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    Restaurant Round-Up: Kroger Stocks Crimson Cup, Actual Brewing Distributes to Cleveland and More

    Columbus has so many new restaurants, expansions, menu updates and other changes that it’s sometimes hard to keep up with them all. That’s why our Restaurant Roundup series was designed to keep you informed with the latest and greatest updates. Here’s what’s new in the local dining scene:

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    National Press for Bibibop 

    Local business owner Charley Shin (Charleys Philly Steaks) garnered some national press for his second restaurant concept Bibibop, launched three years ago. Along with Shin’s background, the QSR article covers the founding and expansion of Bibibop, its first store appearing in 2013 and expected to open its twelfth by the end of this year.

    The story cites recent Google searches, asserting that the fast casual concept Bibibop is the “one to watch,” with the Korean dish bibimbap experiencing a “steady growth in queries alongside dishes such as ramen, empanadas, and uncured bacon.”

    “What’s really important is that we want to build a successful brand … by taking care of our team members and making customers happy,” he said to QSR. “If we do that, we achieve success.”

    Hocking Hills Dining Lodge Employees Receive Assistance After Fire

    The Friends of The Hocking Hills State Park (FHHSP) organization is gathering funds for staff of the Hocking Hills Dining Lodge in Logan, which was destroyed in a fire on December 8. Two dozen workers and their families, including 10 children, will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from this effort as well as a direct contribution from the organization’s own funds.

    Donations can be made directly to FHHSP at P.O. Box 101, Logan OH, 43138 and should be marked with “HH Dining Lodge Employee Relief Fund.” Alternatively, donors can visit their GoFundMe page.

    Kroger of Logan has already donated a $50 gift card to each employee. Any other individuals or businesses looking to support the impacted families should contact FHHSP at (877) 403-4477.

    Crimson Cup is Now Sold at Kroger

    Kroger’s Columbus Division and Crimson Cup have started a partnership, bringing six varieties of the Columbus-roasted coffee to 54 regional stores.

    “We enjoy partnership opportunities with businesses that share our same passion for local,” said Greg Ubert, Founder and President of Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, in a statement. “After 25 years in the coffee industry, we are proud to be able to continue to grow and share our story of sustainable coffee sourcing.”

    Along with Crimson Cup’s Signature Blends, 3rd Shift and 3rd Shift Decaf, Kroger-goers will find the Organic Armando’s Blend on the local display and in the coffee aisle’s natural and organic section.

    Kroger will also stock their El Socorro, Honduras, Guatemala Antigua Pacamara and Costa Rica blends from their Friend2Farmer Direct Trade program. Each of the coffees is purchased “directly from small-plot coffee farmers and then imported, hand-roasted and packaged by Crimson Cup.”

    Depending on the blend, prices for Crimson Cup blends range from $9.69 to $11.79 for a 12 oz. bag.

    Actual Brewing Distributes in Cleveland

    The Columbus-based brewery is starting distribution in Cleveland this week through Sixth City Distribution, a company “focused on building a small portfolio of excellent products that we present to the Ohio market every day.”

    Established this year, Sixth City Distribution announced the launch of Actual Brewing in Northeast Ohio on December 6, making it the first in the company’s portfolio of craft breweries. More are expected to follow in the coming months.

    Powell Village Winery Adds New Partners

    In order to focus on opening more Village Winery locations, owners Jeff and Gina Kirby added partners Ken and Dana Waldron of Powell to overtake operational control of their tasting room.

    Dana Waldron is a former employee, serving as tasting room manager for three years before leaving in 2015 to pursue other career options.

    “Getting Dana back in this tasting room is amazing,” Jeff Kirby said in a statement. “Our guests just loved her; and her husband, Ken, is one of the best people you could ever meet. We wouldn’t do this deal with just anyone. Dana and Ken were the perfect people to partner with on this.”

    The Waldrons have their own plans for the tasting room, including expansion of space and hours. Additional seating and a brand new patio are in the plans as well as private party availability during open hours.

    Fusian Launches Rewards App

    The build-your-own roll restaurant launched their rewards app, giving back $9 for every $99 spent.

    Fusian customers can order and pay through the app. At checkout, just click “pay” and scan the QR code. Based on annual spending consumers can reach silver, gold, platinum and black status. Customers reach silver status upon signup and receive their first roll free if they pay through the app; spending over $100 annually earns gold status, which means birthday rewards (AKA a free roll); platinum status comes when over $500 is spent and earns buyers access to surprise offers, a birthday reward (one roll for the customer and a friend), and a limited edition FUSIAN branded tote bag; and if customers like the rolls enough to spend more than $2,000 annually, they’ll earn the perks of all the other statuses as well as more surprise offers, an exclusive FUSIAN sweatshirt and VIP invites to FUSIAN events and store openings.

    For upcoming local food and dining events, CLICK HERE to visit our Events Calendar.

    Have any restaurant developments to share with us? Share in the comments below, or shoot us an email at [email protected].

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    Lauren Sega
    Lauren Segahttps://columbusunderground.com
    Lauren Sega is the former Associate Editor for Columbus Underground and a current freelance writer for CU. She covers political issues on the local and state levels, as well as local food and restaurant news. She grew up near Cleveland, graduated from Ohio University's Scripps School of Journalism, and loves running, traveling and hiking.
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