexico, its biggest rival and fiercestcompetitor in the region. This was a big deal.

For years, every time the final qualifying round arrived, the U.S.-Mexico clash was played two hours up the road at what’s now called Historic Crew Stadium. This worked out splendidly for the Americans— until it didn’t. After 2-0 victories in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013 that collectively came to be known as the “dos a cero” games, the U.S. finallylost to Mexico in Columbus in 2016 en route to missing its firstWorld Cup since 1986.

Just weeks before the announcement that TQL would host the Mexico match, the Crew opened a fancy new stadium of its own, Lower.com Field. Many in Columbus hoped the new venue would inspire the USSF to bring Mexico back to town for a sixth straight qualifying cycle. Instead, the most sought-after contest in U.S. Soccer fandom was moving to Cincinnati.

T h us the meme: Lower.com Field as the aghast woman, U.S. Soccer as the distracted boyfriend, TQL Stadium as the object of desire. It was masterful trolling—exactly the kind of gesture that has typifiedthe relationship between the Columbus and Cincinnati soccer contingents.

THIS IS A STORY about two heated rivalries—both pitting North against South in a battle for regional soccer supremacy—and how they intersected in Ohio in the fall of 2021.

The older of the two is the longstanding antagonism between Mexico and the United States in men’s international soccer. The North American nations firs faced off in a World Cup qualifierin Rome in 1934, a 4-2 win for the U.S. Ever since, they’ve been fighting to rule the continent and, starting with a 1961 merger, the whole of CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football).

Despite getting the rivalry off on the right foot, the Yanks spent much of the 20th century in subjection. Mexico established itself as a global soccer

Derrick Johnson, left, and Nick Smith cheer during the U.S. vs. Costa Rica soccer match at Lower.com Field in October.

power. Meanwhile, the U.S. went 40 years without competing in a World Cup before finallyqualifying again in 1990. U.S. Soccer’s momentum began to build as this country hosted the 1994 World Cup and even advanced beyond the group stage. It picked up even more when the U.S. launched its own professional domestic league, Major League Soccer, in 1996. Still, the rivalry remained lopsided in Mexico’s favor.

One major boost for the Mexicans: When the teams faced off in the States, large numbers of Mexico partisans routinely filledstadiums in major markets, creating a home away from home for the visitors. In CONCACAF’s finalWorld Cup qualifying round, only the top three teams get automatic bids. The fourth-place team faces a one-game playoff. The rest are out. Consistently drawing or losing to Mexico on American soil was making the qualificationprocess unnecessarily difficultfor the USMNT. They lacked an equivalent to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where high altitude and boisterous supporters contribute to an imposing environment for visitors. Even within their own country, it seemed there was nowhere the Americans could go for a proper home-fieldadvantage.

That changed with the construction of Columbus Crew Stadium. After renovations to Ohio Stadium forced the Crew out of their original home, investor-op erator Lamar Hunt rushed to build MLS’s firs soccer-specificstadium in time for the 1999 season. It wasn’t a particularly impressive venue, but it was a milestone for American soccer. It also proved to be the fortress the USSF had been seeking: a venue far away from Mexico, in a city not known for its large Hispanic population, small enough to tightly control ticket distribution. After Crew Stadium hosted a successful qualifieragainst Costa Rica in 2000, U.S. Soccer awarded Columbus the Mexico game in the finalround of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.

As a bonus, the match was scheduled to take place in February, creating a particularly inhospitable environment for the Mexican contingent. In fact, it was so cold on Feb. 28, 2001, that Mexico’s team skipped their pregame warmups. “La Guerra Fría” (the Cold War) was hard-fought—Crew star Brian McBride, the starting U.S. striker, was forced out within the first15 minutes after a collision with Mexico’s Rafa Márquez left his eye swollen shut—but ultimately the U.S. prevailed 2-0 on goals by Josh Wolff and Earnie

Stewart. It was a pivotal moment in American soccer history, one that gave a new swagger to American players, coaches and fans.

Current Crew defender Josh Williams, a native of Copley, Ohio, was in the stands that night. “That match was what made me kind of fall in love with American soccer, truly fall in love with it,” Williams told ESPN last year, reflectingthe feelings of many who witnessed the win. In the same feature, former Crew star Frankie Hejduk, a reserve for the USMNT that night, recalled, “That was the firsttime we really felt that aura and energy of Crew Stadium.”

Opting not to fixwhat wasn’t broken, U.S. Soccer kept scheduling the Mexico game in Columbus. A 2005 rematch between the Yanks and “El Tri” (so named for Mexico’s three-striped flag)yielded the same 2-0 result. Improbably, the same score repeated in 2009 and 2013. (U.S. forward Clint Dempsey famously missed a penalty kick seemingly on purpose in the waning moments of the 2009 game to keep things at 2-0.) Each successive “dos a cero” victory bolstered the city’s reputation as the “spiritual home” of American soccer, a phrase that has b een repeated in several articles and broadcasts over the years.

U.S.-Mexico in Columbus became arguably U.S. Soccer’s most storied tradition. It was a point of pride for the local soccer community: Columbus was the best because it brought out the best in the U.S. team. And

then, with a deflating2-1 defeat on Nov. 11, 2016—setting the tone for a disastrous run that saw the Americans miss the World Cup for the firsttime in three decades—the Columbus magic was suddenly gone.

THE SAME YEAR the U.S. mojo wore off in Columbus, FC Cincinnati played its inaugural season in the United Soccer League, a professional league one notch below MLS. The team was an immediate sensation, drawing USL-record crowds to Nippert Stadium on the University of Cincinnati campus. In 2016, the team’s average attendance was 17,296. In 2017, it rose to 21,199. By 2018 it was up to 25,717. Cincy’s draw exceeded that of many MLS franchises, including the Crew, whose attendance was dwindling even before investor-operator Anthony Precourt revealed his plan to move the team to Austin in late 2017

Cincinnati fans made sure to point out the attendance disparity in June 2017 when the Crew and FC Cincy faced off at Nippert in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a century-old tournament involving pro, semipro and amateur soccer teams. (Yes, it was renamed in honor of the Crew’s former owner in 1999 to recognize his contributions to American soccer.) A 1-0 victory in the Open Cup match further emboldened Cincinnati supporters, who believed a more robust fan culture had sprung up around their so-called minor-league franchise.

In the leadup to that first ColumbusCincinnati showdown, a supporter for one of the teams—nobody can remember who— had the bright idea to call the new intra-state rivalry “Hell Is Real,” a reference to an infamous, evangelical billboard between the two cities along I-71 in Mount Sterling. The name stuck. By the start of 2019, the Crew was saved from being shipped off to Austin, just in time for FC Cincinnati to join MLS as an expansion team. Now the Ohio clubs would face off multiple times a year in regular season play, occasioning lots of references to “Kentucky FC” from Columbus supporters and a T-shirt from Cincy Shirts that reads “Carole Baskin Is A Columbus Fan.”

“Hell Is Real,” a phrase that has been embraced by both clubs’ front offices, quickly became one of the Crew’s fierces

rivalries. Columbus has dominated on the pitch, posting a 4-1-3 record versus Cincy since that initial Open Cup loss. Cincinnati has yet to post a winning season in MLS. Yet the saucy banter between supporters has translated to intensity on the part of players and coaches. In 2019, a fightbroke out between Columbus and Cincy players in the waning moments of a 3-1 Crew win. Last summer, Crew head coach Caleb Porter shushed the TQL crowd with his index fingerafter Columbus came back to tie Cincinnati 2-2 despite playing the second half down a man due to a red card. The taunting continued in Porter’s postgame comments: “They have to be devastated over there in that other locker room, because how can you be up 2-0 and up a man and not win the game?”

THREE WEEKS AFTER

Porter threw shade at Cincinnati, the USSF announced two crucial games on the road to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Columbus would once again host a qualifieron Oct. 13, 2021, this time against Costa Rica—a historically tough opponent but not nearly as prestigious as Mexico. Meanwhile, Cincinnati would host the Mexico match Nov. 12. This was a momentous shift, if not exactly a surprise.

“Unfortunately, due to the fact that we lost last time in Columbus, I think that broke the aura that we had of Columbus,” says Gerald Foston, national president of the U.S. Soccer supporters group Sammers SC, who lives in New Jersey and travels to as many national team contests as he can. “Once we lost that, I knew it wasn’t going to come back there.”

Michael Saad, a longtime Crew and USMNT backer who prioritizes his support of the national team over his loyalty to Columbus, agrees with Foston. “My reaction was not really surprise when it was Cincinnati,” Saad says. “Honest to God, it was excitement. I’ve seen the games in Columbus; I know what that brings. As an Ohioan, because of the way I look at the national team and because of the traveling I do around the country, there’s a lot of pride in saying I’m from Ohio. I still feel a real sense of pride that our state is hosting the game.”

Speaking by phone the day of the Costa Rica match—which the U.S. won 2-1 at a festive, rowdy Lower.com Field—Saad suspected his position would not be common among his fellow Central Ohio soccer sup erfans. “I’m definitelythe anomaly,” Saad says. “There’s no doubt in my mind.” But later that bright October afternoon, as thousands of people in red, white and blue apparel flod into the Arena District for pregame festivities, fans express a wide range of opinions.

Some local soccer fanatics are surprisingly chill about the end of this city’s prized soccer tradition. “I’m not really that hurt about it,” says Brian Guilfoos, who was just glad the Mexico game remained within driving distance. “I don’t feel like Columbus has a right to the game or anything.”

continued on Page 93

PHOTOS: TOP, ADAM CAIRNS; BOTTOM, KAREEM ELGAZZAR/ THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Opposite page, Marcus Cranston and Lila Asnami dressed as an eagle and Wonder Woman for the U.S. vs. Costa Rica World Cup qualifying match held in Columbus; this page, top, Crew fan Victor Ortiz holds a “Hell is Real” flag at a match agains FC Cincinnati at Mapfre Stadium in 2019; bottom, the U.S. team celebrates a goal during its World Cup qualifier against exico in Cincinnati in November.

Inthe scheme of recent protests, the ones over the proposed redevelopment of a former Giant Eagle site near German Village earlier this year were almost comical: One resident carried an inflatable killer whale in protest of the “whale” of a development. People wore whale masks and whale hats. A woman dressed in a onesie designed to make her look like a killer whale.

Their cause: blocking, or at least substantially changing, plans for a new apartment complex on the 2.3 acre site of the now-vacant grocery store on East Whittier Street in Schumacher Place. The developer is the well-respected Pizzuti Cos. It’s built some of the city’s most prestigious high-rises, including the Miranova office and condo complex near the Scioto Mile and Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph in the Short North— gleaming buildings that city leaders say have added value to the surrounding neighborhoods. If Pizzuti couldn’t develop the site appropriately, who could?

But many of the people who lived near the former Giant Eagle had concerns: They didn’t want a big shiny apartment complex dropped in the middle of their community; they worried about traffic, a sharp increase in population, the way the building might affect their property values.

“It’s not that we didn’t want it developed,” says Brenda Gischel, president of the Schumacher Place Civic Association and a founder of the group Neighborhoods for Responsible Development, which has opposed Pizzuti’s plans for the East Whittier site. “But we didn’t want a five-story building that stuck out in this neighborhood, and we didn’t want something that isolated the development from our community.”

On the surface, this might seem like a classic NIMBY—“not in my backyard”— concern. But there’s more at stake here than the typical neighborhood squabble.

The city’s population is growing, the people moving here have to live somewhere, and there are ample reasons why denser neighborhoods close to the city’s core are better than suburban sprawl. (Consider the frustration of sitting in traffic during your morning or evening commute and add the greenhouse gases and air pollution emitted by all those cars—avoiding those issues are just two of the benefits to concentrating people in the heart of the city.) Most people seem to get that, on a broad, citywide, theoretical level. But it’s different when the new condo or apartment complex is right across the street.

The tension around the development of 280 E. Whittier St. is an example of the kind of debate that already is playing out in neighborhoods across Columbus—the kind of debate that is only likely to get more contentious as more and more people move to this area. “People talk about how divided we are as a country politically,” says Jon Melchi, executive director of the Building Industry

The development battle in the German Village area isn’t just another NIMBY squabble.

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: BETSY BECKER

Association of Central Ohio, an organization that advocates for and supports builders. “And I can tell you that the bluest parts of Columbus and the reddest parts of Delaware County all seem to have the same perspective on residential development, which is, ‘I’m in favor of it, just not right there.’”

Ultimately, this is the puzzle every American city needs to solve as it grows: What kind of community do we want to be in 10, 25, 50 years? How will we make sure there’s space for everyone who wants to be here, and how can we make sure each of those people has the best possible chance to thrive? How do we make sure the decision-makers here look out for everyone—even the people who don’t have time to march in the streets or wage letter-writing campaigns or form activist groups on one side or the other? How do we make this an equitable place to live?

What has happened with the redevelopment on East Whittier might offer some clues about how that process will unfold— and shows how important it is that Columbus comes to grips with its population growth and housing issues soon.

The East Whittier Street site was once a Big Bear grocery store. That chain started in Columbus in the 1930s and eventually grew to include 65 locations across Ohio and West Virginia. The Schumacher Place Big Bear opened in 1950. By 2004, though, the company was in trouble, and the store became a Giant Eagle. It was small by grocery store standards, covering about

30,000 square feet, but it was a neighborhood resource.

“People walked there to visit the pharmacy, to get their groceries,” says Gischel, who has lived in Schumacher Place for decades. “It really was a neighborhood store.”

In 2017, Pizzuti bought the site, which included 2.3 acres and the grocery store building, for $5.3 million. At the time, a Pizzuti spokesman said the store would remain, that it was a “privilege” for the Giant Eagle to serve the surrounding community. The site is bounded by Whittier to the south, East Kossuth Street to the north, South Grant Avenue to the east and Jaeger Street to the west. That Jaeger is one of its borders is important: The street is the officialline separating Schumacher Place from German

Village, where historic designations and a vocal resident base make new development trickier. If the site had been one block to the west, the development Pizzuti is proposing might not have been possible.

Pizzuti began talking publicly about turning the site into an apartment complex in March 2020; in August of that year, Giant Eagle announced it would leave the building. Initial plans included about 330 rental units with 8,000 square feet of retail on the firstfl or; the development was four stories in some parts and five stories in others. Almost immediately, neighborhood groups, including the German Village Society and the Schumacher Place Civic Association, voiced concerns.

In multiple meetings, hundreds of residents spoke about their fears that the complex would block light to their homes—at four-plus stories, it was taller than the previous grocery store building. Renderings

A rendering of the proposed Pizzuti development in Schumacher Place; below, Greyson McCaig wears a whale costume and plays a drum, and Jeff obin carries an inflatable whale at a protest in March.

showed a more industrial, modern structure—a departure from the older homes that surround the site. They worried that people parking at the complex would block the roads for trash and recycling trucks and slow existing residents’ travels to and from their homes. The number of residential units proposed for the site is denser than the largely single-family homes in the area.

“We would have supported 45 units per acre, which would have been an increase— there is no housing on the site now, so that would have created some housing,” Gischel says. “And we would have welcomed more retail.”

As of December, the plans include 262 rental units and 9,000 square feet of retail space. Renderings show the building would be four-and-a-half stories at its highest point. Columbus City Council approved the development in July; a group of neighbors appealed that approval to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. No decision had been made on that appeal as of press time. (Pizzuti representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.)

The site now is barren, except for a sizable hole. Crews tore down the empty grocery store earlier this year; the block is surrounded by chain link fencing. Banners on the fence show images of a four-story brick façade with walk-up stoops and tree-lined sidewalks.

Just across from the site on East Kossuth Street, multiple homeowners have staked signs in their front yards opposing the development. “Tell City Council the Pizzuti Project is TOO BIG!” one proclaims. “Don’t Let This Happen,” another reads, above a picture of a white building towering over homes in the neighborhood.

Every neighborhood might not have protests involving killer whales—not every neighborhood has a resident base with the same time and energy for organizing—but a version of this tug-of-war over development has been going on for years in Columbus. In Olde Towne East, residents have voiced concerns over the height of a proposed four- and five-storyapartment complex at the corner of Oak and 18th streets. In the Short North, a proposed apartment complex on West Second Avenue went through a numb er of iterations based on resident opposition before being scrapped. It was resurrected earlier this year; the Victorian Village Commission ultimately approved plans for a seven-story building, three stories shorter than the original proposal. An apartment complex in Old North on North High Street was scaled back in 2016 after residents complained about the height.

People are moving to Columbus at a rapid pace. The most recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau put Columbus’ population at more than 900,000, a 15 percent increase over the last census, in 2010. Columbus is growing at about double the rate of the rest of the country. It’s the fastest-growing city in the Midwest and the 14th-biggest in the country. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, which covers all of Central Ohio, projects that the region is going to grow to 3 million residents by 2050.

“The question for us now is: ‘What should our city of the future look like?’” says Michael Wilkos, senior vice president of community impact at the United Way of Central Ohio.

Wilkos is also a co-founder of the group Neighbors for More Neighbors Columbus, which advocates for more density in the city’s core. “And I think at the end of all of this, we do have choices to make as a community. … I believe that we have some of the most beautiful and productive farmland on the planet just outside metropolitan Columbus, and I would like to preserve and protect as much of that as possible—and the only way for us to preserve this incredible countryside is for us to accommodate more of our growth within existing neighborhoods on existing infrastructure and bus lines, in walkable neighborhoods, near existing services.

“And while many people would philosophically agree with that statement, it becomes very difficultwhen it comes to a specific project on a secific site”

Wilkos has assembled a slew of data about Columbus—its growth, the number of vacant housing units in different parts of the city, the cost of building a new apartment complex, the demographics of the city’s new residents— which he has presented to many community leaders in recent months. His findingsshow that as growth accelerates in the metro area, more newcomers are looking to move to Franklin County. That’s a good thing because it prevents sprawl, but the housing doesn’t exist to accommodate the influx

Wilkos believes some of the answers lie in neighborhoods like Schumacher Place, where new buildings can be added on vacant sites such as 280 E. Whittier, or where new apartments can be built above garages or in carriage houses.

continued on Page 94

Brenda Gischel, president of the Schumacher Place Civic Association, and John Clark discuss their concerns about the development; below, Mindy Justis, co-founder of Neighbors for More Neighbors Columbus

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Brauer, Kami D., The Law Firm of Kami D. Brauer, Cleveland

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Essig, Ellen, Essig & Evans, Cincinnati

Fuhrer, Loriann E., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

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Gibbons, M. Colette, McDonald Hopkins, Cleveland

Goins, Frances Floriano, Ulmer & Berne, Cleveland Hannigan, Erinn McKee, Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co., Cincinnati

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Howard, Barbara J., Barbara J. Howard Co., Cincinnati

Hughes, Maura L., Calfee Halter & Griswold, Cleveland

Kemp, Jacqueline L., Kemp Law Group, Dublin

Khouzam, Marie-Joëlle C., Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Lampe, Lynn, The Lampe Law Office, West Chester

Leffler, Amanda M., Brouse McDowell, Akron

Lennox, Heather, Jones Day, Cleveland

Leveridge, Julia L., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus

Luka, Lori A., Lazzaro Luka Law Offices, Rocky River

Maimbourg, Rita A., Tucker Ellis, Cleveland

Martinsek, Amanda, Ulmer & Berne, Cleveland

McLafferty, Sydney S., Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Meister, Julia B., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Cincinnati

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Myers, Kelly Mulloy, Freking Myers & Reul, Cincinnati

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Rittgers, Ellen B., Rittgers & Rittgers, Lebanon

Roach, Adrienne J., KMK Law, Cincinnati

Schraff, Patricia J., Schraff Thomas Law, Willoughby Hills

Sferra, Anne Marie, Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Shlonsky, Patricia A., Ulmer & Berne, Cleveland

Silverman, Beth, Beth Silverman & Associates, Cincinnati

Taggart, Carolyn A., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Cincinnati

Trafford, Kathleen M., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Valentine, Nancy A., Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone, Cleveland

Watt, Kristin L., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Weber, Katharine C., Jackson Lewis, Cincinnati

Weis, Amy, Weis Law Group, Columbus

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TOP 100

TOP 10

BASHEIN, W. CRAIG Bashein & Bashein Co., Cleveland

BOSSIN, PHYLLIS G. Phyllis G. Bossin & Associates, Cincinnati

BURKE, JAMES E. KMK Law, Cincinnati

CRANDALL, STEVE

• Ranked Number Two • Crandall & Pera Law, Cleveland

LENNOX, HEATHER Jones Day, Cleveland

PATNO, CHRISTIAN R.

• Ranked Number Three • McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., Cleveland

RAY, FRANK A. Frank A. Ray Co., Columbus

TAGGART, CAROLYN A. Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Cincinnati

TRENEFF, CRAIG P. Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville

UNGAR, MICHAEL N.

• Ranked Number One • Ulmer & Berne, Cleveland

Abboud, Antony A., Gounaris Abboud, Dayton

Adams, Gregory L., Croswell & Adams Co., Cincinnati

Ahern, Ann-Marie, McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., Cleveland

Arnold, James E., Arnold & Clifford, Columbus

Bashein, W. Craig, Bashein & Bashein Co., Cleveland

Blackmore, Margaret L., Law Office of Margaret L. Blackmore, Dublin

Blasik-Miller, Susan, Freund Freeze & Arnold, Dayton

Bossin, Phyllis G., Phyllis G. Bossin & Associates, Cincinnati

Bowman, J. Scott, Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Brauer, Kami D., The Law Firm of Kami D. Brauer, Cleveland

Briskin, Seth P., Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis, Cleveland

Burke, James E., KMK Law, Cincinnati

Chesney, Michael N., Frantz Ward, Cleveland

Ciano, Phillip A., Ciano & Goldwasser, Cleveland

Crandall, Steve, Crandall & Pera Law, Cleveland

Debitetto, Rocco, Hahn Loeser & Parks, Cleveland

DiCello, Nicholas A., Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, Cleveland

Dunlap, Jeffrey S., Ulmer & Berne, Cleveland

Freking, Randolph H., Freking Myers & Reul, Cincinnati

Fried, Adam M., Reminger, Cleveland

Friedman, Ian N., Friedman & Nemecek, Cleveland

Friedman, Scott N., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus

Fuhrer, Loriann E., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Galeano, Judith E., Mowery Youell & Galeano, Dublin

Gilligan, John P., Ice Miller, Columbus

Goldwasser, Andrew, Ciano & Goldwasser, Cleveland

Graf, Jr., William R., Graf Coyne Co., Cincinnati

Gregory, Donald W., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Grossman, Andrew S., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Haggerty, Patrick F., Frantz Ward, Cleveland

Harris, Sean, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus

Haupt, Erika L., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Holschuh, Jr., John D., Santen & Hughes, Cincinnati

Horvath, Dennis E., Wolinetz | Horvath | Brown, Columbus

Howard, Barbara J., Barbara J. Howard Co., Cincinnati

Hughes, Maura L., Calfee Halter & Griswold, Cleveland

Ireland, D. Jeffrey, Faruki, Dayton

Kadish, Matthew F., Frantz Ward, Cleveland

Kane, Scott A., Squire Patton Boggs, Cincinnati

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Kelley, James M., Elk & Elk Co., Mayfield Heights

Kelly, Brian J., Frantz Ward, Cleveland

Kitrick, Mark, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus

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Lansdowne, Dennis R., Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, Cleveland

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Leffler, Amanda M., Brouse McDowell, Akron

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Leveridge, Julia L., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus

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Marshall, John S., Marshall and Forman, Columbus

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Miller, Brian G., Brian G. Miller Co., Worthington

Mirman, Denise M., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus

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Valentine, Nancy A., Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone, Cleveland

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Wagoner, Robert J., Robert J. Wagoner Co., Columbus

Weis, Amy, Weis Law Group, Columbus

Williams, Christopher S., Calfee Halter & Griswold, Cleveland

Young, Andrew R., The Law Firm for Truck Safety, Cleveland

Zashin, Andrew A., Zashin & Rich Co., Cleveland

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2022 OHIO SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.

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TOP 10 COLUMBUS TOP 5

COLUMBUS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP 50 COLUMBUS TOP 25

OHIO

50

TOP 50 COLUMBUS

TOP 5

BLACKMORE, MARGARET L. Law Office of Margaret L. Blackmore, Dublin

GROSSMAN, ANDREW S. Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

RAY, FRANK A. Frank A. Ray Co., Columbus

SAIA, JON J. The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Columbus

TRENEFF, CRAIG P. Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville

Alton, John M., John M. Alton & Co., Blacklick

Arnold, James E., Arnold & Clifford, Columbus

Barbin, Bradley D., Barbin Law, Columbus

Blackmore, Margaret L., Law Office of Margaret L. Blackmore, Dublin

Bowman, J. Scott, Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Cooper, Jr., Charles H., Cooper Elliott, Columbus

Cozza, Andrea L., Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville

Elliott, Rex H., Cooper Elliott, Columbus

Evans, II, Gordon D., The Donahey Law Firm, Columbus

Farolino, Shane A., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Fresco, Ronald A., Reminger, Columbus

Friedman, Scott N., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus

Fuhrer, Loriann E., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Galeano, Judith E., Mowery Youell & Galeano, Dublin

Garner, Richard M., Collins Roche Utley & Garner, Dublin

Gilligan, John P., Ice Miller, Columbus

Gosnell II, Gerhardt, Arnold & Clifford, Columbus

Gottfried, Gary J., Gary J. Gottfried Co., Westerville

Gregory, Donald W., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Grossman, Andrew S., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Grossman, Jeffrey A., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Harris, Sean, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus

Haupt, Erika L., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Haynes, S. Scott, Haynes Kessler Myers & Postalakis, Worthington

Hill, Thomas W., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Horvath, Dennis E., Wolinetz | Horvath | Brown, Columbus

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AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE WOMEN LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2022 OHIO SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.

Barnes, Belinda S., Gallagher Gams Tallan Barnes & Littrell, Columbus

Blackmore, Margaret L., Law Office of Margaret L. Blackmore, Dublin

Cozza, Andrea L., Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville

Einstein, Dianne DiNapoli, Einstein Law, Westerville

Fuhrer, Loriann E., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Galeano, Judith E., Mowery Youell & Galeano, Dublin

Haupt, Erika L., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Hensel, Jan E., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Jodka, Sara, Dickinson Wright, Columbus

Kemp, Jacqueline L., Kemp Law Group, Dublin

Khouzam, Marie-Joëlle C., Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Kirila, Jill S., Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

Krivda, Pamela S., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Lasley, Aneca E., Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

Leveridge, Julia L., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus

McKinlay, Amy M., McKinlay Law Offices, Columbus

McLafferty, Sydney S., Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Mirman, Denise M., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus

Huey, Donald Timothy (Tim), Huey Defense Firm, Columbus

Khouzam, Marie-Joëlle C., Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Kitrick, Mark, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus

Leeseberg, Gerald S., Leeseberg Tuttle, Columbus

Leveridge, Julia L., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus

Marshall, John S., Marshall and Forman, Columbus

McLafferty, Sydney S., Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Miller, Brian G., Brian G. Miller Co., Worthington

Mirman, Denise M., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus

Mordarski, Daniel R., Law Offices of Daniel R. Mordarski, Columbus

Nolan, William A., Barnes & Thornburg, Columbus

Petrie, James G., Epstein Becker & Green, Columbus

Ray, Frank A., Frank A. Ray Co., Columbus

Rourke, Michael J., Rourke & Blumenthal, Columbus

Saia, Jon J., The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Columbus

Scheaf, III, O. Judson, Hahn Loeser & Parks, Columbus

Schneider, Karl H., McNees Wallace & Nurick, Columbus

Scott, Craig P., The Law Office of Craig Scott & Co., Columbus

Shroyer, David I., Colley Shroyer & Abraham Co., Columbus

Thomas, David H., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Trafford, Kathleen M., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Treneff, Craig P., Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville

Wagoner, Robert J., Robert J. Wagoner Co., Columbus

Weis, Amy, Weis Law Group, Columbus

Oliver, Jami S., Oliver Law Office, Dublin

Sferra, Anne Marie, Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Sheely, Sommer L., Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Sponseller, Nancy L., Law Office of Nancy L. Sponseller, Dublin

Trafford, Kathleen M., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Watt, Kristin L., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Weis, Amy, Weis Law Group, Columbus

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2022 OHIO SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.

THE ANNUAL LIST

BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE

The list was finalized as of July 1, 2021. Only attorneys who data verified with Super Lawyers for the current year are included on the list that follows. All current selections and any updates to the list (e.g., status changes or disqualifying events) will be reflected on superlawyers.com.

Names and page numbers in RED indicate a profile on the specified page. Phone numbers are included only for attorneys with paid Super Lawyers or Rising Stars print advertisements.

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

James, Larry H., Crabbe Brown & James, Columbus

RISING STARS

Jeffcott, Thomas M., Jeffcott Law, Columbus

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

SUPER LAWYERS

Alton, John M., John M. Alton & Co., Blacklick Pg. S-6

Grossman, Jeffrey A., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus Pg. S-6

Hutson, Jeffrey W., Lane Alton, Columbus

Palmer, Robert G., Robert Gray Palmer Co., Columbus

Pohlman, William J., Pohlman Mediation Services, Columbus

Ray, Frank A., Frank A. Ray Co., Columbus, 614-223-2121 Pg. S-2, S-4, S-6

ANTITRUST LITIGATION

RISING STARS

Mundy, Kara M., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

APPELLATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Giorgianni, Paul, Giorgianni Law, Columbus

Sferra, Anne Marie, Bricker & Eckler, Columbus Pg. S-3, S-6

RISING STARS

Bloomekatz, Rachel, Bloomekatz Law, Columbus

Robertson, Michael K., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

BANKING

SUPER LAWYERS

Dreher, Darrell L., Dreher Tomkies, Columbus

Tomkies, Michael C., Dreher Tomkies, Columbus

RISING STARS

Cellier, Emily C., Dreher Tomkies, Columbus

Vonderhaar, Douglas A., Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

Workman, Nancy "Nici", Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS

SUPER LAWYERS

Allen, Thomas R., Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton, Columbus

Beck, David A., Carpenter Lipps & Leland, Columbus

Crist, Tyson A., Ice Miller, Columbus

Logan, Jr., William B., Luper Neidenthal & Logan, Columbus

Schaeffer, Matthew T., Bailey Cavalieri, Columbus

Stovall, Richard K., Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton, Columbus

Terlecky, Myron N., Strip Hoppers Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co., Columbus

RISING STARS

Cannizzaro, John C., Ice Miller, Columbus

Coutinho, James A., Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton, Columbus

BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER

SUPER LAWYERS

Inembolidis, Athena, Athena Legal, Columbus

Maggied, Pamela, Pamela N. Maggied Co., Columbus

Nesbitt, Laura M., The Nesbitt Law Firm, Dublin Richards, Ken, Luper Neidenthal & Logan, Columbus

RISING STARS

Ruffing, Lucas, Lucas Ruffing Law, Delaware

BUSINESS LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Abrams, James D., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Andrews, Alexander M., Ulmer & Berne, Columbus

Arnold, James E., Arnold & Clifford, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Binau, Dan J., Harris McClellan Binau & Cox, Columbus

Bloomfield, Jr., David S., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Butler, David J., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Chaney, John L., Chaney & Drexel, Columbus

Chappelear, Stephen E., Eastman & Smith, Columbus

Clark, Erik J., Organ Law, Columbus

Clifford, Damion M., Arnold & Clifford, Columbus

Curphey, James D., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Ferguson, Kate, Kooperman Mentel Ferguson

Yaross, Columbus, 614-344-4840

Forry, Steven D., Ice Miller, Columbus

Fuhrer, Loriann E., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6

Gilligan, John P., Ice Miller, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Gonzales, John M., The Behal Law Group, Columbus

Gosnell II, Gerhardt, Arnold & Clifford, Columbus Pg. S-6

Grayem, Jeremy, Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Hill, Thomas W., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus Pg. S-6

Hogan, Christopher J., Zeiger Tigges & Little, Columbus

Holzhall, Vincent, Steptoe & Johnson, Columbus

Jackson, Emily J., Harris McClellan Binau & Cox, Columbus

Kessler, Marc J., Hahn Loeser & Parks, Columbus

King, James A., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Lasley, Aneca E., Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus Pg. S-6

Lipps, Jeffrey A., Carpenter Lipps & Leland, Columbus

Little, Jr., Marion H., Zeiger Tigges & Little, Columbus

Miller, Robert Huff, Robert Huff MIller, Columbus

Mirman, Joel H., The Mirman Law Firm, Columbus

Neuman, Todd H., Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton, Columbus

Organ, Shawn, Organ Law, Columbus

Painter, Nathan, Painter & Associates, Hilliard

Parsell, Stuart G., Zeiger Tigges & Little, Columbus

Pettit, Christopher R., Luper Neidenthal & Logan, Columbus

Probst, Erica, Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus, 614-224-2678 Pg. S-13

Savage, III, James S., Luper Neidenthal & Logan, Columbus

Sheely, Sommer L., Bricker & Eckler, Columbus Pg. S-6

Starkoff, Alan G., Ice Miller, Columbus

Suter, Douglas J., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Todd, Adam R., Florey Todd, Columbus

Trafford, Robert, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Vargo, James G., Vargo Law, Columbus

Zeiger, John W., Zeiger Tigges & Little, Columbus

THE NIGH LAW GROUP

FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE, DISSOLUTION, CUSTODY, CHILD AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT, PROBATE, AND ADOPTIONS

Joseph Nigh and the attorneys of The Nigh Law Group have extensive courtroom experience and have used this experience to obtain favorable decisions for clients throughout Ohio, as well as to help advise clients and negotiate satisfactory results outside the courtroom.

Joseph and his team are known for handling complex cases involving custody, parental rights, visitation, business valuations, trusts, stock options and retirement plans, as well as many other family law matters. They believe each client has distinctive needs and will work with them to direct and guide them through their case. The Nigh Law Group has a reputation for quality legal advocacy, open communication and attention to detail. This reputation is the reason a majority of NLG’s clients are referrals from other attorneys or former satisfied clients.

RISING STARS

Berns, Joshua C., Weston Hurd, Columbus

Boudouris, Sarah, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Clark, Andrew, Ricketts & Clark Co., Pickerington

Feasel, Joshua M., Organ Law, Columbus

Fichtenberg, Todd, Allison L. Harrison Law, Columbus

Fraser, Kirsten R., Organ Law, Columbus

Gerken, Jason T., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Good, Andrew, Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Gordon, Christopher Paul, Bricker & Eckler, Columbus

Kilgard-Schnupp, Celia M., Perez & Morris, Columbus

Matusicky, Daniel J., Arnold & Clifford, Columbus

Miller Benoit, Sarah, Ulmer & Berne, Columbus

Oliker, Ashley L., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Olivito, Jonathan N., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Prouty, Erika Dackin, Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

Seaman, Todd M., Thompson Hine, Columbus

Tackett, Christopher W., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Tarney, Tyler, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Columbus

Thompson, Michelle, Perez & Morris, Columbus

West, W. Hunter, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Barrett, Jr., David C., Barrett Easterday

Cunningham & Eselgroth, Dublin, 614-210-1840

DAVID C. BARRETT, JR.

BARRETT EASTERDAY CUNNINGHAM & ESELGROTH LLP

Dublin • 614-210-1840

www.ohiocounsel.com

Behal, Robert J., The Behal Law Group, Columbus

Moyer, Stephen A., Moyer Law Offices, Columbus

Washbush, Thomas C., Washbush Business Law, Dublin

Willis, Jeffrey A., Willis, Columbus, 614-460-0671 Pg. S-21

Wolper, Beatrice E., Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin Law Firm Co, Columbus

RISING STARS

Cassidy, Shamus, Cassidy Law, Columbus, 614-888-4911

SHAMUS CASSIDY CASSIDY LAW, LTD

Columbus • 614-888-4911

www.cassidylawltd.com

Cericola, Kessia C., Cericola, Columbus

Ingram, Ashley S., Thomas Ingram Law Group, Columbus

Stewart, Brian S., The Law Office of Brian Stewart, Circleville, 740-207-2978 Pg. S-21

Thomas, Stefan T.E., Thomas Ingram Law Group, Columbus

Werhan, Molly, Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Whited, Megan E., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Bills, Joshua R., Pelini Campbell & Williams, Dublin

Carlino, Steven, Weston Hurd, Columbus

Curley, W. Charles, Weston Hurd, Columbus

Gerling, Joseph A., Lane Alton, Columbus

Hensel, A. J., Hahn Loeser & Parks, Columbus

Holthus, Douglas P., Mazanec Raskin & Ryder Co., Columbus

Hubbard, Edward G., Lane Alton, Columbus

Littrell, Barry W., Gallagher Gams Tallan Barnes & Littrell, Columbus

Scheaf, III, O. Judson, Hahn Loeser & Parks, Columbus Pg. S-6

Schrader, Matthew L., Reminger, Columbus

Tallan, Mitchell M., Gallagher Gams Tallan Barnes & Littrell, Columbus

Weber, Christopher J., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

RISING STARS

Dahmann, Kristina S., Ice Miller, Columbus

Jarmusz, Angelica M., Fishel Downey Albrecht & Riepenhoff, New Albany

Keslar, Steven A., Gallagher Sharp, Columbus

Mohan, Adelia, Gallagher Gams Tallan Barnes & Littrell, Columbus

Reese, Jessica A., Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, Columbus

Sarnowski, Phillip M., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Teetor, Matthew S., Teetor Westfall, Columbus

CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Garvine, Brian Michael, Law Office of Brian M. Garvine, Columbus

Kenney, Jeffrey T., Cooper Elliott, Columbus

RISING STARS

Jeckering, Bradley, Jeckering & Associates, Columbus, 614-944-5151 Pg. S-20

Stonebrook, Chad M., Lardiere McNair DiNicola & Stonebrook Ltd., Hilliard

CIVIL RIGHTS

RISING STARS

Rettig, Madeline J., Marshall and Forman, Columbus

Schlein, Samuel, Marshall and Forman, Columbus

Zronek, Mark, Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Boyle, Michael J., Meyer Wilson Co., Columbus

Wilson, Matthew R., Meyer Wilson Co., Columbus

RISING STARS

Babin, Jr., Steven C., Babin Law, Columbus

Drocton, Mathew Gregory, Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

Graham, Ryan L., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

CLOSELY HELD BUSINESS

SUPER LAWYERS

Litt, Gordon F., Baker & Hostetler, Columbus Miller, Bradley, Miller Law, Columbus

Jacqueline L. Kemp

SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS

Kemp Law Group, LLC

kemplawgroup.com

SKILLED REPRESENTATION IN FAMILY LAW—FROM STRAIGHTFORWARD TO COMPLEX

When facing a family law matter, you’re likely picturing a painful, prolonged process that will strain your finances and relationships. That doesn’t have to be the case. For over 20 years, Jackie Kemp has helped clients avoid lengthy legal disputes and preserve property.

Kemp Law Group handles all matters arising from divorce. Kemp leverages her considerable background to create customized strategies for her clients. A skilled negotiator, she seeks a swift—and favorable—resolution. When settlement stalls, she’s a fierce advocate on behalf of her clients.

Kemp, who began her career working with the late Harold R. Kemp, Esq., is an Ohio State Bar Association-Certified Family Law Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She’s been named to Super Lawyers since 2011 and is currently named among the Ohio Top 50 Women and Columbus Top 25 Women lists.

Kemp’s richest reward, however, is seeing positive change in her clients’ lives.

555 Metro Place N., Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017

jacqueline@kemplawgroup.com

PH: (614) 389-1991

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Edwards, Daniel F., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Gregory, Donald W., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Hahn, Peter W., Benesch Law, Columbus

Mazza, John P., Mazza & Associates, Columbus

Orlandini, David W., Collins Roche Utley & Garner, Dublin

O'Shaughnessy, Christopher T., The O'Shaughnessy Law Firm, Columbus

Patterson, David T., Weston Hurd, Columbus

Paynter, Craig B., Fisher Law Firm, Columbus Rhee, Hansel, Ice Miller, Columbus

Rosenberg, Thomas L., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Welin, Peter D., McDonald Hopkins, Columbus

RISING STARS

George, Jameson K., The Law Office of Wright & Associates, Columbus

Nelson, Lindsay M., Kooperman Mentel Ferguson Yaross, Columbus, 614-344-4160

Nocar, J. Thomas, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

CONSUMER LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Gerling, Andrew J., Doucet Gerling Co., Dublin Mac Murray, Helen M., Mac Murray & Shuster, New Albany

RISING STARS

Cook, Timothy J., Kohl & Cook Law Firm, Columbus

Perry, Jeffrey T., Campbell Perry, Dublin

CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Botti, James P., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Doucet, Troy, Doucet Gerling Co., Dublin Whittaker, David M., Isaac Wiles & Burkholder, Columbus

RISING STARS

Gerlach, Kyle R., Barnes & Thornburg, Columbus Ritch, Justin M., Manley Deas Kochalski, Columbus

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Belli, Dennis C., Attorney at Law, Columbus Benton, Jr., Frederick D., Frederick D. Benton Jr., Columbus

Blake, Dustin, Blake Law Firm Co., Columbus

Funkhouser, Douglas A., Douglas A. Funkhouser Co., Columbus, 614-443-5404 Pg. S-9

Gatterdam, Kort W., Carpenter Lipps & Leland, Columbus

Menashe, Diane, Ice Miller, Columbus

Palmer, Stephen E., Yavitch & Palmer Co., Columbus

Sabol, Daniel J., Sabol | Mallory, Columbus

Shamansky, Samuel H., Samuel H. Shamansky Co., Columbus

Sherman, Terry K., Attorney at Law, Columbus

Tyack, James P., The Tyack Law Firm Co., Columbus

Tyack, Jonathan T., The Tyack Law Firm Co., Columbus

Tyack, Thomas M., The Tyack Law Firm Co., Columbus

Wood, Scott P., Conrad Wood, Lancaster

RISING STARS

Campbell, April, Campbell Law, Dublin

Cline, Holly, The Tyack Law Firm Co., Columbus

Henry, Erik P., Carpenter Lipps & Leland, Columbus

Hoque, Ajmeri, The Law Offices of Ajmeri Hoque, Columbus

McMullen, Justin, Joslyn Law Firm, Columbus

Newby, Joel, The Newby Law Office, Columbus

Peters, Colin E., Colin Peters Law, Columbus

Roth, Jeremy A., Roth Law Group, Columbus

Stavroff, Jeffrey T., The Stavroff Law Firm, Columbus

Tamilarasan, Priya D., Priya D. Tamilarasan Esq., Columbus

Van Wey, Marcus, Marcus M. Van Wey, Columbus

Wolfe, Stephen, Wolfe Law Group, Columbus

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI

SUPER LAWYERS

Calesaric, Robert E., Calesaric Law, Newark

Dominy, Shawn, Dominy Law Firm, Columbus, 614-717-1177

SHAWN DOMINY DOMINY LAW FIRM, LLC Columbus • 614-717-1177 www.dominylaw.com

Huey, Donald Timothy (Tim), Huey Defense Firm, Columbus Pg. S-6

Saia, Jon J., The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Columbus, 614-444-3036 Pg. S-4, S-6, S-14

RISING STARS

Mallory, Chase A., Sabol | Mallory, Columbus

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR

SUPER LAWYERS

Axelrod, David F., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Columbus

Barbin, Bradley D., Barbin Law, Columbus Pg. S-6

Cochran, Robert J., Robert Cochran Law, Columbus

Schneider, Karl H., McNees Wallace & Nurick, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Thomas, David H., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

RISING STARS

Wallrabenstein, Kathryn, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

ELDER LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Sutton, Maggie L., Taps & Sutton, Columbus

Taps, Richard T., Taps & Sutton, Columbus

RISING STARS

Donald, Matthew W., Donald Law Office, Baltimore

Stickradt, Bethany, Reese Pyle Meyer, Newark

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SUPER LAWYERS

Stitt, Scott J., Tucker Ellis, Columbus

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR

SUPER LAWYERS

Davidson, James E., Ice Miller, Columbus

DeRose, Robert, Barkan Meizlish, Columbus

Downes, Jonathan J., Zashin & Rich Co., Columbus

Forman, Edward, Marshall and Forman, Columbus

Galeano, Judith E., Mowery Youell & Galeano, Dublin, 614-764-1444 Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6, S-17

Hensel, Jan E., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus Pg. S-6

Keller, Donald R., Donald Keller Law Office, Galloway

Khouzam, Marie-Joëlle C., Bricker & Eckler, Columbus Pg. S-3, S-6

Kirila, Jill S., Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus Pg. S-6

Knueve, Mark A., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Krivda, Pamela S., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus, 614-334-6159 Pg. S-6

PAMELA S. KRIVDA

TAFT STETTINIUS & HOLLISTER LLP Columbus • 614-334-6159 www.taftlaw.com

Landes, Mark, Isaac Wiles & Burkholder, Columbus

Letcher, Barbara K., Letcher Legal, Galloway

Nolan, William A., Barnes & Thornburg, Columbus

Pg. S-4, S-6

Petrie, James G., Epstein Becker & Green, Columbus Pg. S-6

Pollock, Stacy V., Pollock Law, Columbus

Pressley, Jr., Fred G., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Prophater, Jr., William H., Newhouse Prophater Kolman & Hogan, Columbus

Reichwein, Diane C., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Riepenhoff, David A., Fishel Downey Albrecht & Riepenhoff, New Albany

Russell, Christopher C., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

L SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Schneider, Keith W., Maguire Schneider Hassay, Columbus

Stankunas, Jeffrey A., Isaac Wiles & Burkholder, Columbus

Stephen, John M., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Stepter, Rayl L., Stepter Law Office, Columbus

Strauss, Catherine L., Ice Miller, Columbus

Tucker, Janica Pierce, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

- R: BARRY D. LEVY*, HENRY D. ACCIANI*, DENNIS C. MAHONEY*, NOT PICTURED: CORY D. BRITT**

Dedicated, Effective Advocates for Clients’ Rights

For over 30 years O’Connor, Acciani & Levy has dedicated their law practice to representing individuals against big business and insurance companies alike. Justice for individuals comes in many forms, and we work tenaciously to defend our clients in and out of the courtroom. Our attorneys and paralegals take an individualistic approach to every case to obtain the most favorable results for our clients, whether that means negotiating settlements or taking a case to trial.

Our attorneys focus their practice in the areas of personal injury, products liability, pharmaceutical negligence, Social Security disability, workers’ compensation, bankruptcy and more. This wide array of practice areas combined with diverse attorneys creates the ultimate environment for obtaining justice for individuals. We represent the people, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.

TO SUPER LAWYERS **CHOSEN TO RISING STARS

Warner, Charles C., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Williams, Thomas V., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

RISING STARS

Bryant, Daniel, Bryant Legal, Columbus

Davis, Carolyn A., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Columbus

Day, Jourdan D., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Doogan, Jessica R., Fishel Downey Albrecht & Riepenhoff, New Albany

Endicott, Samuel E., Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

Godzinski, Amanda L., Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

Mounts, Benjamin W., Littler Mendelson, Columbus

Sabo Friedmann, Rachel A., The Friedmann Firm, Hilliard

Schloemer, Anne Marie, Perez & Morris, Columbus

Shoenfelt, Michael Joseph, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Starling, Jason E., Willis Spangler Starling, Hilliard

Stevens, III, George Lattimer, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Jodka, Sara, Dickinson Wright, Columbus Pg. S-6

Piersall, Drew C., Zashin & Rich Co., Columbus

Secrest, Jonathan R., Dickinson Wright, Columbus

Smith, Charles D., Charles D. Smith & Associates, Columbus

RISING STARS

Bennett, Adam R., Ulmer & Berne, Columbus

D'Andrea, Joe, Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

Jewell, Jackie M., Reminger, Columbus

Stevens, Janay, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Gittes, Frederick M., The Gittes Law Group, Columbus

Marshall, John S., Marshall and Forman, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

LEEANN M. MASSUCCI

MASSUCCI LAW GROUP LLC

250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 600 Columbus, OH 43215

PH: (614) 358-4477

FX: (614) 388-5727

LeeAnn@MassucciLawGroup.com massuccilawgroup.com

O'Malley, William J., Law Offices of William John O'Malley, Columbus

Vardaro, Jeffrey P., The Gittes Law Group, Columbus

RISING STARS

Coffman, Matthew J.P., Coffman Legal, Columbus

Dyer, Carrie, Mansell Law, Columbus

Friedmann, Peter G., The Friedmann Firm, Hilliard

Gedling, Adam C., Coffman Legal, Columbus

Mansell, Greg, Mansell Law, Columbus

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

RISING STARS

Flahive, Devan, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Hehmeyer, Kari D., Benesch Law, Columbus

Hyzak, Daniel J., Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Columbus

Jacobs, Sean E., Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin Law Firm Co, Columbus

Moore, Bruce A., Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Columbus

Wilson, Craig J., C.J. WIlson Law, Columbus

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

RISING STARS

Fedlam, Luke A., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

ENVIRONMENTAL

SUPER LAWYERS

Brubaker, Robert L., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Farolino, Shane A., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus Pg. S-6

Fay, Terrence M., Thompson Hine, Columbus

Samuels, Stephen P., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Schraff, Christopher R., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

FAMILY LAW

LeeAnn M. Massucci is the Principal of Massucci Law Group LLC. Attorney Massucci weaves together her previous work experiences in business and coaching to help her clients through challenging legal situations. Practicing juvenile custody law and family relations law, LeeAnn assists families with parentage and custody actions, stepparent adoptions, as well as dissolutions and divorces involving children. She has also assisted her clients in creating unique family formations that serve her clients’ specific needs. LeeAnn’s first priority is listening to her clients and providing compassionate and focused representation. According to LeeAnn, the firm’s mission is to help each client feel comfortable, heard, cared for and empowered.

Van Kley, Jack A., Van Kley & Walker, Columbus

Watt, Kristin L., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus Pg. S-3, S-6

RISING STARS

Gagliardi, Danelle, Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Winters, Karen A., Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

RISING STARS

Alexander, D. Rees, Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Acker, Alan S., Carlile Patchen & Murphy, Columbus

Balch, Jacintha, Balch Law, Columbus

Dunn, Robert R., Bailey Cavalieri, Columbus

Furniss, III, John F., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Haupt, Erika L., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6

Louis, Harlan S., Bailey Cavalieri, Columbus

Meyer, Richard F., R.F. Meyer & Associates, Worthington, 614-407-7900 Pg. S-16

Michael, Jay E., Jay E. Michael Law, Columbus

Morse, William A., Attorney at Law, Worthington

Rowe, Steven D., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus, 614-224-2678 Pg. S-13

Segelken, Edward M., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Vanover, Amie L., Thompson Hine, Columbus

Wendel, Lee A., Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

RISING STARS

Berardino, Stephen G., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Borgmann, Brandon A., Carlile Patchen & Murphy, Columbus

Gary, Jessa M., AlerStallings, Columbus

Kunkler, Geoffrey S., Carlile Patchen & Murphy, Columbus

Orr, Christopher, AlerStallings, Newark

Sjöstrand-Post, Sheena Ann, Hayes Law Offices Inc., Pataskala

Vonau, Christopher Schmitt, Decker Vonau, Columbus

FAMILY LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Auten, Anthony R., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Beasy, Joanne S., Isaac Wiles & Burkholder, Columbus

Blackmore, Margaret L., Law Office of Margaret L. Blackmore, Dublin Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6

Brown, Eric M., Wolinetz | Horvath | Brown, Columbus, 614-341-7775

Buck, Elaine S., Buck & Fish, Columbus

Cope, Jon M., Jon M. Cope, Columbus

Cozza, Andrea L., Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville, 614-891-4230 Pg. S-3, S-5, S-6

Dahlberg, C. Gustav, Babbitt & Dahlberg Law, Columbus, 614-228-4200 Pg. S-17, S-19

Delligatti, Michael J., Delligatti Law, Columbus

Einstein, Dianne DiNapoli, Einstein Law, Westerville Pg. S-6

Fish, Jeffrey D., Buck & Fish, Columbus

Friedman, Scott N., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus, 614-221-0090 Pg. S-4, S-6, S-19

Gill, Alison A., Mathews & Gill, Westerville

Gillespie, Ross A., Gillespie Law, Dublin

Gottfried, Gary J., Gary J. Gottfried Co., Westerville Pg. S-6

Gramza, Michelle L., Schaller Campbell & United, Newark, 740-349-8505 Pg. S-20

Grossman, Andrew S., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Haynes, S. Scott, Haynes Kessler Myers & Postalakis, Worthington, 614-356-7655 Pg. S-6, S-20

Horvath, Dennis E., Wolinetz | Horvath | Brown, Columbus, 614-362-8847 Pg. S-4, S-6

Johnson, Eric W., Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson, Columbus, 614-464-1877 Pg. S-20

Johnson, II, John P., The Behal Law Group, Columbus, 614-643-5050 Pg. S-20

Kemp, Jacqueline L., Kemp Law Group, Dublin, 614-389-1991 Pg. S-3, S-6, S-10

Koblentz, Robert A., Attorney at Law, Columbus

Leveridge, Julia L., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus, 614-224-2678 Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6, S-13

Lewis, Gregg R., Harry Lewis Co., Columbus, 614-221-3938 Pg. S-20

Liston, Jefferson E., Law Office of Jefferson Liston, Columbus

Massucci, LeeAnn M., Massucci Law Group, Columbus, 614-358-4477 Pg. S-12

LEEANN M. MASSUCCI

MASSUCCI LAW GROUP LLC Columbus • 614-358-4477

www.massuccilawgroup.com

McKinlay, Amy M., McKinlay Law Offices, Columbus, 614-407-7722 Pg. S-6, S-18

AMY M. MCKINLAY

MCKINLAY LAW OFFICES, LLC Columbus • 614-407-7722

www.mckinlaylawllc.com

Mirman, Denise M., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus, 614-221-0090 Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6, S-21

Nigh, Joseph A., The Nigh Law Group, Columbus, 614-379-6444 Pg. S-8

Petroff, Ronald, Petroff Law Offices, Columbus, 614-222-4288 Pg. S-21

Piatt, Richard A.L., The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Columbus, 614-444-3036 Pg. S-14

Slagle, Ehren W., Collins & Slagle Co., Columbus

Sowald, Beatrice K., Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson, Columbus

Sowald, Heather G., Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson, Columbus

Sponseller, Nancy L., Law Office of Nancy L. Sponseller, Dublin, 614-764-0423 Pg. S-6, S-21

CONTINUED ON PAGE S-14

OHIO COLUMBUS 2022

Treneff, Craig P., Treneff Cozza Law, Westerville, 614-891-4230 Pg. S-4, S-5, S-6

Warnock, Douglas W., Douglas W. Warnock Co., Delaware

Weis, Amy, Weis Law Group, Columbus, 614-732-5566 Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6, S-15

Wolinetz, Barry H., Wolinetz | Horvath | Brown, Columbus, 614-362-8847

Yaeger, Nicholas W., Law Office of Nicholas W. Yaeger, Columbus

Zollars, Courtney A., The Nigh Law Group, Columbus, 614-379-6444 Pg. S-8

Zuercher, Elizabeth J., The Zuercher Law Firm, Columbus

RISING STARS

Atkins, Arianna, Atkins and Atkins, Columbus Bahnson, Eimear, Miller Bahnson Law, Columbus Bedtelyon, Joshua, Soroka & Associates, Columbus, 614-358-6525 Pg. S-18

Borshchak, Dmitriy, Law Offices of Dmitriy Borshchak, Columbus

Bowers, Merisa, Artz Dewhirst & Wheeler, Columbus

Buck, Thompson E., Buck & Fish, Columbus Cousins IV, John H., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Dawes, Shannon, Dawes Legal, Lancaster

DiNicola, Sunni S., Lardiere McNair DiNicola & Stonebrook Ltd., Hilliard

Duvall, DeAnna J., The Behal Law Group, Columbus

Fronefield, Marcie A., Greco Law, Dublin

Gibson, Megan M., Einstein Law, Westerville

Huck, Maggie, Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Meis, Michelle J., Trolinger Law Offices, Columbus

Overstreet, Joseph, Greco Law, Dublin

Plumb, David, Weis Law Group, Columbus, 614-732-5566 Pg. S-15

Price, Tara Rachelle, Haynes Kessler Myers & Postalakis, Worthington

Queen, Kelly Y., Friedman & Mirman Co., Columbus

Ryan, William, Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Sims, Amanda Leigh, Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus, 614-224-2678 Pg. S-13

Smilack, Jodi R., Grossman Law Offices, Columbus

Sobel, Heather B., Wolinetz | Horvath | Brown, Columbus, 614-341-7775

Suriano, Susan M., Greco Law, Dublin

Trolinger, Christopher L., Trolinger Law Offices, Columbus

Warren, Elizabeth A., Elizabeth Warren Esq., Columbus Wick, Kelly, Baker and Wick, Columbus

Wrice, Kia M., The Law Office of Kia M. Wrice, Columbus

FRANCHISE/DEALERSHIP

RISING STARS

Harrison, Allison L., Allison L. Harrison Law, Columbus

GENERAL LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Beehler, Jason H., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Benson, William B., Benson & Sesser, Columbus

Carpenter, Michael H., Carpenter Lipps & Leland, Columbus

Goldstein, David A., David A. Goldstein Co., Columbus

Melko, Mark C., Benson & Sesser, Columbus

Miller, Joseph R., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Mordarski, Daniel R., Law Offices of Daniel R. Mordarski, Columbus Pg. S-6

Smith, Elizabeth T., Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Teetor, J. Stephen, Teetor Westfall, Columbus

Tracey, Allison K., Collins & Slagle Co., Columbus

Trafford, Kathleen M., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6

Woods, C. Craig, Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus

RISING STARS

Ashrawi, Yazan S., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Bobb, Nicholas S., Pelini Campbell & Williams, Dublin

Burns, Justin M., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Dirisamer, David J., Barnes & Thornburg, Columbus

Lisinski, Angelyne E., The Lisinski Law Firm, Westerville

Mead, Daniel Perry, Zeiger Tigges & Little, Columbus

Merino, Ashley, Organ Law, Columbus

Motley, Martha Brewer, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Padgett, Keona R., Reminger, Columbus

Valentine, Sara M., David A. Goldstein Co., Columbus

Yarmesch, Daniel A., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus, 614-224-2678 Pg. S-13

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

SUPER LAWYERS

Liggett, Jr., Luther L., Attorney at Law, Dublin

HEALTH CARE

SUPER LAWYERS

Carsonie, Frank W., Benesch Law, Columbus

Hess, Thomas W., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Kleinman, Stephen R., Epstein Becker & Green, Columbus

Plinke, Eric J., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Reisz, Lisa Pierce, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

RISING STARS

Schumacher, Avery, Epstein Becker & Green, Columbus

IMMIGRATION

SUPER LAWYERS

DiFranco, Brian, Rodriguez Bell & DiFranco Law Office, Columbus

Shihab, Gus, The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates Co., Columbus, 614-255-4872

RISING STARS

Kozyra-Kessler, Magdalena, The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates Co., Columbus

Smith, Jr., Charles E., Immigration Law Offices, Columbus

INSURANCE COVERAGE

SUPER LAWYERS

Bailey, Dan A., Bailey Cavalieri, Columbus

Gallagher, James R., Gallagher Gams Tallan Barnes & Littrell, Columbus

Gams, Mark H., Gallagher Gams Tallan Barnes & Littrell, Columbus

Garner, Richard M., Collins Roche Utley & Garner, Dublin Pg. S-6

Wright, Benjamin, The Law Office of Wright & Associates, Columbus

RISING STARS

Baker, Lucas P., Collins Roche Utley & Garner, Dublin

Horacek, Sunny L., Collins Roche Utley & Garner, Dublin

Santagate, Christopher P., Bailey Cavalieri, Columbus

Young, James M., Bailey Cavalieri, Columbus

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

SUPER LAWYERS

Rector, Susan D., Peterson Conners, Dublin

RISING STARS

Rakocy, Theresa A., Hallowes Law Group, Blacklick

Stevens, Drew, The Stevens Law Firm, Columbus

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Kirsch, Kevin W., Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

Rodman, Rachael L., Ulmer & Berne, Columbus

RISING STARS

Samuels, Andrew E., Baker & Hostetler, Columbus

LAND USE/ZONING

SUPER LAWYERS

Cunningham, Catherine A., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

RISING STARS

Huber, Jennifer L., Brosius Johnson & Griggs, Columbus

LEGISLATIVE & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

SUPER LAWYERS

Brey, Donald C., Isaac Wiles & Burkholder, Columbus

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

SUPER LAWYERS

Gibson, Rick J., Lape Mansfield Nakasian & Gibson, Powell

Kegler, Todd M., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Keglewitsch, Josef, Ice Miller, Columbus

Lape, Rodd B., Lape Mansfield Nakasian & Gibson, Powell

RISING STARS

Michael, Chris, Ice Miller, Columbus

Schricker, Audrey, Ice Miller, Columbus

Sinclair, Parker M., Dickinson Wright, Columbus

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

SUPER LAWYERS

Ball, David T., Rosenberg & Ball Co., Granville

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Barnes, Belinda S., Gallagher Gams Tallan

Barnes & Littrell, Columbus Pg. S-6

Bush, Kevin R., Weston Hurd, Columbus

Hollern, Edwin J., Hollern & Associates, Westerville

Johnson, Christopher F., Poling Law, Columbus

Snyder, Bradley L., Roetzel & Andress, Columbus

CONTINUED ON PAGE S-16

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Alter, Mitchell J., Law Offices of Mitchell Alter, Columbus

Baker, Andrew S., The Baker Law Group, Columbus

Bowman, J. Scott, Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Brown, Chanda L., Walton + Brown, Columbus

Defossez, Mark E., The Donahey Law Firm, Columbus, 800-792-1480

Dingus, Shawn, Plymale & Dingus, Columbus

Drakatos, Eleni Andriana, Yacobozzi Drakatos, Columbus

Elliott, Rex H., Cooper Elliott, Columbus Pg. S-6

English, Nicholas J., Kevin Kurgis Co., Columbus

Erney, Robert D., Robert D. Erney and Associates Co., Columbus

Fifner, Curtis M., Elk & Elk Co., Dublin

Fitch, John, The Fitch Law Firm, Columbus

Geiser, Michael K., Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Harris, Sean, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Ice, Matthew E., Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus

Kerpsack, Jr., Robert W., Robert W. Kerpsack Co., Columbus

Kitrick, Mark, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Lewis, Mark, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus

Mahler, Timothy M., Rourke & Blumenthal, Columbus

McLafferty, Sydney S., Geiser Bowman & McLafferty, Columbus Pg. S-3, S-6

Meizlish, Sanford A., Barkan Meizlish, Columbus

Miller, Brian G., Brian G. Miller Co., Worthington, 614-221-4035 Pg. S-3, S-4, S-6, S-20

Miller, Michael S., The Law Office of Craig Scott & Co., Columbus

Mote, Elizabeth A., Mote Law Firm, Columbus

Rourke, Michael J., Rourke & Blumenthal, Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Scott, Craig P., The Law Office of Craig Scott & Co., Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Smith, Scott E., Scott Elliot Smith, Columbus

Snider, John M., Stebelton Snider, Lancaster

Thomas, Jr., Warner M. (JR), Volkema Thomas, Columbus

Trimble, Thomas W., Lamkin Van Eman Trimble & Dougherty, Columbus

Van Eman, Timothy L., Lamkin Van Eman Trimble & Dougherty, Columbus

Volkema, Daniel R., Volkema Thomas, Columbus

Wagoner, Robert J., Robert J. Wagoner Co., Columbus Pg. S-4, S-6

Wright, Scott, Attorney at Law, Reynoldsburg

RISING STARS

Alto, Sean R., Cooper Elliott, Columbus

Breitmayer, III, George S., Ross Midian & Breitmayer, Columbus

Brouwer, Britney, Maguire Schneider Hassay, Columbus

Cox, Jason, Barkan Meizlish, Columbus

Flickinger, Justin, Flickinger Legal Group, Columbus

Heit, Corey, Heit Law, Columbus

Jones, Geoff, The Jones Firm, Columbus

Kafantaris, Mark G., Kafantaris Law Offices, Columbus

Keyes, Barton R., Cooper Elliott, Columbus

Lindsey, Mark, Kisling Nestico & Redick, Columbus, 614-487-8669

MARK LINDSEY KISLING NESTICO & REDICK LLC Columbus • 614-487-8669 www.knrlegal.com

Magnone, Antonio, Karr & Sherman Co., Columbus

McCoy, C. Joseph, McCoy & McCoy, Newark

Nichols, Sara C., Beausay & Nichols Law Firm, Columbus

Richards, Adam P., Cooper Elliott, Columbus

Rutherford Starling, Ashley Dawn, Willis Spangler Starling, Hilliard

Slone, Adam, Brian G. Miller Co., Worthington, 614-221-4035 Pg. S-3, S-21

Staley, Brandi, Kitrick Lewis & Harris Co., Columbus

Stoudt, Jonathan R., Rourke & Blumenthal, Columbus

Walton, Jr., Sean, Walton + Brown, Columbus

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Foliano, Gregory B., Arnold Todaro Welch & Foliano, Columbus

Meyer, Christopher R., Reese Pyle Meyer, Newark

Munsell, Theodore M., Carpenter Lipps & Leland, Columbus

Poling, Brant E., Poling Law, Columbus

Sewards, Frederick A., Poling Law, Columbus

Smith, Patrick F., Poling Law, Columbus

RISING STARS

Perko, Acacia, Reminger, Columbus

Sellers, Sabrina S., Poling Law, Columbus

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Abraham, Daniel N., Colley Shroyer & Abraham Co., Columbus, 614-228-6453 Pg. S-19

Cooper, Jr., Charles H., Cooper Elliott, Columbus Pg. S-6

Evans, II, Gordon D., The Donahey Law Firm, Columbus, 800-792-1480 Pg. S-6

Hanson, Robert E., Scherner & Hanson, Columbus

Leeseberg, Gerald S., Leeseberg Tuttle, Columbus, 614-221-2223 Pg. S-4, S-6

Shroyer, David I., Colley Shroyer & Abraham Co., Columbus, 614-228-6453 Pg. S-4, S-6, S-21

RISING STARS

Beausay, Jacob J., Beausay & Nichols Law Firm, Columbus

Markus, John A., Leeseberg Tuttle, Columbus, 614-221-2223

Tuttle, Craig S., Leeseberg Tuttle, Columbus, 614-221-2223

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Edelman, Joyce D., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

Murch, Kevin, Perez & Morris, Columbus

RISING STARS

Schiavone, Sara C., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Columbus

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

List, D. Andrew, Clark Perdue & List Co., Columbus

Miller, Robert P., Rourke & Blumenthal, Columbus

Oliver, Jami S., Oliver Law Office, Dublin Pg. S-6

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Graff, Douglas, Graff & McGovern, Columbus

Mathews, Jr., Alvin E., Ulmer & Berne, Columbus

Pyers, Zachary B., Reminger, Columbus

RISING STARS

Smith, Brandon M., Graff & McGovern, Columbus

Steele, Kenton H., Reminger, Columbus

REAL ESTATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Cadwallader, John I., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

TOP 50 COLUMBUS TOP 25 WOMEN

COLUMBUS

Selected to Rising Stars

WOMEN

JOSHUA BEDTELYON

OHIO COLUMBUS 2022

Hatzifotinos, Dimitrios G., Willis Law Firm, Grandview Heights

Kooperman, Brian T., Kooperman Mentel

Ferguson Yaross, Columbus, 614-344-4800

Robins, Harlan W., Dickinson Wright, Columbus

Schaeffer, Scott N., Kemp Schaeffer & Rowe Co., Columbus, 614-224-2678 Pg. S-13

RISING STARS

Barnes, Nicholas, Williams & Strohm, Columbus

Cepluch, Joshua R., Dickinson Wright, Columbus

Fox, Justin M., The Fox Law Firm, Columbus

Gant, Christopher, Kayne Law Group, Columbus

Humes, Garrett B., Ulmer & Berne, Columbus

Jordan, Barbara, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Columbus

Katz, Steven, Katz Pryor & DiCuccio, Columbus

Pryor, Stephen, Katz Pryor & DiCuccio, Columbus

Schottenstein, Michael L., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Sharvin, Michael J., Kayne Law Group, Columbus

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

SUPER LAWYERS

McIntosh, Sandra R., Scott Scriven, Columbus

Weiker, Mark A., Albeit Weiker, Columbus

RISING STARS

Albeit, Leslie A., Albeit Weiker, Columbus

Canaday, Chelsea L. Berger, Dickinson Wright, Columbus

Sabo, Lauren A., Albeit Weiker, Columbus

SOROKA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

503 S. Front St., Suite 205

Columbus, OH 43215

PH: (614) 358-6525

FX: (614) 448-4487

joshua@sorokalegal.com sorokalegal.com

CRIMINAL

DEFENSE FAMILY LAW

As a partner at Soroka & Associates, LLC, Joshua Bedtelyon represents people in need of navigating the legal system. His practice is focused on family law and criminal defense. He has dedicated his career to standing up for the rights of his clients. Over the course of his career, Mr. Bedtelyon has obtained many favorable verdicts, decisions and settlements for his clients.

SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE

RISING STARS

Sarosi, Evan, Ice Miller, Columbus

SECURITIES LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Meyer, David P., Meyer Wilson Co., Columbus

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

SUPER LAWYERS

Farrell, Clifford M., Manring & Farrell, Columbus, 614-221-1827

RISING STARS

Tefend, Molly, Manring & Farrell, Columbus

STATE, LOCAL & MUNICIPAL

SUPER LAWYERS

Zets, Brian M., Isaac Wiles & Burkholder, Columbus

COLUMBUS TOP 25

RISING STARS

Boggs, Thaddeus M., Frost Brown Todd, Columbus

Wright, Cara M., Mazanec Raskin & Ryder Co., Columbus

TAX

SUPER LAWYERS

Ashton, Rick L., Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton, Columbus

Dodson, Katherine R., Terrence A. Grady & Associates Co., Columbus

Grady, Terrence A., Terrence A. Grady & Associates Co., Columbus

Zaino, Michael J., Zaino Law Group, Dublin

RISING STARS

Hammond, Christopher M., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Hood, Stephen J., Zaino Law Group, Dublin

Robinson, Demetrius, Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, Columbus

TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS

RISING STARS

Roush, Kari R., Tsibouris & Associates, Westerville

TRANSPORTATION/MARITIME

SUPER LAWYERS

Blubaugh, Marc S., Benesch Law, Columbus

SORTED ALPHABETICALLY

Selected to Super Lawyers

DANIEL N. ABRAHAM COLLEY SHROYER & ABRAHAM CO., LPA

536 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-228-6453

Fax: 614-228-7122 dabraham@csajustice.com www.colleyshroyerabraham.com

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS

Daniel N. Abraham graduated from West Liberty College in 1978 and Capital University School of Law in 1981. His practice areas include product liability, medical malpractice, premise liability, wrongful death, intentional torts, industrial and trucking accidents. He has argued for plaintiff’s rights on two separate occasions before the Ohio Supreme Court. As a Franklin County Assistant Prosecutor he tried death penalty cases as well as white-collar crimes and was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was recognized by Franklin County Prosecutor, Michael Miller, for Outstanding Service as an Assistant Prosecutor from 1980 through 1990. He has been featured in Vanity Fair magazine, with book and film productions of cases he handled.

UTILITIES

RISING STARS

Glover, Rebekah, McNees Wallace & Nurick, Columbus

Keaney, Mark T., Benesch Law, Columbus

Pritchard, Matthew R., McNees Wallace & Nurick, Columbus

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Barnhart, David B., Philip J. Fulton Law Office, Columbus

Canestraro, Carl R., Agee Clymer Mitchell Portman Canestraro Robinson Cameron, Columbus

Copp, Matthew R., Plevin & Gallucci Co., Columbus

Cowans, Timothy E., Scott Scriven, Columbus

Dusseau, Michael P., Philip J. Fulton Law Office, Columbus

Fresco, Ronald A., Reminger, Columbus Pg. S-6

Fulton, Philip J., Philip J. Fulton Law Office, Columbus

Garvin, Preston J., Garvin & Hickey, Columbus

Goldberg, Richard, Scott Scriven, Columbus

Goodman, Jonathan H., Jon Goodman Law, Worthington

Hafenstein, Kenneth S., Connor Kimmet & Hafenstein, Columbus

Hickey, Michael J., Garvin & Hickey, Columbus

Ivan, Paulette M., Reminger, Columbus

Kranstuber, Charles W., Law Offices of Charles W. Kranstuber, Columbus, 614-255-6134

CHARLES W. KRANSTUBER

LAW OFFICES OF CHARLES W. KRANSTUBER, LPA Columbus • 614-255-6134

www.kranstuberlaw.com

Marchisio, Abigail I., Thomas & Company, Delaware

McCarty, David M., Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Columbus

Miller, Brett L., Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus

Portman, Frederic A., Agee Clymer Mitchell

Portman Canestraro Robinson Cameron, Columbus

Thomas, William R., Thomas & Company, Delaware

Tootle, Thomas C., Law Office of Thomas Tootle Co., Columbus

Wahoff, William J., Steptoe & Johnson, Columbus

Weeden, Elizabeth, Perez & Morris, Columbus

Wollam, Shawn M., Plevin & Gallucci Co., Columbus

Zamora, Charles, Charles Zamora Co., Columbus

RISING STARS

Bauer, John, Poling Law, Columbus

Duffy, Troy A., Plevin & Gallucci Co., Columbus

Gaddis, Tyler, Willis Spangler Starling, Hilliard

Ivan, Katherine, The Ivan Law Firm, Columbus

Kranstuber, Carley R., Law Offices of Charles W. Kranstuber, Columbus

Marcellino, Samuel, Nager Romaine & Schneiberg Co., Columbus

Reber, Kaitlin E., Willis Spangler Starling, Hilliard

Selected to Super Lawyers

C. GUSTAV DAHLBERG BABBITT & DAHLBERG LAW LLC

4400 North High Street Suite 417

Columbus, OH 43214

Tel: 614-228-4200

Fax: 614-228-4224

gdahlberg@bdfamilylaw.com www.bdfamilylaw.com

FAMILY LAW

Recognized to Ohio Super Lawyers (2020-2022), Gus Dahlberg is a respected and experienced Columbus divorce attorney. Exclusively focused on domestic relations and family law, Gus has successfully represented a wide array of clients on a number of issues ranging from complex asset division to high-income child and spousal support cases. A graduate of Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College and The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, Gus is still involved in educating students and his fellow attorneys by serving as a frequent lecturer on family law issues. Gus is an Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law and is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Selected to Super Lawyers

SCOTT N. FRIEDMAN

FRIEDMAN & MIRMAN CO., L.P.A.

1320 Dublin Road Suite 101

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-221-0090

Fax: 614-221-7213

sfriedman@friedmanmirman.com www.friedmanmirman.com

FAMILY LAW

Scott Friedman is an Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law. He is also licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. Scott served as chair of the American Bar Association Family Law Section in 2013-2014 and is currently a Section Delegate to the House of Delegates in the American Bar Association. Scott is a fellow of the AAML. Scott has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2015 and was Best Lawyers 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in Columbus. Scott’s practice includes all areas of family law as well as serving as an arbitrator and mediator in family law matters.

Selected to Super Lawyers

MARK S. GERVELIS

GERVELIS LAW FIRM

3790 Boardman-Canfield Road

Canfield, OH 44406

Tel: 330-533-6565

Fax: 330-533-4822

msg@gervelislaw.com www.gervelislaw.com

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

BUSINESS LITIGATION

Mark S. Gervelis is a trial lawyer practicing personal injury in Ohio and Pennsylvania. His practice focuses on truck accidents, brain injuries, and complex litigation. Mr. Gervelis is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, past president of the Negligence Section of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and past president of the Mahoning/ Trumbull Trial Lawyers Association. He has tried cases to juries in Youngstown, Cleveland, Akron, Warren, Lisbon, Sandusky, Painesville, and many other Ohio cities. He also argued cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. Mark is currently a member of the board for the Ohio Association for Justice. He has currently expanded his practice and now has an office in Toledo, Ohio.

Selected to Super Lawyers

S. SCOTT HAYNES

HAYNES KESSLER MYERS & POSTALAKIS

300 West Wilson Bridge Road Suite 100

Worthington, OH 43085

Tel: 614-356-7655

Fax: 614-764-0774

scott@ohiolawyersgroup.com www.ohiolawyersgroup.com

FAMILY LAW

Mr. Haynes is an Ohio State Bar Association board-certified family law specialist, a fellow in, and a Certified Mediator by, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has an AV Preeminent peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He has extensive experience as a trial litigator, negotiator and collaborative divorce lawyer. Every case is not the same. Each client has individual needs and goals. Mr. Haynes assists clients in selecting the process that gives them the best opportunity to reach their goals. Mr. Haynes takes an active approach to try to settle a case without trial. But if settlement is not possible he will aggressively litigate a case with a team of professionals and experts to assist him.

Selected to Super Lawyers

JOHN P. JOHNSON, II

THE BEHAL LAW GROUP LLC

501 South High Street Suite 200

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-643-5050

Fax: 614-340-3892 jjohnson@behallaw.com www.BehalLaw.com

FAMILY LAW

BUSINESS LITIGATION

John P. Johnson, II, is an attorney at The Behal Law Group LLC in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Johnson focuses his practice on family law, serving clients in Columbus and throughout central Ohio in matters involving divorce, child support, custody, post-divorce modifications and spousal support. Mr. Johnson has been licensed to practice law since 1993. Before entering private practice, he spent two years as an assistant attorney general for Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and attained his law degree from Capital University Law School and is board certified in family relations law from the Ohio State Bar Association.

Selected to Super Lawyers

MICHELLE L. GRAMZA

SCHALLER, CAMPBELL & UNITED

32 North Park Place PO Box 309

Newark, OH 43058

Tel: 740-349-8505

Fax: 740-345-7749

mgramza@scu-law.com www.scu-law.com

FAMILY LAW

Michelle L. Gramza is an attorney with Schaller, Campbell & Untied law firm in Newark, Ohio. A top-rated and highly versatile lawyer with 30 years of experience, Ms. Gramza provides exceptional representation and support to a diverse range of clients throughout Licking County who have legal needs in Family Law, including divorce, child custody, support, grandparents rights, modifications and wills and trusts. Widely regarded as one of the leading attorneys in her region, Ms. Gramza has achieved considerable success assisting her clients with their divorces and guiding them in making the best-informed decisions regarding child custody and support, property division, alimony and other related matters.

Selected to Rising Stars

BRADLEY JECKERING JECKERING & ASSOCIATES, LLC

4200 Regent Street Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43219

Tel: 614-944-5151

brad@centralohiolegal.com www.centralohiolegal.com

CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

FAMILY LAW CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Big corporations, insurance companies, and the wealthy have lawyers. Attorney Bradley Jeckering believes that every day folks deserve a team of lawyers with excellent legal knowledge, strong relationships in the legal community, and a client-centric value system. He founded his firm to fight for everyday people and to help even the playing field with the rich and powerful. Brad and his team will go toe-to-toe with anyone to protect their clients rights, from large corporations down to the county prosecutor to get his clients the results they deserve. At Jeckering & Associates, clients are treated to unparalleled service. The team strives to deliver maximum benefit and value to clients in the areas of civil litigation, criminal defense, domestic relations, juvenile, estate planning, and probate law.

Selected to Super Lawyers

GREGG R. LEWIS

HARRY LEWIS CO., L.P.A.

625 City Park

Columbus, OH 43206

Tel: 614-221-3938

Fax: 614-221-3713 grl@grlfamilylaw.com www.grlfamilylaw.com

FAMILY LAW

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI

Gregg R. Lewis is a native of Columbus who has been a practicing attorney in Central Ohio for nearly 32 years. He earned his J.D. from Capital University Law School and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1989. Mr. Lewis also served as an assistant county prosecutor prior to taking over the family law firm. He is a member of the Columbus Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association, and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Mr. Lewis has also served on the Family Law Committee and as a Board Member of the Capital Area Humane Society from 2002-2009 and still volunteers for the organization. He is also a developmental member of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board.

Selected to Super Lawyers

D. JOE GRIFFITH

HUGHES & COLEMAN INJURY LAWYERS

3618 Dixie Highway Louisville, KY 40216

Tel: 502-585-4693

jgriffith@hughesandcoleman.com

www.hughesandcoleman.com

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

Mr. Griffith has been practicing law since 1991 and currently is licensed in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. He has litigated to successful conclusion many multi-million dollar catastrophic injury cases in all three states. He has been recognized by his peers in Ohio as an Ohio Super Lawyers honoree, a recognition given to only five percent of the state’s attorneys on several occasions. Mr. Griffith has been certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a National Civil Trial Advocate since 2004. During his career, Mr. Griffith has conducted well over 100 trials and has had many successful jury verdicts for his clients. Several verdicts, at the time they occurred were the largest jury verdicts ever recorded in several Ohio counties.

Selected to Super Lawyers

ERIC W. JOHNSON SOWALD SOWALD ANDERSON HAWLEY & JOHNSON

400 South Fifth Street Suite 101

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-464-1877

Fax: 614-464-2035 ejohnson@sowaldlaw.com www.sowaldlaw.com

APPELLATE FAMILY LAW

Eric W. Johnson is partner at Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson and has been an Ohio State Bar Association certified specialist in Family Relations Law since 2011. For over 20 years, he has devoted his practice to helping families as they work through some of the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Mr. Johnson is the immediate past chair of the Family Law Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association and actively serves on numerous local and statewide committees related to the practice. He is also a member of the Central Ohio Association of Collaborative Divorce Professionals. Mr. Johnson received his B.S. degree (Astrophysics) from Michigan State University in 1990 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1995 from the University of Akron School of Law.

Selected to Super Lawyers

BRIAN G. MILLER

BRIAN G. MILLER CO., L.P.A.

250 West Old Wilson Bridge Road Suite 270

Worthington, OH 43085

Tel: 614-221-4035

Fax: 614-987-7841

bgm@bgmillerlaw.com

www.bgmillerlaw.com

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

GENERAL LITIGATION

Brian G. Miller focuses his practice on significant plaintiffs’ personal injury cases, including those involving construction accidents, workplace and premises negligence, and serious roadway accidents. Mr. Miller is a former Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor. He is a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The Best Lawyers in America recognized him as the personal injury “Lawyer of the Year” for Columbus for 2019. He has consistently achieved successful results for his clients, including the largest verdict in the State of Ohio, a Top 100 U.S. verdict, in 2017. Mr. Miller is also outside counsel to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and has been recognized for superior client service.

SORTED ALPHABETICALLY

Selected to Super Lawyers

DENISE M. MIRMAN

FRIEDMAN & MIRMAN CO., L.P.A.

1320 Dublin Road Suite 101

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-221-0090

Fax: 614-221-7213

dmirman@friedmanmirman.com www.friedmanmirman.com

FAMILY LAW

Denise Mirman has been practicing in the Family Relations Law Field for her entire career, and is an OSBA board-certified specialist in the field. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for family law and was named Best Lawyers 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in family law in Central Ohio. Denise has been named to Ohio Super Lawyers since its inception. She was also named to the Ohio Super Lawyers Top 50 Women list for 2009 –2022 and to the Columbus Ohio Super Lawyers Top 25 Women list for 2009 –2022. Denise is very involved in the Central Ohio community. She currently serves on the boards of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, the Central Ohio chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Thurber House, and Magical Memories Foundation.

Selected to Rising Stars

ADAM SLONE

BRIAN G. MILLER CO., L.P.A.

250 W. Old Wilson Bridge Road Suite 270

Worthington, OH 43085

Tel: 614-221-4035

Fax: 614-987-7841

als@bgmillerlaw.com

www.bgmillerlaw.com

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

WAGE AND HOUR LAW

Adam Slone is an associate with Brian G. Miller Co., L.P.A. law firm in Worthington, Ohio. Mr. Slone focuses on personal injury litigation for those who have been injured or killed because of another person’s fault. Mr. Slone also represents individuals for wage and hour disputes involving unpaid minimum wages and overtime wages, tipping violations, and other pay issues against their employers. Mr. Slone provides exceptional counsel to clients throughout Ohio and West Virginia and has a reputation for his compassion and integrity when dealing with his clients, as well as his amicable nature and accessibility to those he serves. He also is well-known to exhaust all avenues to help his clients obtain their goals and the favorable outcomes they seek for their complex legal challenges.

Selected to Super Lawyers

RONALD PETROFF

PETROFF LAW OFFICES, LLC

140 East Town Street Suite 1070

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-222-4288

Fax: 614-222-4289

rrp@petrofflawoffices.com www.petrofflawoffices.com

FAMILY LAW

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

In 2017, Mr. Petroff was named as a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree, an honor bestowed upon members of the business community who have achieved great professional and personal milestones. Mr. Petroff has been voted by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 10 best family law lawyers under the age of 40 in the State of Ohio for 2014 and 2015. He won a similar award from the American Society of Legal Advocates in 2014. In 2015, Mr. Petroff was voted as being one of the nation’s top 1% of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

Selected to Super Lawyers

NANCY L. SPONSELLER

LAW OFFICE OF NANCY L. SPONSELLER

5890 Sawmill Road, Suite 110 Dublin, OH 43017

Tel: 614-764-0423

Fax: 614-764-2486

nancy@sponsellerlaw.com

www.sponsellerlaw.com

FAMILY LAW

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

Nancy Sponseller is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Family Relations Law Specialist (since 2006). An advanced trained Collaborative Family Law attorney, her professional passion is to help people resolve conflict in a peaceful, out-of-court, litigation-free process, as an alternative to contested litigation. In addition to being named to Super Lawyers for the past 19 years, she has been named to The Best Lawyers in America since 1995. She is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available to attorneys. She received her J.D. degree cum laude from Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University, and her B.A. degree summa cum laude also from OSU. Practice areas are collaborative family law, family law mediation, probate and estate planning.

Where do I start my search for an attorney?

Selected to Super Lawyers

DAVID I. SHROYER

COLLEY SHROYER & ABRAHAM CO., LPA

536 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Tel: 614-228-6453

Fax: 614-228-7122

dshroyer@csalawfirm.com

www.colleyshroyerabraham.com

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF

David Shroyer is a native of Middletown Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University and graduated in 1977. He attended Capital University Law School and graduated cum laude in 1980. He grew up in Troy Ohio and was an assistant Franklin prosecutor from 1980 until April 1982. In 1981 he was assigned to assist senior assistant prosecutor Tom Beal to investigate and prosecute Dr. Donald Plotnick. Dr Plotnick, a podiatrist, with a past record of gun charges, was indicted on arson charges relating to lighting a drug dealer on fire in the attempt to collect a drug debt.

Selected to Rising Stars

BRIAN S. STEWART

THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN STEWART, LLC

118 North Washington Street

Circleville, OH 43113

Tel: 740-207-2978

Fax: 740-422-1565

brian@stewart.law

www.stewart.law

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE

REAL ESTATE

Brian Stewart is a lifelong resident of Southern Ohio, an Iraq War veteran, and a member of the Ohio legislature. A graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Brian has practiced since 2011 with the Columbus law firm of Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP, Farthing & Stewart LLP and now, The Law Office of Brian Stewart, LLC. He focuses his practice in the areas of business and corporate transactions, civil litigation, real estate, and estate planning. Brian provides counsel to business clients regarding entity formation, corporate governance, business transactions, and more. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts in Ohio, while also representing clients before numerous Courts of Common Pleas and appellate courts across Ohio.

Selected to Super Lawyers

JEFFREY A. WILLIS

WILLIS THE FIRM LEGAL SERVICES, LLC

987 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43206

Tel: 614-460-0671

jeff@willisthefirm.com

www.willisthefirm.com

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

GENERAL COUNSEL

Jeffrey A. Willis provides general counsel services to companies including business/corporate and real estate legal services. Mr. Willis, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2021–2022. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors. Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at University of Cincinnati College of Law. He graduated in 2002.

VACATIONS AND GETAWAYS

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region

Plan a winter getaway to the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region in Western New York State, less than five hours from Columbus! Visit area ski resorts, Peek’n Peak Resort and Cockaigne Resort, to ski and snowboard over 30 slopes and trails, as well as four progressive terrain parks and a new Snowmobile Adventure Park. Ride 400-plus miles of groomed trails by snowmobile. Taste local craft beverages and tour museums, including the National Comedy Center and Lucy Desi Museum.

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau

P.O. Box 1441

Chautauqua, NY 14722

866-908-ILNY (4569)

tourchautauqua.com

Discover South Carolina’s Hammock Coast

Nestled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the quiet beach communities of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet, DeBordieu and southern Garden City have beckoned visitors for generations. Southern Living and TripAdvisor, among others, have lauded the beaches of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast as some of the best in America. Not to be missed are Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, and any one of our dozen award-winning golf courses.

Discover South Carolina’s Hammock Coast and find the peace you crave!

843-546-8436

hammockcoastsc.com

Friends of the Museums

Visit Campus Martius Museum to Celebrate the Pioneers. This exhibit, based on the book “The Pioneers” by David McCullough, explores the lives and personal objects owned by some of the individuals mentioned in the book. It offers a chance to look inside the personalities and lives of some of these important groundbreakers.

Friends of the Museums

Campus Martius Museum

Ohio River Museum

601 Second St. Marietta, OH 45750 740-373-3750

The Timbrook Guesthouse

Minutes from Downtown, miles from reality, The Timbrook Guesthouse is truly Columbus’ best-kept secret. Situated on 4 glorious acres, it is a getaway that has it all. With our heated outdoor swimming pool/hot tub, lush gardens galore, an aviary, greenhouse and gourmet breakfasts, The Timbrook has something for everyone. Whether celebrating a special occasion or visiting family/friends, it is a muststay in the Columbus area.

5811 Olentangy River Rd.

Columbus, OH 43235

614-634-2166

timbrookguesthouse.com

Home &Style

FABRICS AND WRAPS

A new Worthington shop opens to showcase a local designer’s label.

PHOTO BY ROB HARDIN

Avoiding Fast Fashion

BY NICHOLAS YOUNGBLOOD

The rise of social media, online shopping and globalized supply chains have made fashion more accessible than ever, but it comes with a cost. Fast fashion brands crank out cheap, trend-chasing clothing. Behind every garment is an army of underpaid overseas workers and a mountain of fabric waste. Some local designers, such as Amy Homan, are challenging this model.

Homan, founder and designer of Columbus-based clothing brand Evolverie, has b een producing and marketing ethically and environmentally conscious clothing online for years, culminating in the opening of a brick-and-mortar store in Worthington last October. Learning about the production process for clothing convinced Homan she would do things differently.

Starting a small fashion brand is already an uphill battle, but Homan found doing so with sustainable and ethical production standards was even harder. When production in the United States proved too costly, she found an overseas solution that works to ensure her workers are treated fairly. “I don’t really like to call them employees, because they’re like family,” she says. “We work together because if they don’t succeed, I don’t succeed.”

To keep things environmentally friendly, Homan’s garments are made entirely from deadstock, or leftover materials from other clothing manufacturers. Supplies of deadstock have risen dramatically with the advent of fast fashion, and it often ends up in a landfill

What inspired you to focus on designing ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable garments? After watching “The True Cost” documentary as part of my studies, I couldn’t unsee what I had seen and completely revised my business plan and what I wanted to be putting out into the world. There is a person behind everything that is made, and I know firsthan

how much time and patience is involved in creating a product.

What challenges arise from trying to create ethical, sustainable fashion? The challenge we face currently is with visibility and education. Shopping ethically and sustainably is not always accessible, and we are working on changing that by keeping costs low and creating in small batches. I am very transparent about every aspect of our business, and it’s challenging to compete against a $5 T-shirt. It’s just not feasible.

Can you tell us about your team in Pakistan?

Our team consists of local men and women, many who came from working in the fast fashion industry have backgrounds in inefficientquality and getting paid by the piece. We focus on slowing down, teaching about the fabric and [target] quality versus quantity. Our team is paid above a living wage

in a healthy environment with incentives, savings plans and education opportunities.

Do you think there is a growing demand for environmentally and ethically friendly clothing? I do think the demand is growing, but slowly. The shift in mindset isn’t always easy. We’ve been accustomed to shop fast, shop cheap, shop the sales. With time, detail and quality, there is a cost.

Considering that rapid trend cycles and low quality in fast fashion encourages waste, how do you approach designing clothes that stand the test of time? My design approach is to provide pieces that can be versatile to wear all year long, encourage mixing and matching, focus on quality fabrics and avoid the fast-trend design aspects of a garment. We offer a make-on-demand model without an added cost for out-of-stock sizing. Custom sizing will be available in early 2022.

PHOTO: ROB HARDIN

A local brand produces clothing with a conscience.

Get Cozy for the January Slump

After the holidays, we all want to settle in for a long winter’s nap. Spoil yourself with the biggest of beds, fine linens, a proper reading light and more to make the most out of your bedroom this winter. —

Ana Piper

1 Palmette embroidered linen duvet cover, $449 at RH.com 2 Métier sconce, $243 at RH.com 3 Cayden campaign closed nightstand, $1,248 at RH.com 4 Cane white table lamp, $598 (set of 2) at Crate & Barrel 5 Matouk brocatelle sham in blue, $75 at Nordstrom 6 Matouk brocatelle coverlet in blue, $448–$545 at Nordstrom 7 Rambler rush woven bed, $1,999–$2,199 at Crate & Barrel

GARDENS HELP VOLUNTEERS GROW

By Teresa Woodard | Photos by Tim Johnson

a Thursday morning last fall and Dona Watterson and her six friends are harvesting the season’s last Cubano, jalapeno and bell peppers at Highland Youth Garden in the Hilltop. The group, which met through their shared interest in rowing, has been volunteering weekly in the world of growing. They have worked at Highland Youth Garden for the past four years. The group typically meets for an early morning row at Griggs Reservoir Boathouse then heads to the garden to plant seeds, pull weeds and harvest produce. In fact, these women are part of a growing number of garden volunteers citywide.

“We pick a little, talk a little, spend time outdoors, get some exercise, help a good cause and go to lunch at a West Side restaurant [Tommy’s, Johnny’s or BrewDog] that we might not visit otherwise,” says fellow volunteer Lynne Olson during a late October volunteer session.

A third volunteer in the group, Suzanne DeWoody, firstlearned about Highland Youth Garden when she was taking a class with the garden’s past board president Lisa Hobson. DeWoody was sharing with Hobson that she wanted to sign up for a plot at Wallace Community Garden but wasn’t a Grandview resident, which was required. Hobson responded, “I know where you can garden” and invited her to join in at the Highland site.

“You learn a lot about gardening,” says Toni Seghi, a fourth volunteer. The group recalled learning about the garden’s loofa gourds this fall. “We all assumed this spongy thing came from the ocean,” says DeWoody. “We didn’t know it grew on a vine.”

At home in nature, hundreds of people around the city contribute hours to Central Ohio’s public spaces.

Back row from left, Dona Watterson, Suzanne DeWoody, Lynne Olson, Api DeTemple; front row, Toni Seghi, Mary Drennen and Vicki Hammond are all volunteers at the Highland Youth Garden in the Hilltop.

Besides learning, the friends take satisfaction in supporting the garden’s mission to teach kids about growing and eating healthy fo o d.

“I love watching the kids eat tomatoes,” says DeWoody, remembering the day when a group of students sat in a circle with a spit bucket (in case they didn’t like something) in the middle. As the bowl of tomatoes passed, the firstyouth didn’t take one. Then, after several others tried them, the firstone tried it on the second pass.

“I love the positive power of peer pressure,” says DeWoody, grinning.

Charlie Richardson, the garden’s lead gardener, welcomes the volunteer support.

“Not only do they come back every year, but they bring friends,” she says. Other volunteers on this Thursday morning team include Mary Drennen and Vicki Hammond.

“We are expert weeders,” says DeWoody. “That’s our strong suit.”

And Richardson couldn’t be happier. “I’ll have weed anxiety, then they all show up,” she says. Besides this Thursday group, the garden has 125 volunteers annually, including 40 core volunteers and several regular groups, including Besa, that connect people with local charities.

Throughout Central Ohio, garden volunteers are findingstress relief, learning new skills and gaining satisfaction in supp orting a cause. At Franklin Park Conservatory, dozens of volunteers help plant bulbs each fall, then return in May to dig bulbs after the spring show. As a perk, they take the secondhand bulbs home to plant in their own gardens. Other volunteers work early mornings in the conservatory’s tropical, desert and mountain biomes alongside expert horticulturists to help water, prune and clean before visitors arrive. Even more volunteers help with educational programs and events.

At OSU extension in Franklin County, associate professor and educator Mike Hogan heads the county ’s master gardener program and reports 435 active volunteers and 80 projects, making it the largest in the state. To become a master gardener, volunteers complete an 80-hour training program then finisha 50-hour volunteer internship rotating among various garden projects throughout the county. Those gardens might be the Highland Youth Garden, the Heritage Gardens at the Governor’s Residence and OSU’s Waterman Farm. While the 2022 class is full, Hogan is taking names for a waiting list.

Master gardener Denise Fields completed her training in 2016 and discovered Highland Youth Garden as she performed her internship rotation.

“I love the idea of teaching kids where food comes from,” says this dedicated volunteer who rides the bus to the garden and comes dressed for all types of weather.

“I like being outdoors,” she says, adding that her decades as a postal carrier trained her for time outside.

“Denise has a passion for helping people and improving her community,” says Hogan, “and we just love her for that.  She is always willing to help out with whatever needs to be done.”

Other popular garden volunteer programs include Chadwick Arboretum, Dawes Arboretum, Inniswood Gardens Metro Park and Columbus Park of Roses. See the sidebar for more details. ◆

Above, Vicki Hammond (left) volunteers at the Highland Youth Garden in the Hilltop with Charlie Richardson, lead gardener and volunteer coordinator; opposite page, top, plants are labeled with fun signs; bottom, Lynne Olson volunteers at the Highland Youth Garden.

WANT TO BE A GARDEN VOLUNTEER? ø

Chadwick Arboretum, Ohio State University

Give tours, maintain gardens, organize the annual plant sale, monitor wildlife and document garden inventory. Apply at chadwickarboretum.osu.edu.

Columbus Commons Gardens, Downtown

Join in the planting and care of the gardens. Apply at fpconservatory.org.

Kelton House Museum & Garden, Downtown

Help tend the gardens at this historic property. Apply at keltonhouse.com.

Dawes Arboretum, Newark

Plant trees, update plant records, maintain gardens, monitor wildlife, support education programming and guide tours. Apply at dawesarb.org or email volunteers@dawesarb.org. Volunteers earn a membership (after 40 hours of work), get an invitation to the plant sale preview (after 60 hours), and get admittance to other programs and social gatherings.

Franklin Park Conservatory, near Downtown

Support exhibits, tend outdoor or indoor gardens, teach guests and work with youth. Apply at fpconservatory.org or email volunteer@fpconservatory.com. Earn a free membership for working 100 hours or more.

Gardens at Gantz Farm, Grove City

Assist with herb programs, conduct tours and plan events. Learn more at grovecityohio.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks-facilities/gardens-at-gantz.

Greater Columbus Growing Coalition

Discover volunteer opportunities at over 60 community gardens throughout the city. Learn more at columbusgcgc.org and Facebook @TheGCGC or email info@columbusgcgc.org.

Highland Youth Garden, Hilltop

Help grow food, build hardscapes, manage the market stand, install backyard family gardens and teach youth about gardening. Apply online at highlandyouthgarden.org.

Huntington Garden, German Village

Join the Deadheaders group that tends to the 450-foot promenade gardens at Schiller Park. Learn more at the German Village Society (614-221-8888 or german@germanvillage.com).

Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville

Participate in a four-week spring training program and help maintain gardens, lead tours and support educational programs and events. Inniswood also offers a junior olunteer program for ages 11–17. Apply for all at inniswood.org or call the volunteer coordinator at (614) 895-6226.

OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

Answer the public’s garden questions, conduct plant clinics, organize garden activities for youth, seniors and disabled persons, and support community gardens, demonstration gardens and community beautification pojects. Learn more at mastergardener.osu.edu/home or call extension offices for local ograms in Franklin, Madison, Union, Delaware, Fairfield and Licking countie.

Columbus Park of Roses, Clintonville

Tend the garden’s 12,000 roses, perennial gardens and herb gardens. To apply, email volunteers@parkofroses.org.

The Topiary Park, Downtown

Join volunteer events such as Mulch Madness, Plant the Park and Weed Eves. Apply at topiarypark.org.

Home & Style REAL ESTATE

real estate transactions Top 25

OCT 1–OCT 31, 2021

PRICEADDRESS

BUYER/SELLER

$2,500,0008060 Olentangy River Rd., Delaware8060 Olentangy LLC from Albert De La Chapelle

$2,500,0003994 Stannage Pass, New Albany

$2,150,0003 S. Ealy Crossing, New Albany

Brent Jennings & Julie Brown Davidson from Michael Cole & Amanda T. Whitaker

Jeffey H. & Elizabeth Z. Donaldson, trustees, from Jamie Thomas & Leslie Megan Brown

$2,050,0002074 Yorkshire Rd., Upper ArlingtonJoshua & Megan Frazier from Joseph P. Mahan

$1,850,0004384 Dublin Rd., Columbus

$1,840,0002380 Lane Woods Dr., Columbus

$1,725,0008 New Albany Farms Rd., New Albany

$1,712,0004459 Green-Cook Rd., Westerville

$1,699,8002641 Swisher Creek Dr., Blacklick

$1,675,000250 S. Parkview Ave., Bexley

$1,661,000410 N. Columbia Ave., Bexley

$1,600,0002252 Club Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,513,40011371 Winterberry Dr., Plain City

4384 Dublin Road LLC, trustee, from Peter J. & Julia A. Ferguson

Nicholas A. & Erin Bellanca from Michael M. & Suzanne Bernstein

Adam F. Sommer & Crystal D. Fleming from Bradley D. & Jane M. Yakam

Brent A. Yates, trustee, from Gregory A. & Ronda L. Lyman

William J. Amato & Cheryl T. Lee from Steve & Maria Glimcher

Ronald Negron & Michael Negron from Barbara D. & Nicholas Cavalaris

Eli & Francis Beracha from Jeffey H. & Elizabeth Donaldson, trustees

Niki Bavelis Callanan from Belva J. & Carl J. Aschinger Jr.

Alexander Stanford & Suzannah Bush from Bob Webb Jerome Village LLC

$1,500,0002012 Tremont Rd., Upper ArlingtonLuke & Melissa Tuttle from 2012 Tremont LLC

$1,430,000 2933 S. Dorchester Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,300,00012 Preston Rd., Columbus

$1,275,000 2908 S. Dorchester Rd., Upper Arlington

Michael & Cheryl Turnbull from Tuckerman Home Group Inc.

Elsa & James Burchfield fom Myra Parisey & Edgar E. Weil III

Kristina Carolyn Morris & Joshua Robert Balicki from Alan J. & Mary F. Cloern

$1,275,00095 N. Riverview St., Unit 313, DublinNile & Anita Chang from Bridge Park Holdings LLC

$1,250,0004347 Sawmill Rd., Upper Arlington

Christopher & Sharon McFarland from Fortunato P. & Renee M. Merullo

$1,250,000134 Stone Valley Dr., GranvilleDavid A. Kapp, trustee, from Frank R. & Stacy A. Leeper

$1,225,0002335 Abington Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,200,0002041 W. Third Ave., Marble Cliff

$1,179,0007730 Arboretum Ct., New Albany

$1,175,0002408 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington

$1,125,0006890 Chiswick Ct., Columbus

Warren Hunter & Caroline M. Louis from Joann N. Scanlon

Charles P. & Nicole R. Evans from Brenda M. Voelker

Sean D. & Sarah M. Evans from Peter R. & Rachel R. Unkovic

Michael & Julia Veldman Harris from Dominic M. & Katherine E. Buzzacco

Barbara & Nicolas Cavalaris from Young C. & Myongja C. Choy, trustees

As provided by Columbus Dispatch researcher Julie Fulton. Statistics are gathered from the greater Columbus area, including Franklin and parts of other surrounding counties.

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

How to Do Winter Well

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER, ERIN EDWARDS AND EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY

Last winter, with the pandemic raging and vaccine rollout just beginning for frontline workers, we learned a lot about dining and imbibing alfresco in spite of the cold. The pandemic is lingering, and it’s time to embrace the dead of winter once again with all we’ve got. Here’s how we suggest you make the most of it.

GET COZY IN AN IGLOO

Dining igloos have sprouted like gossamer mushrooms all over Central Ohio this winter. Here’s how they usually work: Diners may reserve a block of time that can range from 90 minutes to three hours, and there are typically food and drink minimums. The transparent bubbles are usually heated, with some decked out in blankets, décor and air filters.Grab your vaxxed friends and check out these five iglo spots:

 The rooftop bar VASO , located atop the AC Hotel Columbus Dublin, was an early adopter of cozy dining bubbles, and the amenities are back again this year. Each igloo seats up to eight and features full service, blankets, an adjustable space heater and views overlooking the Scioto River. Food and beverage minimums start at $300 for a two-hour block Sunday through Thursday and increase to $500 for two hours Friday and Saturday. vasodublin.com/igloos

 THE ROYCE GASTROPUB in Polaris has cozy igloos for up to six people and up to 90 minutes. After 4 p.m., there is a $150 food and drink minimum for four people or fewer and a $200 minimum for parties of six. There are no minimums at lunchtime. theroycecolumbus.com

 LUMIN SKY BAR & KITCHEN , the new rooftop bar at the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, added two heated igloos this season so guests can continue to enjoy

Hunt For Heated Patios

Prefer the open air? Bundle up and check out these winterized patios:

✶ Basi Italia (enclosed patio)

✶ Emmett’s Café

✶ Gemüt Biergarten

✶ Goodale Station

✶ Lindey’s

✶ The Pearl Dublin

✶ The Top Steak House (enclosed patio)

Spanish-style tapas, craft cocktails and city views from the patio. The igloos can seat up to eight people, with a $350 food and beverage minimum for two hours (minimum booking) Sunday through Thursday; each additional hour is $175. On Friday and

Saturday, igloos are $500 for a minimum of two hours, and each additional hour is $275. luminskybar.com

 EASTON TOWN CENTER ’s new dining district on the north side is a go-to spot for alfresco enjoyment in the colder months. Several “Egloos” will be located around the Easton campus at the following establishments: Forbidden Root, The Beeline Bar, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce and Smith & Wollensky. Pricing information was not available at press time. eastontowncenter.com

 LAND-GRANT BREWING CO ’s large beer garden has become a big draw in the warmer months, and the Franklinton brewery hopes to keep the party going this winter. Land-Grant added 14 igloos to the beer garden this year along with—wait for it—an ice rink imported from Maine. There’s no open skating allowed on the rink, but you can try your hand at the Winter Olympics sport of curling. Reservations and $50 get you 90 minutes of curling, plus a heated igloo that seats up to eight people. landgrantbrewing.com

PHOTO: STEVE BRADY

Egloos at Easton Town Center

EXPLORE LOCAL STOUTS

The deeper we get into the winter season, the darker our beers get. You might already be familiar with standout stouts such as Dire Wolf from Wolf’s Ridge or Jackie O’s Dark Apparition, so here are six other opaque suds to seek out from local craft breweries.

FOX IN THE STOUT

Salted chocolate imperial stout, Seventh Son Brewing Co.

ABV: 9.7%

Though “pastry stouts” have their haters, these dessertlike beers are all about fun, with notes such as vanilla, cinnamon and caramel. We enjoy this chocolatey homage to the salted brownies from neighboring Fox in the Snow Café, brewed with cocoa nibs and fresh vanilla beans. seventhsonbrewing.com

HOUSE PRESSED

Coffee stout, DankHouse Brewing Co.

ABV: 7%

Light and mellow, this offering out of Newark is equally suited for a weekend brunch or settling in after dinner It’s full-bodied and aromatic, brewed with the flagshipcoffee from Cincinnati-based Deeper Roots Coffee. The smooth finishis slightly roasty, making this an ideal option even for those who don’t love java. dankhousebrewing.com

Gather In The Outpost

I CAN’T FEEL MY PANTS

Russian imperial stout, Olentangy River Brewing Co.

ABV: 9%

Stern and dark but not too bold, this highABV offering out of Lewis Center has just a hint of dark chocolate bitterness and a smooth, almost crisp fi nish. It’s aged in Woodford Reserve barrels and is billed as tasting “so good, it will knock your socks off, and then some.” We’re inclined to agree. olentangyriverbrewingcompany.com

STUCK ON A STAIRCASE

Imperial white stout, Derive Brewing Co.

ABV: 10%

The dark horse of our stout list is actually an amber-hued white stout. Slightly more effervescent than your a ver age stout, this brew is made with brown sugar, biscuit malt, rye and oats and aged eight months in rye barrels. It’s sweet on the palate without being overly cloying, with a buttery finishthat belies the high ABV. derivebeer.com

NITRO AMERICAN STOUT AND BOURBON BARREL IMPERIAL STOUT

Parsons North Brewing Co.

ABV: 6.5% and 11%, respectively

Looking to linger awhile? The lowerABV American Stout at Parsons is malty, creamy—thanks to its nitro treatment— and finishesclean: a non-Guinness version of a Guinness. Looking for a stout w it h a little more edge? The Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout from Parsons is a fineexample of the boozy style, aged in Middle West Spirits barrels. (Only the fi rst batch in a new barrel gets the Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout moniker, while refillsare often a flvored stout variant.) It’s a complex beer that both excites the tastebuds and the noggin. parsonsnorth.com

PHOTOS: TOP, EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY; BOTTOM, TIM JOHNSON

I Can't Feel my Pants

EAT THESE SOUPS AND STEWS

 Want a taste of the sunny Southern Hemisphere in January? Head to RIZIKI SWAHILI GRILL on Tamarak Circle, where owner Riziki Yussuf serves authentic fare from Tanzania. On Sundays, Yussuf offers urojo (aka Zanzibar mix), a bright-yellow turmeric-p otato soup made even livelier with lemon juice. Nicknamed Sunday Fun Day on the menu, this wonderful soup is served pleasantly hot and accompanied by sambusa, bajia (chickpea flourfritters), mishkaki (flvorful beef kebabs) and fried cassava shavings—all of which are meant to be mixed into the soup. rizikiswahiligrill.com

 There’s nothing like an old-school boeuf bourguignon in wintertime, and LA CHATELAINE FRENCH

BAKERY & BISTRO delivers a version that’s appropriately dense with perfectly cooked beef, rich with red wine and accompanied by mashed potatoes. It’s all served on a square of puff pastry. If you order it to go, the stew is packaged separately to prevent a soggy-bottomed pastry. lachatelainebakery.com

 Specializing in Dongbei cuisine from Northeastern China, the Old North’s NE CHINESE RESTAURANT features some dishes you won’t findanywhere else locally, such as spicy-and-slippery fern root noodles, excellent cumin potatoes and the house specialty: a massive stew of short rib, potatoes and green beans. Enough for two or more, the dish arrives covered with a pancake that soaks up juices from the stew. nechinese.com

 We’ll have more to say about MODERN SOUTHERN TABLE in our February issue (hint, hint), but take our word for it and head to Budd Dairy Food Hall to try chefowner Sadaya Lewis’ cooking. Her magical chicken-and-sausage gumbo is just one highlight, thick with flvor and accompanied by a side of rice. Wash it down with Kool-Aid punch. modernsoutherntable.com

 SOGONG-DONG TOFU & BBQ , tucked away in a Hayden Run strip mall, specializes in the comforting, spicy Korean soup called soondubu jjigae. Silky tofu and noodles floatin a bright red broth fortifie with chile oil. The soup arrives at the table bubbling hot and accompanied by an enjoyable mix of complimentary banchan (Korean side dishes) and, hopefully, whatever soju you ordered for the table. sgdrestaurant.com

Find Some Good Pho

Columbus lost one of its best pho spots last year when Indochine announced it was becoming a bubble tea spot. There’s still plenty of solid pho to be had—the kind that arrives to your table steaming hot with a plate full of fresh herbs and limes—at Mi Li Café and Huong Vietnamese Restaurant. Three newcomers worth checking out include Pho Social at Easton, Hilliard’s Pho Thanh and Lan Viet in North Market Bridge Park, where owner Khanh Le (the son of Lan Viet’s owners at the historic North Market) is serving an excellent flashfried beef pho. And finall, there’s sneaky-good pho at—surprise!—Westerview Plaza Pizza, a strip-mall pizzeria whose new owners have added the restorative soup, as well as banh mi and Vietnamese coffe, to the restaurant’s offering.

CARB LOAD WITH SCRATCH PASTA

 Rick Lopez’s quintessential neighborhood spot in Grandview, LA TAVOLA , specializes in rustic Italian dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients. The menu changes nightly, but excellent handmade pastas are always a highlight. You can’t miss with the gnocchi al forno, a comfort food classic. latavolagrandview.com

 Chef Nicola Bedalli’s Upper Arlington restaurant, NICOLA , has become a standard-bearer for neighborly service and fineTuscan fare, such as handmade raviolo con nido, filledwith egg, Tuscan kale, lemon-zested ricotta and Parmesan. nicolacolumbus.com

 N O VELLA OSTERIA , named one of last year’s Best New Restaurants by this magazine, is a Powell gem where chef Matthew Phelan crafts pastas such as chitarra and clams, bucatini cacio e pepe, and beet and ricotta ravioli. novellaosteria.com

 Inside the intimate dining room at PELINO’S PASTA , one of 2021’s most talked-about openings, scratchmade pasta is the star attraction. Customers can opt for three- or fourcourse menus that include a choice of antipasti, one or two pastas (varieties change monthly) and a dessert. pelinospasta.com

Soondubu jjigae at SoGong-Dong Tofu & BBQ

Handmade pasta at La Tavola

WARM UP WITH HOT CHOCOLATE

 With a name like CHOCOLATE CAFÉ , you better believe that hot chocolate takes center stage. Now with two locations—Upper Arlington and the Brewery District—the café offers classic milk, white or dark chocolate beverages, with real chocolate melted into steamed milk. Guests can also order flvored versions like caramel, mint, butterscotch or cherry. chocolatecafecolumbus.com

 NORTHSTAR CAFÉ ’s signature hot chocolate is a rich blend of organic milk, dark chocolate and a touch of spice. It’s served in a picture-perfect colorful mug, frothy and heaping, with chocolate shavings dusting the top. thenorthstarcafe.com

 A warm drink and pastry from the German Village institution PISTACIA VERA are hard to beat. The café uses chocolate by Valrhona, a French company that’s been crafting cocoa for nearly a century. It’s blended with your choice of milk and pairs perfectly with a pain au chocolat. pistaciavera.com

 Piqua-based WINANS CHOCOLATES + COFFEES is a longtime go-to for beautifully crafted chocolates around Central Ohio, and many of its retail shops serve hot beverages as well, including a rich, traditional milk chocolate or a white chocolate version. The confectioner also sells “hot chocolate bombs” in packs of six: Just pour hot milk over the chocolate orbs and watch magic unfold in your cup. winanscandies.com

Enjoy Beer By The Fire

Two taprooms make our nice-and-cozy list: the Brewery District’s Antiques on High and newcomer Henmick Farm & Brewery in Delaware. At Antiques, a solid destination for sour beers and draft cocktails, the two-story taproom features two fieplaces, one on the first floor within steps of t bar and a charcuterie vending machine. A second fieplace can be found on the rooftop, a lovely gathering space that is enclosed during the winter and oozes Scandinavian hygge. For a completely diffeent vibe, head to the farm at Henmick. The new brewery’s expansive taproom, which seats 240 indoors, features an imposing fieplace and conjures an après ski atmosphere, minus the mountains. The outdoor beer garden’s fie pits will be available all winter. antiquesonhigh.com, henmick.com

STOCK UP ON TEA

Located in a baby blue house just a couple blocks from Uptown Westerville’s main drag is one of Central Ohio’s best resources for loose-leaf teas: UPTOWN ON MAIN FEATURING BLUE TURTLE TEAS & SPICES . There, owner Elaine Reid (“Tea Goddess” on her business card) educates visitors about the many tea varieties she carries—from English breakfast to Cold Remedy herbal tea to a cinnamon-y Rooibos reminiscent of Red Hots—and then leaves them alone to sniff teas and browse the shelves, which are organized alphabetically. Blue Turtle also carries tea infusers, gift sets, mugs, mulling spices, honey, culinary spices and more. Online ordering for pickup or delivery is available. uptownonmain.com

Henmick Farm & Brewery

Hot chocolate from Chocolate Café

Charm with a Side of Avocado

South of Lane remains a neighborhood café to root for.

BY BAILEY TRASK

South of Lane is what you’d expect if Lorelai Gilmore opened a cottagecore diner and gift shop. For-sale items like paintings and banded-together birch logs decorate the space, along with distressed café chairs for seating. Located in The Mallway in Upper Arlington near Lupo, this breakfast and lunch spot has been an integral part of the walkable neighborhood since May 2013.

When the café’s original owner, Catherine Vonderahe, died in 2019, her son Duke Vonderahe took over the griddle— and the family business. With reasonable prices and incredible front-of-house service that ensures coffee almost immediately upon being seated, South of Lane o ozes charm.

Its intimate space has seven indoor tables, and ordering takes place at the counter; the menu is posted right next to the register, which is surrounded with baked goods and Thunderkiss Coffee for sale. The setup

requires quick decision-making skills or a perusal of the online menu before arrival to avoid causing a delay in the line.

Southwestern breakfast flvors are at the core of the menu. The fillingBrickhouse Burrito ($12) is stuffed with salty house-made chili, hash browns and cheddar, all wrapped in a thin bell pepper, onion and pepper jack omelet and a flou tortilla. Like many of the Southwestern dishes here, it’s served with avocado slices, sour cream and pico de gallo. All dishes come in paper boats.

The Sierra ($11) showcases South of Lane’s omelet and hash brown prowess. A perfectly executed, triple-folded bacon and tomato omelet is served with a pile of thinly grated, crispy hash browns topped with green onions along with two slices of buttered toast and that aforementioned avocado-and-sour-cream combo.

On the sweet side of the menu, the Belgian waffle($7), topped with real butter, Milligan’s Ohio maple syrup and a few tart strawberries, was light and crispy but served cold on one visit.

The menu includes a pair of genderbased breakfast sandwiches: the Man Bun and the Girly Bun ($11 each). I was underwhelmed by the Girly version: a fried egg, Havarti cheese and Canadian bacon sandwich with a handful of greens and mustard on a toasted Kroger bakery torte bun. The bread overpowers the sandwich, which is served with a cup of fruit. The name indicates that this sandwich is a lighter version of the Man Bun, which features two eggs instead of one and a side of hash browns. In 2022, can we move away from the practice of naming dishes based on appetite stereotypes?

Although there were a few hiccups, South of Lane offers charm, attentive dine-in service, swift carryout and easy parking. It’s a perfect place to catch up with an old friend or neighbor and an off-the-beaten-path reminder that dining locally can offer both character and satisfaction. ◆

PHOTOS: ROB HARDIN

Above, Belgain waffle; right, sweet potato hash with a sunny side up egg and at back, the avocado tower

tseB N ew Restaurants

Columbus Monthly's Best New Restaurants experience will be in your home in March think of it as an edible introduction to the city’s most exciting dining arrivals.

For a second year, we're partnering with the team behind Columbus Food Adventures and its popular Trust Fall dinner series offering a two-week surprise at-home dining experience.

To sign up to receive details and be the first to know when tickets go live, visit: columbusmonthly.com/BNR

Food & Drink News

BY ERIN EDWARDS

OPENINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

A new cocktail bar and music/dance venue called The Cave Bar & Lounge has joined forces with Sidebar Columbus at 122 E. Main St. The upscale lounge, located below Sidebar on the lower level, features small plates with a South American and Spanish flai, wine, cocktails and tunes. The Cave Bar & Lounge is owned by entrepreneur Derek Amaya, aka DJ Cale.

In December, the firsttwo vendors made their debut inside the new East Market food hall in the Trolley District mixed-use development at the corner of Kelton Avenue and Oak Street. The pair are The Railhouse, a tavern-style watering hole on the firstflor of the food hall, and on the lower level, a speakeasy-style bar called Switch. Other tenants that are expected to open soon include: American Nut Co., The Butcher & Grocer, Creole 2 Geaux, Ohio City Pasta, Taste of Greece, Winston’s Coffee & Waffles and Yellow Brick Pizza, among others.

As we went to press, Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee was nearing its grand opening at 386 E. Main St. The new Downtown spot, which celebrates the New Orleans pastry, is a spinoff from the family who owns Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant on South High Street.

A new food truck named Elevated Wood Fired Pizza, which features a Di Fiore woodburning oven, launched in November. Elevated’s Neapolitan-style pizzas range from spicy pepperoni to Alsatian (cream sauce, bacon and onions) to build-your-own.

The Short North area has added Jamaican cuisine to its mix. Jerky’s Jamaican Grill

made its debut in early December at 1247 N. High St. Chef Tedroy McKenzie’s authentic Jamaican menu features entrées such as jerk chicken, curry goat and escovitch fish,plus patties, coco bread and more.

The chef-driven nonprofi Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers is expected to take over the cafeteria at the Franklin County courts building in Downtown Columbus, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Service industry veterans Sangeeta Lakhani, Letha Pugh and Matthew Heaggans are behind the

social enterprise, which is expected to open in March.

A Crumbl Cookies franchise recently opened at 5466 Westpointe Plaza Drive in Hilliard Green. Crumbl also has shops in Delaware, Dublin and Upper Arlington.

O Zaki Street Food, the firstbrick-andmortar restaurant from the owners of Zaki Grill food truck, is now open at 2910 Hayden Run Plaza, serving items such as stuffed grape leaves, hummus, chicken shawarma and more.

CLOSINGS

The owners of Japanese Oriental Restaurant (2283 N. High St.) are closing the Campus-area staple by the end of the year after more than four decades in business. “There’s been a lot of back and forth with the property managers for months,” the owners said in a statement.

Citing the ongoing labor crisis, Granville’s SteamRoller Bagel Sandwiches (115 N. Prospect St.) shuttered in December after five years

To keep up with the latest restaurant/bar openings and closings, visit columbusmonthly.com to subscribe to our food newsletter, Copy & Taste.

PHOTOS: TOP, ERIN EDWARDS; BOTTOM, COURTESY JERKY'S JAMAICAN GRILL

Above, The Railhouse; left, chef Tedroy McKenzie of Jerky’s Jamaican Grill

Waiting on the NA Beer Boom

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

America’s drinking culture has shifted in recent years to become more inclusive of those who enjoy a libation without the alcohol. More establishments offer dynamic nonalcoholic or low-ABV cocktails, but what about locally brewed NA beers?

For decades, nonalcoholic beer has suffered under the stigma of O’Doul’s, harkening back to a time when American beer was definedby light yellow lagers. Today, more U.S. breweries are either focusing exclusively on alcohol-free beers (namely Connecticut-based Athletic Brewing Co. whose beers are widely available in Columbus), or adding one to their roster. However, the trend hasn’t exactly caught firein Columbus yet.

In Central Ohio, the craft brewery with the largest "near beer" lineup is Canal Winchester’s BrewDog USA, the American headquarters of the Scottish brewery. “I’ve worked in beer my entire career, and now we have a complete changing of the guard where more people are open to nonalcoholic options,” says Erika Wojno, BrewDog’s U.S. head of marketing.

What’s differentiating these new offerings from the O’Doul’s era is the variety of b eers. Instead of the standard lager, breweries whip up booze-free pale ales, IPAs, stouts, even sours. BrewDog labels several of its nonalcoholic options with “AF,” the popular emphasizer on social media. So BrewDog fans who love their signature Punk or Elvis Juice IPAs can enjoy Punk AF or Elvis AF.

How does one brew nonalcoholic beer? In “arrested fermentation,” the brewer prevents yeast from fermenting the sugary

wort (and thus producing alcohol), either by deactivating the yeast or removing it, explains Steve McMillen, BrewDog USA’s brewing manager. In “vacuum distillation,” a beer is brewed and fermented but then distilled like a spirit. The beer is placed in a vacuum, which lowers its boiling point and makes it easier to evaporate the alcohol.

At BrewDog, McMillen opts for the “lowgravity brew” method. “We start with a little bit of malt and not a lot of sugar content,” McMillen says. “We let the yeast ferment it all the way, but it’s not able to create the alcohol.” The benefitof this process, McMillen says, is that brewers can control the flvors, aromas and colors.

Seventh Son Brewing Co. has dabbled in nonalcoholic b eers, but after attempting to use non-fermentative yeasts to achieve arrested fermentation, head brewer Colin Vent says he wasn’t satisfie. Without fermented elements in the beer, it could be more likely to spoil. “With that small [level] of fermentation, we couldn’t confirmthat what we made was food-safe,” he says. “And it didn’t taste great.” He also highlighted the danger of calling a beer nonalcoholic, when

even trace amounts of yeast left in a bottle or can could ferment the beer right on the grocery store shelves.

Chris Davison, head brewer at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, echoes Vent’s concerns, adding that most craft breweries forgo NA beers because of the small market and the high cost of specialized equipment. “Arrested fermentation and distillation leave a lot of fermentable sugars behind in the beer typically,” he says. “Which means the beer won’t be very stable as it ages, and the risk of re-fermentation in a bottle or can is high without the use of pasteurization, which is another costly investment for small breweries.”

McMillen sees the rise of nonalcoholic beer as a bit of history repeating itself. “If you look at the roots of craft beer, it started with consumers looking for a beer that’s different than your macro lager,” he says. The industry is once again following the lead of its customers. “It’s a chance to elevate the quality of nonalcoholic beers in the marketplace,” he says. The question is whether more local breweries are willing to take that chance. ◆

PHOTO: ROBB MCCORMICK PHOTOGRAPHY

Nonalcoholic craft beer is on the rise. Here’s why (most) local breweries haven’t jumped on the trend.

BrewDog’s family of nonalcoholic beers

Food Among Friends

BY ERIN EDWARDS

The duo of  Rich  Ter apak  and Steve Stover are a kind of Laurel  and Hardy among Columbus gourmands, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the city’s restaurants. You may have heard them on WOSU 89.7, where the pair discuss the local food scene, dining trends and more during All Sides With  Ann Fisher’s “Chefs in the City” on the first Friday of each month.

For the past 40 years,  the two lawyers ha ve  moonlighted as  cooking instructors  at various venues around  town—from their  early days  at Overbey’s Emporium at The Continent to Betty  Rosbottom’s  La Belle Pomme cooking scho ol  at Lazarus to Easton’s Sur La Table. Most recently,  they’ ve  taught classes—that morph  into dinner parties—at Franklin Park Conservatory. A  recent class  last fall  at Franklin Park had them demonstrating a pair of ontrend “sheet pan dinners.”

During an interview at the Columbus Club in December, I ask the two friends whether it’s the co oking  or the teaching that keeps them engaged as instructors after 40 years. “It’s the feel-good you get out of the classes,” Terapak says. “For a while we had this one group of, now that we’re 75 we can call ’em  old ladies. They came to classes for years. They followed us around from  different locations,  and that’s sort of rewarding.  As lawyers, you  didn’t  get a lot of immediate positive responses. You know, ‘Gee, wasn’t that a great contract.’”

Stover  is the “always prepared”  half of the equation, while  Ter apak  admits to winging it. “We have always done lesson plans, which I think are helpful,” Stover says. “And we’ve  always [taught] our own recipes. We were at Sur la Table for a couple years, and I’m exaggerating, but they said, ‘In April, we want you to do Mongolian cui-

sine. And here are the recipes.’” That was the end of that.

The pair have observed—and contributed to—the evolution of the Columbus dining scene into a more sophisticated and wellrespected one. At some point during their tenure, Columbus morphed into a “food city.” Terapak says the city’s coming of age parallels restaurateur Cameron Mitchell’s success, especially in the early aughts. “He kind of pushed the envelope a little bit,” Terapak says. “That helped, I think, because people trusted the quality.”

Stover believes the turning point was a bit earlier “I think Columbus  really came into its own when chef [Hartmut] Handke came here [in 1991]. Kent Rigsby opened his restaurant,” Stover says. “And then, in the downturn in 2008 and 2009, things changed. Handke’s closed. And then there was a new generation of chefs. That’s when Cameron Mitchell real-

PHOTO: TIM JOHNSON

Steve Stover, left, and Rich Terapak in the kitchen at Franklin Park Conservatory

ly came to the fore. Also, you had Columbus Dine Originals … which encouraged supporting local restaurants.”

The two fo o dies are both concerned that the lingering COVID-19 pandemic— and now the omicron variant—is curtailing the restaurant scene’s momentum, but they remain inspired by the city ’s service industry. “What excites me is that people have the gumption to do something like Understory [the new concept from Wolf’s Ridge Brewing]  in the middle of  [the pandemic],” Terapak says.  “We’re  conservative old lawyers, you know. We  don’t  take chances, and these p eople are still willing to invest in this.”

“Another reason we do this is we really care about restaurants that do the right thing: made-from-scratch quality, not taking shortcuts,” Stover adds. “And we want to support the people that are doing things the right way. I’m really passionate about that.”

At one  point during our interview, I  sit back and watch  Stover and  Ter apak  as they  tell stories ab out  judging Ohio State Fair  foo d contests  for years.  (“One time I got stuck doing the Spam cookoff … Spam stroganoff. It was just awful,” Stover

says. “I had better discretion,” Terapak quips.)  They interrupt  and finish  each other’s sentences.  This must be how  Ann Fisher feels during  tapings of  “Chefs in the City.”  Trying to corral a conversation between these  two longtime friends—good luck. It’s probably easier to demonstrate the art of cassoulet  in front of a class of  hungry students. And that’s why Stover and Terapak’s classes have stayed popular all these years:  It’s  not  so much  about the food but the  camar aderie. And  maybe a little  bit ab out  the wine, which is served “at halftime, before the marching band comes out,” Stover says.

I ask them what makes their partnership work. “Our friend Jim Budros [a fellow

cooking teacher and co-founder of City Barbeque] has attended a couple of the classes. He says, ‘Go for the show,’” Terapak says. “It’s the repartee. We’ll be doing something— this happens all too frequently—and we’ll get carried away and talking. Then all of a sudden something ’s burning.”

“ We always sa y  we’ ve  been teaching together for 40 years, and we haven’t killed each other yet,” Stover adds. “[My wife and I have] been friends with the  Terapaks  for years and traveled all over the world together We’re with them, it seems, about two or three days every week.”

“And you aren’t sick of each other?” I ask. They wince and, in perfect comedic timing, both take a sip of wine. ◆

It’s the repartee. We’ll be doing something— this happens all too frequently—and we’ll get carried away and talking. Then all of a sudden something’s burning.

RICH TERAPAK

3 Brothers Diner

let’s eat

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN COLUMBUS

Editor’s Note: While most Central Ohio restaurants have reopened for dine-in service, others remain carryout only. Our listings include restaurants that are open for dine-in, carryout, delivery or all three. This is not a comprehensive list. Given the fluid natue of the COVID-19 pandemic, please call restaurants to check hours and menu availability.

Mexian/American | 3090 Southwest Blvd., Grove City, 614-317-7798. This family-friendly spot combines American, Mexican and Cuban diner fare on one menu. You’ll finda variety of omelets, egg scrambles, breakfast burritos, French toast and pancakes, plus entrées like Cuban roasted chicken, jambalaya and more. BLD $

6-1-Pho

Vietnamese | 4386 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-7064903. A fast-casual restaurant where diners can build their own noodle soups, sandwiches and noodle salads—all of which pull flaors from classic Vietnamese cuisine. LD $

101 Beer Kitchen

Gastropub | 7509 Sawmill Rd., Dublin, 614-210-1010; 397 Stoneridge Ln., Gahanna, 614-934-5501; 817 Polaris Pkwy., Westerville, 614-776-4775. At this expertly executed gastropub (its owners could school others in the art of developing a restaurant), craft brews are paired with made-from-scratch, seasonal dishes. BRLD $$

1808 American Bistro

American | 29 E. Winter St., Delaware, 740-417-4373. Josh Dalton’s bistro uses both contemporary and classic elements in décor and cooking. The menu features short ribs, filetmedallions, and shrimp and grits. BRLD $$$

Aab India

Indian | 1470 Grandview Ave., Grandview, 614-4862800. Aab India boasts a large menu of authentic Northern Indian-style curry offering, plus papadi chaat, chicken tandoori and shrimp bhuna. LD $$

Addis Restaurant

Ethiopian | 3750 Cleveland Ave., North Side, 614-2698680. The injera here is about as good as it gets with traditional Ethiopian dishes like tibs, kitfo and doro wot. LD $$

Afra Grill

Somali | 1635 Morse Rd., North Side, 614-591-3816. At this fast-casual spot specializing in East African cuisine, you build your own meal by choosing a base, protein, hot topping, cold toppings and a sauce. Don’t miss the chicken suqaar, malawah (sweet crêpes) and spiced tea. LD $$

Akai Hana

Japanese | 1173 Old Henderson Rd., Northwest Side, 614-451-5411. This entertaining Japanese bento shop boasts some of the city’s best sushi and a wide range of Japanese and Korean entrées. LD $$

Alchemy Café

Juicery | 625 Parsons Ave., Schumacher Place, 614305-7551. This café is no protein shake shack. It’s simple, healthy food that’s familiar and whole, with recipes created by a registered dietitian. The menu is vegetarian-friendly and includes smoothies, toast, açai bowls, sandwiches, juice, and grab-and-go salads and snacks. BLD $

Bamboo Thai Kitchen

Thai | 774 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-326-1950. This bright spot in a drab strip mall offerswell-executed Thai staples like som tum (green papaya salad), flaorful green and red curries and pad thai, plus some Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese dishes. LD $$

Bangkok Grocery & Restaurant

Thai | 3277 Refugee Rd., East Side, 614-231-8787. A family-owned grocery and eatery specializing in authentic Thai fare for more than 30 years. Go for some of the city’s best pad thai, tom yum soup, nam tok and Thai curries. LD $

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar

Spanish | 263 E. Whittier St., German Village, 614443-3699. Longstanding Barcelona is a classic for approachable Spanish tapas and other palate-expanding fare with an American influenc. The patio is one of the most charming in the city. BRLD $$$

Basi Italia

Italian | 811 Highland St., Victorian Village, 614-2947383. Nestled in the heart of Victorian Village, Basi Italia serves clean, simple Italian fare with innovative twists in a setting so intimate, you’ll feel like the chef invited you over for dinner. Basi offers one of the city’s best patios. D $$$

Basic Biscuits, Kindness, Coffee

Bakery | 1160 Goodale Blvd., Grandview, 614-5495955. This all-biscuits bakery offersflaored buttermilk biscuits by the dozen, grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, quiche and fresh coffe. B $

Belle’s Bread

Bakery | 1168 Kenny Centre Mall, Upper Arlington, 614-451-7110. Tucked away in the same complex as Akai Hana, this French-inspired Japanese bakery is known for its outstanding pastries, cakes and treats. BL $

Bonifacio

Filipino | 1577 King Ave., Fifth by Northwest, 614-9148115. Krizzia Yanga’s eatery offersa modern take on Filipino home cooking, with frequent kamayan-style dinners served on banana leaves. Try dishes like lumpia, lechon and chicken inasal. LD $$

Borgata Pizza Café

Italian | 1086 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-505-2630; 5701 Parkville St., North Side, 614-891-2345; 2285 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Northwest Side, 614-396-8758. A neighborhood Italian eatery specializing in New Yorkstyle pizza, scratch-made pastas, calzones and panini. Try the ricotta cavatelli with marinara or spicy stuffe peppers—tender Cubanelle peppers with marinara and gooey mozzarella cheese. LD $$

Boxwood Biscuit Co.

American | 19 W. Russell St., Short North, 614-745-2105. The owners of the Law Bird cocktail bar have teamed up with chef Tyler Minnis to open this fried chicken and biscuits joint near Goodale Park. The menu features biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches and more. BL $

Cap City Fine Diner & Bar

American | 6644 Riverside Dr., Dublin, 614-8897865; 1299 Olentangy River Rd., Fifth by Northwest, 614-291-3663; 1301 Stoneridge Dr., Gahanna, 614478-9999. Cameron Mitchell’s popular, stylish diner serves retro fare with an upscale twist. Think American cuisine, like meatloaf, chili dogs, pork chops and homemade pies and desserts. BRLD $$

Chapman’s Eat Market

Contemporary American | 739 S. Third St., German Village, 614-444-0917. Chef BJ Lieberman’s debut on the local dining scene fillsthe original home of Max & Erma’s in German Village. The renovated space is fun and sophisticated, sporting a palette of bold wallpapers with rose pink and green accents. Diners can expect creative and ingredient-driven dishes, fin cocktails and homemade ice cream. D $$$

$$$$ Average entrée $26 and higher

$$$ Average entrée $16–$25

$$ Average entrée $11–$15

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Valet Available

NEW! Restaurant has opened within the last few months

Cravings Café

Sandwich Shop | 114 N. Front St., Downtown, 614-670–4439. This café from Matt and Lindsey Tewanger offer sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, house-baked brioche and roasted meats. Also featuring small-batch coffee and beakfast pastries. BL $

Creole Kitchen

Cajun/Creole | 1052 B Mt. Vernon Ave., East Side, 614-372-3333. This family-owned restaurant founded by chef Henry Butcher serves Louisiana classics like gumbo, po’boys and crawfish étouff. BLD $$

The Crest Gastropub

Gastropub | 2855 Indianola Ave., Clintonville, 614-2617128. This popular gastropub serves a long list of craft and local beers, as well as upscale pub fare incorporating herbs and produce from nearby farms. BRLD $$

DiCarlo’s Pizza

Pizza |4142 Main St., Hilliard, 614-777-4992; 91 E. Fifth Ave., Italian Village, 614-966-2055. Founded in Steubenville, DiCarlo’s specializes in hot, rectangular pies topped with cold cheese and pepperoni, a regional pizza style known as Ohio Valley. DiCarlo’s added an Italian Village location this year. LD $$

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

American | 248 S. Fourth St., Downtown, 614-8244673. This hip hot dog joint with retro décor and oneof-a-kind wieners that can be topped with condiments such as sauerkraut, baked beans and Fritos. LD $

DK Diner

American | 1715 W. Third Ave., Grandview, 614-4885160. The DK stands for doughnut kitchen at this off-the-beaten-path diner with a cozy atmosphere and local flaor. Enjoy breakfast all day. BLD $

Don Pocha Korean BBQ

Korean | 4710 Reed Rd., Upper Arlington, 614-459-9292. A fun KBBQ spot where meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked at the table and paired with pickled side dishes (banchan) and dipping sauces. Flavorful Korean soups and stews round out the menu. LD $$

Donna’s Delicious Dozen

Doughnuts | 5322 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna/New Albany, 614-245-4859. At Traci Lukemire’s doughnut shop, customers can adorn warm doughnuts with a variety of toppings, drizzles and icings. BL $

Dosa Corner

Indian | 1077 Old Henderson Rd., Northwest Side, 614459-5515. This affodable, family-owned South Indian spot specializes in expertly thin, pancake-like dosas, uthappam and vegetarian curries. LD $

Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen

Caribbean | 2444 Cleveland Ave., North Linden, 614-262-0988. Founded more than 20 years ago by matriarch Vinell “Ena” Hayles, a native of Jamaica, this Linden area restaurant offersauthentic Caribbean fare like jerk chicken, callaloo and goat curry. BRLD $$

Flavor 91 Bistro

Burgers | 5186 E. Main St., Whitehall, 614-845-8840. This family-owned craft burger joint on the border of Whitehall and Reynoldsburg is dedicated to serving local, organic and fresh ingredients. Go for the flaorful salads, the berbere-rubbed chicken wings, the Flavor Burger and the friendly atmosphere. LD $

Flip Side

Burgers | 3945 Easton Station, Easton, 614-472-3547.

This burger and shake joint with a heavy emphasis on local ingredients (burgers are made with Ohio-raised, grass-fed beef) serves great cocktails and boozy milkshakes, plus craft beers. LD $

Forno Kitchen + Bar

Italian | 721 N. High St., Short North, 614-469-0053. Located in a historic building in the Short North, this restaurant features pizza, sandwiches and shareable appetizers, plus house-made cocktails. BRLD $$

Fox in the Snow Café

Coffee & Desserts | 210 Thurman Ave., German Village; 1031 N. Fourth St., Italian Village; 160 W. Main St., New Albany. A bakery and coffeeshop offeringpastries made in-house daily and coffeefrom Tandem CoffeeRoasters. Be sure not to miss the famous egg sandwich. BL $

Fukuryu Ramen

Japanese | 4540 Bridge Park Ave., Dublin, 614-553-7392; 1600 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, 614-929-5910. Jeff Tsao, whose family owned the Kahiki Supper Club, brings his Melbourne, Australia, ramen shop stateside. It’s quick, modern, bustling and adds a little rock ’n’ roll to traditional Japanese fare. The Signature Tonkotsu and Red Dragon ramens are standouts. LD $$

Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar

Cajun & Creole/Italian | 2820 Nottingham Rd., Upper Arlington, 614-754-8176. Expanding on the menu at its sister Tap Room locations, Gallo’s Kitchen is more upscale, serving walleye with Louisiana crawfishsauce, chicken étouffée and asta Russo. D $$

Harvest Pizzeria

Pizza | 2376 E. Main St., Bexley, 614-824-4081; 45 N. High St., Dublin, 614-726-9919. Some of the best wood-fied pies in Central Ohio are served at this pizzeria owned by Grow Restaurants. LD $$

Heirloom Café

Soup & Sandwiches | 1871 N. High St., Campus, 614292-2233. The fresh and seasonal café located inside the Wexner Center for the Arts always seems to have whatever we’re craving—homemade soup, sandwiches, salads, pastries and coffee drink. BL $

High Bank Distillery Co.

American | 1051 Goodale Blvd., Grandview, 614-8265347. High Bank’s dining room offersplenty of games, TVs and space for large groups. The cocktail menu puts the distillery’s own offeringsto good use, while the food menu offersabove-average pub fare such as brunch items, salads, locally sourced beef burgers and Hot Honey Chicken. BRLD $$$

Himalayan Grille

Nepalese/Tibetan | 1307 Stoneridge Dr., Gahanna, 614-472-0211. A friendly spot serving Himalayan fare, like bhatmas sadeko, momos and vegetarian or meat thalis. Also serves familiar Indian fare like dal makhani, tandoori dishes and curries. LD $

Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen

Brewpub | 850 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-4014033. This collaboration between A&R Creative (The Crest, Market Italian Village) and popular Marengo-based brewery Hoof Hearted represents all the good things happening in Columbus right now: lots of craft beer and locally sourced food in a cool, modern space. BRLD $$

Hot Chicken Takeover

Southern | 4203 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-754-1151; 4198 Worth Ave., Easton, 614-532-7435; 59 Spruce

St., Short North, 614-800-4538; 435 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, 614-954-0008. Head fryer/owner Joe DeLoss jumped on the Nashville hot chicken trend and hasn’t looked back. HCT does an excellent impression of Prince’s, the Nashville original—the fried chicken is juicy, super spicy (unless you ask them to hold the heat) and sits on a bed of white bread. LD $$

Hoyo’s Kitchen

Somali | 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-745-3943. This family-run restaurant started serving fast-casual Somali cuisine in the historic North Market in 2019. Order a bowl of flaorful spicy rice (or salad), top with proteins such as chicken suuqar or hilibari (goat) and then choose from a variety of veggies and sauces. Don’t skip the house chai. LD $$

Jiu Thai Asian Café

Chinese | 787 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-7325939. Located in the Olentangy Plaza shopping center, this restaurant specializes in flaorful, authentic cuisine from northern China. Go for the tofu skewers, lamb dumplings and handmade noodles in generous portions at low prices. LD $

Jonys Sushi

Japanese | 195 Thurman Ave., German Village, 614706-4979. The owners of South Village Grille opened this takeout sushi shop right next door. The colorful shop offersappetizers, nigiri, sashimi, classic sushi rolls and a variety of interesting specialty rolls. LD $$$

Katalina’s Soup & Sandwiches | 3481 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-689-8896; 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Harrison West, 614-294-2233. Expect an eclectic menu of Latinleaning items at this café known for its chalkboard walls, scratch-made salads and sandwiches and killer patio in the warmer months. BLD $$

Katzinger’s Delicatessen

Deli | 7160 Muirfield Dr., Dublin, 614-389-8444; 475 S. Third St., German Village, 614-228-3354. A 35-year veteran in German Village, Katzinger’s is a traditional East Coast-style deli, with 60-plus sandwiches, potato latkes, pickle barrels, specialty foods and cheeses. The Dublin location opened in 2019. BLD $$

Kitchen Social

American | 6791 Longshore St., Ste. 110, Dublin, 614763-1770; 8954 Lyra Dr., Polaris, 614-505-8492. A stylish, independently owned restaurant serving classic American grill fare alongside plates inspired by global cuisines. Start with the fan-favorite cheddar and scallion biscuits to go with any of the signature cocktails or a glass from the extensive wine list. The menu includes entrée salads, pizzas, tacos, seafood, steaks and more. BRLD $$$

Kittie’s Cakes

2424 E. Main St., Bexley, 614-929-5000; 495 S. Third St., German Village, 614-754-8828. Kittie’s intimate café next to Gramercy Books offersscratch-made scones, cinnamon rolls and cupcakes from its sister bakery, plus breakfast sandwiches, espresso drinks, wine and spirits. Meanwhile, the German Village bakery focuses on Kittie’s signature baked goods and drip coffee fom Portland’s Stumptown. BL $

Lan Viet Market

Vietnamese | 6750 Longshore St., Dublin, 614-6838783; 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-227-4203. The Le family runs this counter-order spot in both North Market locations, offering tried-and true Vietnamese fare such as pho and banh mi plus a variety of rice and noodle bowls. LD $$

Lávash Café

Middle Eastern | 2985 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-2637777. This quick-service Middle Eastern eatery serves a mix of Mediterranean food, coffeeand desserts. LD $$

The Light of Seven Matchsticks

Small Plates | 5601 N. High Street, Worthington, 614436-2625. The owners of Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza and Live Music celebrate Prohibition-era Columbus with this charming basement speakeasy offerin snacks, small plates and excellent cocktails. Open Wednesday through Sunday only. D $

Los Guachos Taqueria

Mexican | 7370 Sawmill Rd., Dublin, 614-726-9185; 1376 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna, 614-471-4717; 5221 Godown Rd., Northwest Side, 614-538-0211; 1121 S. Hamilton Rd., Whitehall, 614-852-3000. The brick-and-mortar version of the popular taco truck (461 Commerce Sq., West Side) offersall the truck favorites—authentic tacos, tortas and gringas—and, of course, the city’s best al pastor. LD $

The Lox Bagel Shop

Café & Bakery | 772 N. High St., Short North, 614-8244005. Kevin Crowley’s cute Short North shop offers handmade bagels that are boiled and then baked over a live fie. The shop’s namesake sandwich and pastrami sandwich are standouts. BL $

Lupo

Spanish | 2124 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington, 614-9145455. From La Tavola’s Rick and Krista Lopez, this tapas spot offersa menu of seasonal small plates combining Spanish and Italian influence. The full bar focuses on aperitivo-inspired cocktails and a curated list featuring Spanish and Portuguese wines. LD $$

Mi Li Café

Vietnamese | 5858 Emporium Sq., North Side, 614899-9202. The tucked-away North Side eatery is famous for its authentic, made-from-scratch banh mi, the firstand one of the only remaining items from the original menu. It’s since expanded, offeringa heartier list of Vietnamese classics. LD $

Min Ga Korean Restaurant

Korean | 800 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-457-7331. This friendly strip-mall spot serves Korean specialities like kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi and gopchang. LD $$

Mitchell’s Ocean Club

Seafood | 4002 Easton Station, Easton, 614-416-2582. With wood-paneled décor, live piano music and martinis shaken tableside, the Ocean Club evokes the Rat Pack era. On the menu, expect high-end seafood like yellowfintuna, teriyaki salmon and jumbo lump crab cakes. D $$$$

Modern Southern Table

Southern | 1086 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-5052637. Budd Dairy visitors can order fried chicken, catfis and low country shrimp and grits at this food hall eatery from owner Sadaya “Daisy” Lewis. LD $$

Natalie’s Music Hall & Kitchen

Contemporary American | 945 King Ave., Grandview, 614-436-2625. This exciting addition to Grandview is the sister restaurant/music venue to Natalie’s in Worthington. Here you’ll findNeapolitan-style pizzas and an excellent cocktail program cultivated by bar manager PJ Ford. D $$$

NE Chinese Restaurant Chinese | 2620 N. High St., Old North, 614-725-0880.

Authentic dishes from the Dongbei region of China are the specialty at this unfussy Old North spot. Go for the Cumin Potato, Spicy Twice-Cooked Fish or any of the hot pots. LD $$

Northstar Café

American | 4241 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-7842233; 4015 Townsfair Way, Easton, 614-532-5444; 951 N. High St., Short North, 614-298-9999; 109 S. State St., Westerville, 614-394-8992. Northstar’s imaginative menu has a healthful emphasis on organic ingredients served in a casual, order-at-the-counter café setting. At peak times, it’s common to see diners lined up for the beet-laden veggie burger, pizzas, salads, rice-andveggie bowls and oversized cookies. BBRLD $$

Nosh on High

American | 149 S. High St., Downtown, 614-929-3373. Located across from Columbus Commons, this handsome, light-filledlunch and dinner spot serves creative “American-style tapas” and entrées ranging from salmon to pork belly. Wine dinners take place monthly. LD $$$

Old Mohawk Restaurant

Pub Grub | 819 Mohawk St., German Village, 614444-7204. This German Village favorite housed in a historic building is rumored to have ties to Prohibition. On the menu is standard American bar fare, including the famed turtle soup. LD $

The Refectory Restaurant & Wine Shop

French | 1092 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614451-9774. Columbus’ iconic French restaurant might put more effortinto a single plate than an ordinary restaurant does into an entire menu. Inside this church-turned-fine-diningspot, expect impeccable service and a world-class wine cellar to pair with your meal. D $$$$

Restaurant Silla

Korean | 1802 Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington, 614459-5990. You’ll findreal-deal Korean cuisine and a menu with semi-explanatory color photos at this casual restaurant. Its bibimbap is a textbook example of how the dish should be done—served in a scalding hot stone bowl with crispy rice on the bottom. LD $$

Riziki Swahili Grill

African | 1872 Tamarack Cir. S, North Side, 614-5477440. There’s a lot to love about Riziki Yussuf's charming spot, serving authentic Tanzanian fare. Don't miss the excellent chapati platter with chicken curry, the tender mishkaki (beef kebabs) or the turmericscented urojo soup (served only on Sundays). Open Friday through Sunday only. LD $$

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ramen as well as gyoza, karaage, rice bowls and more. LD $$

Scali Ristorante

Italian | 1903 State Route 256, Reynoldsburg, 614-7597764. This strip mall gem opened by Frank and Judy Scali in 1993 pulls offsophisticated Italian-American fare with the genuine warmth of a neighborhood institution. The veal Parmesan and classic lasagna give red sauce a good name. D $$$

Veritas

Contemporary American | 11 W. Gay St., Downtown, 614-745-3864. Chef Josh Dalton’s modern, tasting-menu-style restaurant celebrates the art and science of cooking while offeringone of the fines dining experiences in town. Located in the Citizens Building at Gay and High streets, Veritas prides itself on excellent service and exhilarating cocktail and wine lists. D $$$$

Villa Nova Ristorante

Italian | 5545 N. High St., Worthington, 614846-5777. A family-owned Italian eatery that’s a local favorite for its red-sauce Italian cuisine (manicotti, lasagna and ravioli), no-frills pizza and ice-cold beer. LD $$

Wario’s Beef and Pork

American | 111 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District, 614-914-8338. This no-frills, East Coast-style sandwich shop from chef Stephan Madias saves the fieworks for the food. Go for the Philadelphia-inspired roasted pork and broccoli rabe or chicken cutlet sandwiches. Don’t skip the spuds. LD $$

Watershed Kitchen & Bar

Contemporary American | 1145 Chesapeake Ave., Ste. D, Fifth by Northwest, 614-357-1936. Watershed complements its distillery with a handsome and proudly Midwestern restaurant and bar. The bar’s seasonal cocktail menu is always entertaining and top-shelf, while the menu emphasizes quality product and shareable plates. D $$$

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Contemporary American | 215 N. Fourth St., Downtown, 614-429-3936. French- and Californiacuisine-inspired Wolf’s Ridge is a truly delightful reflectionof how we enjoy finedining today—a happy marriage of high-end small plates, pints of housecrafted beer and craft cocktails. BRLD $$$

Woodhouse Vegan Café

American | 851 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-3902410. The Woodhouse family offersplant-based comfort food at this cute brick house in Italian Village. Highlights include the Caesar salad, loaded nachos and West African peanut stew. D $$

Xi Xia Western Chinese Cuisine

$$$

Indian | 685 N. High St., Short North, 614-972-8678. A San Francisco import serving high-end, “progressive Indian” fare. Go for the inventive cocktails, buzzy atmosphere and conversation-stoking small plates. D

The Rossi Kitchen & Bar

American | 895 N. High St., Short North, 614-5250624. A popular Short North hot spot, diners flock here for inventive bar food (think gourmet pizza, lamb lollipops and grilled Caesar salad) in a new-meets-old atmosphere straight out of Manhattan. D $$

Satori Ramen Bar

Japanese | 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-914-8799. Tokyo native Seigo Nishimura runs this ramen spot in the North Market, serving a variety of Japanese

Chinese | 1140 Kenny Centre Mall, Northwest Side, 614-670-7736. Xi Xia offersan authentic tour of flvors from the Ningxia autonomous region in northcentral China. Highlights include the chewy stirred noodles and rice pilaf with cubed lamb. LD $$

Yellow Brick P izza

Pizza | 415 W. Rich St., Franklinton, 614-372-5983. This funky pizzeria puts a unique spin on the classic ’za, with hand-tossed pies like the Boise Surprise and Elliott Smith as well as Tristano’s Chicago-Style StuffedPizzas. The Olde Towne East location has closed, but a new shop is opening soon inside the Trolley District’s East Market. LD $$

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His fellow Crew season ticket holder Scott Bonner went even further: “It’s kind of nice that we’re not the only city that can host something like that anymore. So it’s really kind of come full circle.”

Kristina Balevska had a far more hostile reaction. “Truthfully, it’s almost a slap in our face,” says Balevska, a hardcore Crew and USMNT supporter who attended the firs “dos a cero” game as a teen and was present for every subsequent U.S.-Mexico match at Crew Stadium. “‘Dos a cero’ was born in Columbus, Ohio, on that very brutal night in February,” Balevska continues. “You can take it to any city, any state, but [Columbus] will always be … home of ‘dos a cero.’”

Arena District bar Whistle & Keg, site of the Sammers pregame party, is dotted with USMNT supporters from all over the country, who share similarly disparate takes on whether moving the Mexico match out of Columbus was an outrage or an inevitability. Even among the FC Cincinnati fans who drove up for the Costa Rica game, conclusions are inconsistent. Although excited for Cincinnati to host Mexico, Aaron Patton describes the rivalry between Ohio’s MLS franchises as “friendly,” noting that “a lot of people in Cincinnati used to be Crew fans.” FC Cincy season ticket holder Ryan Taulbee is a bit more inflammatory “It does feel good to take a little something from the Crew. Because they’re like, ‘This is the home of U.S. Soccer,’ and it’s like, well, last time they lost. So maybe it’s not, you know?”

TWO OF THE CENTRAL decision-makers for the USSF are former USMNT players with close ties to Columbus. Brian McBride, the legendary striker who starred for the Crew from 1996–2003, is now the USMNT’s general manager. Gregg Berhalter, the Crew’s head coach from 2014-2018, now coaches the national team. Both have spoken diplomatically about the choice to relocate the Mexico game to Cincinnati.

“ We didn’t look at it as moving the [Mexico] game, per se,” McBride told The Columbus Dispatch last August. “It was more about trying to findthe right fit.Knowing that the support’s always been excellent in Colum-

bus and now there are some very unique and great options for games in newer stadiums all sort of weigh into that decision.” McBride also asserted that after losing to Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey in 2017, there was a need for a proven pro-U.S. venue to bolster the Yanks against the Ticos.

As for why Cincinnati got the soughtafter grudge match, in a November interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer, Berhalter noted the Queen City ’s heavy potential for a pro-U.S. crowd and the “top-class” TQL Stadium. But also, “My personal experience here really helped me understand what the fans are like.” Berhalter described that initial “Hell Is Real” showdown in the 2017 Open Cup as “one of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced in the United States.”

On Nov. 12, soccer fans gather in the bars and restaurants of Cincinnati’s West End to initiate the next chapter of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry. Here, there is no more collective ambivalence about the end of the storied Columbus tradition, just palpable excitement about the here and now. As an army of chanting supporters march from Rhinegeist and Northern Row breweries toward a pep rally in Washington Park, the air courses with a contagious enthusiasm.

For some in the crowd, this moment is a culmination of a lifetime with the sport and a local history they believe runs deeper than any soccer tradition in Columbus. “Cincinnati’s been soccer for way longer than Columbus. We’ve always been a big soccer community,” says Kurt Hoelmer, a first-geneation American who attends every FC Cincinnati game with his adult son Kurt Jr. “Our family’s from Germany. And we always played soccer in Cincinnati. And when I played, Columbus didn’t even exist on the soccer map.”

Mike Carr, the son of an Irish-born soccer coach, tells a similar story. “The youth program in Cincinnati was on par with St. Louis as one of the best youth programs in the country in the ’70s and ’80s,” Carr says. “So the base here was incredibly strong and showed up when they finallybrought a professional team to Cincinnati. And the fans really stepped up.”

Within a few hours, the U.S.-Mexico game kicks off at TQL. The tension is thick. The Americans beat their Southern rival in two separate tournament finalsover the summer, establishing some kind of psychological edge. But this is the truly meaningful contest: a pivotal step toward qualifying for its firstWorld Cup in eight years and a chance to exorcize the demons from that dispiriting 2016 loss. With the weight of the nation’s soccer diehards on its shoulders, Cincinnati shows up big on this night, as does the USMNT. Final score: dos a cero.

SO IS THAT IT? Is Cincinnati the new spiritual home of American soccer? Just weeks after the triumph at TQL, the USSF complicated any such narrative by scheduling a second World Cup qualifierat Lower.com Field, this time versus El Salvador on Jan. 27 ahead of clashes with Canada in Hamilton, Ontario, on Jan. 30 and Honduras in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Feb. 2. With so many vibrant soccer markets clamoring to host a qualifie, some Columbus partisans interpreted two games in the same round as an unspoken apology from U.S. Soccer for transferring the Mexico game to Cincinnati—or at least as proof that Columbus is still the center of the American soccer universe.

In a virtual press conference in December, Berhalter details a more level-headed rationale for the return to Columbus. Proximity to Ontario is a major factor; if Canada had elected to play the U.S. in Vancouver, “We had two venues on the West Coast that would have fitnicely.” There was also the matter of fieldconditions: “We know the fieldin Columbus is going to be good. Some other venues, they weren’t able to get the fieldup to standards to play in the winter, so we had to exclude them.” Throw in the promise of a pro-U.S. crowd and the potential for inclement weather to thwart the Salvadorans, and Berhalter believes Columbus gives the USMNT a great chance to win.

For Columbus, hosting two qualifiers in the same round is especially significant because this cycle might be the last time the stakes feel quite so high. The United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup, likely yielding an automatic bid for all three of those nations. More importantly, in 2026 the fieldexpands from 32 to 48 teams, which could lead to as many as six guaranteed spots for CONCACAF. Presumably, qualifying for the World Cup is about to become much easier for the Americans.

Nonetheless, it’s hard to imagine a future where a U.S.-Mexico World Cup qualifie does not feel like a major event, or one where local fans do not scrutinize U.S. Soccer’s decision about where to schedule it. It’s even tougher to envision the end of passive-aggressive discourse between two Ohio cities vying to be the USMNT’s mecca, especially as the antagonism between their respective MLS clubs matures. The “Hell Is Real” and “dos a cero” traditions seem destined to keep colliding—just as they did after the win over Mexico at TQL. That night, amid a celebratory outpouring from the American faithful, the Crew’s Twitter account got in one last dig at its neighbors to the south: “It’s about time the home team wins in Cincinnati!!!!” ◆

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But he also says more development could happen in other communities inside the I-270 belt, including parts of Worthington and Dublin, and the Northland area. Worthington has seen its own development fight, over 37 acres that used to be a United Methodist Children’s Home on High Street. Lifestyle Communities has submitted plans that most recently consider turning the site into a four- and five-story complex with 600 rental units along with commercial space. Some Worthington city leaders and residents have pushed against that development for years.

Another complication: The city of Columbus has not updated its zoning code in nearly 70 years. The last time the code was overhauled was the 1950s, more than a decade before the Fair Housing Act was passed. At the time, federal policies such as redlining, the practice of blocking Black residents from moving into white neighborhoods, was the norm. In 1950, Columbus covered fewer than 40 square miles. Now, it spans 223. The city’s population in 1950 was 375,901.

City planners have begun a comprehensive review of the zoning code, but that will take time—likely years—to complete. Projects like the one on East Whittier Street don’t meet the zoning codes because of their height or density but are often approved through city-granted variances. The zoning code updates will almost certainly allow for more density in neighborhoods near the city core.

“It’s a complicated document, and sometimes it was easier to make minor tweaks to it, but we’ve reached a point now with the growth we’ve had and the pressure from growth that we need to address things,” says Michael Stevens, director of development for the city of Columbus. “But we need to do it in a way that is inclusive and that engages the whole community.”

In the meantime, the city’s population numbers are all over the news, in ways that feel abstract until a person tries to find a place to live. Home purchase prices have skyrocketed in the last few years, and they

don’t appear to be slowing. In December, Realtor.com predicted that Columbus would be the country’s fifth-hottest housing market in 2022, projecting that asking prices here would grow twice as fast as national rates. And that’s after they’ve already risen dramatically. The Columbus Dispatch reported in December that asking prices here were up 12.6 percent in the first 10 months of 2021 over last year.

That’s a good position to be in if you already own a house, not so great if you have to buy one. And renters are likewise strapped: Across the city—from KingLincoln Bronzeville to Olde Towne East to Merion Village, from Canal Winchester up to the Northeast Side—developers are either renovating old complexes or tearing down existing buildings and adding new ones. In the case of renovations, existing tenants often can’t afford the new prices—some nearly double their previous monthly rents.

One example: This year, the Columbus Urban League fi elded some 12,000 calls from people who were at risk of losing their homes. Another Dispatch report quoted Stephanie Hightower, the nonprofit’s CEO, saying at a call-to-action event that most of those calls were from Black single moms. U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat who represents much of Columbus, said during that same event that the housing situation in Columbus was both “a health care crisis” and “a social justice crisis.”

Building more housing makes sense—it’s logical that the laws of supply and demand would apply to the Central Ohio housing market. But if the apartments that go up are only affordable to people with near-sixfigure incomes, it is clear who the development is really for.

“There’s a number of actors in the affordability and attainability conversation,” says Mindy Justis, also a co-founder of Neighbors for More Neighbors Columbus. “The reality is that supply is an important element, and when I tell a developer ‘50 units less in this neighborhood,’ and ‘100 less in that neighborhood,’ it adds up quickly. And that’s why as a group, we are here to bring that to light that you may think in a micro-manner, ‘Hey I’m just doing what’s best for my next-door neighbor,’ but you’re actually raising my rent three blocks away, 3 miles away, even 30 miles away. You’re regionally stymying supply, which is keeping rent up.”

The city has some incentives for building affordable housing, offering financial subsidies to builders who create rental units for people who make between 60 and 80 percent of the area median income. A family of four in Columbus would need to earn

between $50,000 and $80,000 a year to qualify. (Pizzuti did not receive an incentive for the complex on East Whittier Street.)

And development firms are businesses, and their ultimate goal is to make money. Construction costs have risen, too: Lumber prices peaked in May of 2021 at nearly three times their pre-pandemic levels. They’ve dropped some, but in early December, prices were still nearly double pre-pandemic levels.

“Multi-family housing is 30 to 40 percent more expensive to build than it was pre-pandemic, and the cost of a single-family home is up, too: The same model that we would have built pre-pandemic is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent more because of supplychain issues,” says Melchi, of the Building Industry Association. “All of those things impact housing affordability.”

So back to the big questions: How do we grow? Where do we grow?

The answers, of course, change as the city does. Each person who moves here, all nearly 200,000 of them over the last decade, has plans and goals and dreams for their lives or their family’s future. Many have feelings, ideas and opinions about how the city should grow. Who gets to decide? Who gets to be part of the conversations that lead to the decisions? Who sets the slate of options?

“These are questions that are not often asked of people in a more objective, thoughtful time,” Wilkos says. “When a developer proposes a project on a site, that’s not the time to be having thoughtful conversations with people about our city’s future. … Here’s the math: Tell me where you want to put 119,000 people in the next 10 years. I’m waiting for the moment we can do that and have a non-emotional conversation about growth.”

That moment has passed for the development on East Whittier Street. When Columbus City Council voted on the project in July, both Gischel and Justis spoke about it. “Our best interests should carry more weight with you than developers’ bottom lines,” Gischel told council members. “It’s exactly the type of project the neighborhood deserves,” Justis countered.

Justis’ side won on that day, with City Council approving the development in a 6-0 vote. But Gischel and her allies aren’t declaring defeat. Not only are they appealing council’s decision in court, they hope their movement will spread as other neighborhoods join their organization.

Maybe Columbus hasn’t seen the last of that killer whale onesie. ◆

Wouldn’t you like to be looking at your home?

Ask your Realtor to market your home in the Executive Homes section of Columbus Monthly Magazine!

East of I-71 call Telana Veil at (614) 469-6106 or e-mail at tveil@dispatch.com

West of I-71 call Amy Vidrick at (614) 461-5153 or e-mail at avidrick@dispatch.com

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Seth Janitzki (614) 980-7181

seth@camtaylor. com

seth@camtaylor. com

Carruthers (614) 620-2640

www.mike carruthers.com

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City Quotient

Through a Glass Hungrily

Meet the German Village business that shined a light on the original Wendy’s.

BY JEFF DARBEE

I recently learned that Franklin Art Glass studios in German Village made lamps for the original Wendy’s. What can you tell me about that, and have any survived? These have to be counted as two of our city’s legendary businesses. And you are right, Franklin did indeed make lamps for Wendy’s.

Some background: Franklin dates from 1924, when Henry Helf started the business Downtown at 214-216 Oak St., coincidentally close to the firstWendy’s site. Franklin Art Glass remains owned and managed by the fourth and fith generations of the Helf family. The firmmoved in the early 1960s to 222 E. Sycamore St. and has long been known for its art glass creations.

Sporting Franklin Art Glass lamps (and also strings of colored beads, which those of a certain age will recall), Dave Thomas’ first Wendy’s restaurant opened Nov. 15, 1969, at 257 E. Broad St., where the Catholic Foundation is today. Coburn Morgan, a designer for several other restaurant businesses, worked with Franklin on “plain bottom” and “flowerbottom” lamp designs and also

a domed design using techniques of the Tiffany studios in New York. The Wasserstrom Co. (started in 1902 and also a family-owned lo cal legend) provided kits, including the lamps, for other Wendy’s restaurants.

As for surviving lamps, there are some around. The Helf family has a few, they turn up occasionally in antique shops, and Franklin still makes miniature versions for Wendy’s. And if you should be so fortunate as to findan old Wendy’s lamp in need of restoration, Franklin Art Glass is ready to help.

Retailing in Downtown Columbus today seems mostly food-related, but it must have been a lot different years ago. What kinds of retailers were there? CQ wrote in the December 2014 issue about how many department stores we once had Downtown, and also about some of the other retailers on North High Street between Broad and Spring streets. Now, it’s time for a deeper look. The stretch of High from Spring to Town arguably was the retail core. In the mid-1950s, there were 107 retail businesses

in those fiveblocks: eight jewelry stores; 16 shoe and shoe repair shops; 24 clothing stores; fivedepartment stores (Boston Stores, Lazarus, Madison’s, Morehouse Fashion and The Union) in seven locations; fivechain stores (H.L. Green, J.C. Penney, S.S. Kresge, Woolworth, W.T. Grant) in nine locations; and seven restaurants. There were 36 others such as leather shops, drugstores, print shops and so on. Amazingly, there was only one vacant storefront.

What’s left today? Only a single retailer from that era, but several buildings, among them The Union, Bott Brothers saloon, Boston Store, the White-Haines and Madison’s complex, Woolworth and Lazarus. And the sole surviving business? Drumroll, please: the Peanut Shoppe at High and State. Established in 1936 as one of 300 owned by Planters Peanuts, it’s one of around 10 remaining nationwide, all independently owned. It was at 5 South High between 1936 and 1978; then 46 North High from 1978 to 2014; then 21 East State, where its iconic neon Mister Peanut sign still beckons patrons.

Jeff Darbee is a preservationist, historian and author in Columbus. Send your questions to cityquotient@ columbusmonthly.com, and the answer might appear in a future column.

Sources: Gary Helf and Andrea Reid, Franklin Art Glass; historical marker at 257 East Broad St.; Nirenstein’s National Realty atlas, Columbus Metropolitan Library; thelantern.com; columbusunderground. com; Patricia Stone, the Peanut Shoppe.