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    New Beer & Wine Shop Adds to Growing Stretch of Linworth

    A new beer and wine shop will add to a growing number of food and drink options populating a busy stretch of Dublin Granville Road in Linworth.

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    Aardvark Wine & Beer will open in time for the holiday season at 2355 W. Dublin Granville Rd., taking over JT’s Grab & Go.

    The shop will be helmed by certified sommelier Donnie Austin and his wife, Megan Cavanaugh.

    Austin will curate the selection at Aardvark, focusing on a variety of craft beers and budget-friendly wines in the $10 – $30 range from family-owned wineries that deliver more value than typical, mainstream options.

    “I want to keep it straightforward for our customers,” Austin says. “It’s fermented grape juice but I want to find the best products I can for all budgets. And the more you want to learn about it, the more knowledge we’ll be happy to share.”

    Austin is a familiar name in the local wine scene, gaining years of experience as the previous owner of Worthington’s long-running House Wine.

    “We want our neighbors and friends to drink great wine without necessarily spending more,” Austin says. “People have come to trust me with putting the right bottles in their hands and at their tables, whether it’s a dinner for two, a backyard barbecue, or a party for 200 of your closest friends.”

    Austin initially stepped back from House Wine to spend more time with his family. Now, family is a priority in his new venture.

    “What I appreciate about this opportunity is that Aardvark will be family-run and we can make decisions independently that are good for the business but also allow me to prioritize our family and our team,” Austin says.

    Joe Hartnett, managing partner of JT’s Pizza & Pub, opened the convenience store offshoot of the popular pizzeria in 2019. Currently offering its own selection of beer, wine and other convenience store items, Hartnett will hand the reins over to Austin to refocus on the pizza and pub part of the business.

    “This agreement will allow JT’s leadership and our team to focus on our core business and what we do best for our customers while Donnie will bring his passion and knowledge for wine and beer to share with the area,” says Hartnett. “This is a win for everybody involved.”

    As Worthington residents, Austin and Cavanaugh are long-time JT’s fans and have witnessed first-hand how the area has grown over the last several years. There have been a number of notable new additions in the food department, including Subourbon, The Hungarian Butcher, Junkyard Dogs, George’s Linworth Diner, Tomatillos and more.

    “We think we fit into the core of businesses that have opened there while also remaining accessible to others driving to us for their wine and beer needs,” Austin says. “Joe has had a thriving business and we’re excited to be a part of what’s happening in this corridor of expanded food and drink offerings alongside residential growth.”

    JT’s Grab & Go will close its doors in the coming weeks to undergo renovations. Aardvark will be open daily and host weekly tastings. The shop will also offer online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery to the neighboring areas.

    For more information, follow Aardvark Wine & Beer on Facebook.

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    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
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