Business First of Columbus wrote
Fast food dies slow death downtown
Friday, December 19, 2008
by Dan Eaton
Downtown Columbus workers are within walking distance of all manner of lunch meals – Venezuelan arepas, Ohio-style Monte Cristo sandwiches, micro-brewed beer. But good luck finding staples like the Big Mac, Whopper and or a single with cheese.
“Any property owner would love to have fast food as a tenant,” said Cleve Ricksecker, executive director of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District downtown. “Am I personally distraught? No.” Ricksecker said the district does feature several good independent restaurants, as well as some lower-profile fast-casual chains such as Potbelly Sandwich Works and Einstein Bros. Bagels, owned by Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc.
Said downtown restaurant owner Jeff Mathes of fast food’s flight: “As an independent owner and an urbanite, I think it’s OK.”
And one major player stands out: Subway, owned by Doctor’s Associates Inc., has seven sandwich shops scattered throughout downtown.
ADVERTISEMENT