Friday Food Bites: Huli Huli expanding downtown, MCL Whitehall closing

March 19, 2026

Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news:

  • Huli Huli Tiki Lounge in Powell announced that they are opening a second location, this one in downtown Columbus in the former Jury Room space at 22 E. Mound St. An exact opening date hasn’t been set yet, but it looks to be opening sometime this spring.
  • The MCL Restaurant and Bakery in Whitehall announced that they will be closing at the end of this month, on March 29, after nearly 70 years in business. (Thanks to reader Larry V who sent me a tip on it; MCL confirmed it in the comments of this Facebook post.) The Upper Arlington location of the cafeteria-style restaurant and bakery will remain open.
  • The South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain Simply South is coming soon to 8781 Lyra Dr., next to the Benihana at Polaris. The official announcement said they’re hoping to be open by the holiday season this year.
  • Mikey’s Late Night Slice announced that they’re returning to Grandview this year with a shop at 1312 Grandview Ave., where Homefield currently sits. Homefield is planning to relocate later this year to Marysville.
  • Johnson’s Real Ice Cream opens its newest location next week Wednesday, March 25 at 5915 Evans Farm Dr. Their new store, which is their 10th overall, joins the Evans Farm development in Lewis Center. They’re offering free scoops from 6-9 p.m. that evening.
  • Rhonemus Cellars in Lancaster was named one of the Best New Restaurants in the Midwest in Midwest Living magazine.
  • The Pigeon Mike’s fried chicken sandwich pop-up is hosting its next event this Sunday, March 22 from 5-8 p.m. at Three Bites Bakery.

This week I’m also writing:

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FOOD + TRAVEL WRITER

I go by Dr. Breakfast, but in addition to restaurants and recipes, I write about family travel, breweries and distilleries, the arts, outdoor fun, and so much more.

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