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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese.

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What the Ohio State Fairgrounds may look like

Ohio plans to reimagine the entire 360-acre fairgrounds in Columbus.

News

Columbus homicides are trending up in 2023

Guns, more domestic violence are big factors, police say.

Local doll museum celebrates Barbie's legacy

Amid the movie hype, explore 64 years of Barbie history.

Columbus' biggest ice cream chains, ranked

Jeni's is beloved, but it can't dethrone Dairy Queen.

Food and Drink

Martini Modern Italian tops Ohio restaurant list

The local spot was named Ohio's best Italian restaurant.

👋 Alissa here, sharing some well-deserved recognition for one of my favorite local restaurants.Dining the news: National news site 24/7 Tempo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently named" data-vars-click-url="https://247tempo.com/best-italian-restaurant-every-state/" data-vars-content-id="3ffa72ee-6014-4001-a0ae-5158e959380d" data-vars-headline="Martini Modern Italian tops Ohio restaurant list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://247tempo.com/best-italian-restaurant-every-state/" target="_blank">recently named</a> Martini Modern Italian Ohio&#x27;s best Italian restaurant, after compiling rankings from several websites in every state.

What $20 gets you in Ohio Stadium concessions

We tried to find the best bang for your Buckeye buck.

Atlanta&#x27;s Mercedes-Benz Stadium had sports fans salivating with a recent viral photo showcasing all the food you can buy there for just $20.Between the concession lines: Since its 2017 debut, the Atlanta arena has taken <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fan-first approach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mercedes-benz-stadium-5-beers-and-2-hot-dogs-why-mercedes-benz-stadiums-radical-pricing-worked/" data-vars-content-id="3280344d-2a5b-48fd-85d3-1c47263c18fd" data-vars-headline="What $20 gets you in Ohio Stadium concessions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mercedes-benz-stadium-5-beers-and-2-hot-dogs-why-mercedes-benz-stadiums-radical-pricing-worked/" target="_blank">a fan-first approach</a> with dirt-cheap food and drink prices.

Columbites: Bojangles finally makes local debut

Axios Columbus reviews the new chicken restaurant on Hilliard-Rome Road.

Business

The delay for Bojangles chicken and biscuits has been a cause célèbre on Columbus&#x27; West Side — but at long last it&#x27;s finally open.The intrigue: The North Carolina-based chain is streamlining its menu at new markets, spokesperson Stacey McCray tells Axios.

We tried the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty at Wendy's

The limited-time Frosty tastes like a chilled cup of pumpkin pie. And it's good.

👋 Alissa here, with a confession: I&#x27;ve never been impressed with Wendy&#x27;s non-chocolate Frosty flavors.Yes, but: I knew <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pumpkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/23/pumpkin-spice-latte-2023-starbucks-dunkin" data-vars-content-id="194817ca-1dae-4b87-952e-6ba7f3758324" data-vars-headline="We tried the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty at Wendy&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/23/pumpkin-spice-latte-2023-starbucks-dunkin" target="_self">pumpkin</a> would never disappoint me.

Two fall-themed frostys on a table with pumpkin and leaf decorations.

Columbus competing with Dayton for trendy businesses

Buc-ee's, Wawa and Bojangles are all set to open new Ohio locations.

A suburban mayor near Dayton <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly broke the internet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/HuberHeightsMayor/posts/pfbid02Mt8uMEWFXHJNrzFAEL7nvbgLExvRWbqsK1JV1vQ7TCAx1Bn2ZaMnV92UNHH15w7Vl" data-vars-content-id="ff4b16cd-2452-4bcc-851b-14dc86028ecc" data-vars-headline="Columbus competing with Dayton for trendy businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/HuberHeightsMayor/posts/pfbid02Mt8uMEWFXHJNrzFAEL7nvbgLExvRWbqsK1JV1vQ7TCAx1Bn2ZaMnV92UNHH15w7Vl" target="_blank">nearly broke the internet</a> when he recently announced local plans for Ohio&#x27;s first Buc-ee&#x27;s gas station.Why it matters: The Columbus region has long been a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popular test market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/lifestyle/2015/01/26/how-columbus-became-america-s/22782650007/" data-vars-content-id="ff4b16cd-2452-4bcc-851b-14dc86028ecc" data-vars-headline="Columbus competing with Dayton for trendy businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/lifestyle/2015/01/26/how-columbus-became-america-s/22782650007/" target="_blank">popular test market</a> and entry point for brands coming to Ohio, but we face increasing competition from metros like Dayton that can also tout favorable Midwestern geography and diverse demographics.

An overhead view of a Buc-ees gas station and convenience store. 

Columbites: Lupita's, our new favorite Mexican restaurant

This new Merion Village eatery serves fresh, authentic food.

👋 Alissa here. Last week several of you asked me to check out Merion Village&#x27;s new Mexican restaurant for our latest edition of Columbites — sure, twist my arm.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lupita&#x27;s Mexican Cuisine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093672932862" data-vars-content-id="4b44b23e-08e6-4394-a55c-744d9efd59d6" data-vars-headline="Columbites: Lupita&#x27;s, our new favorite Mexican restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093672932862" target="_blank">Lupita&#x27;s Mexican Cuisine</a> opened July 31 in the former Geordie&#x27;s Restaurant, offering an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authentic taste of Mexico City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbusnavigator.com/lupitas-mexican-cuisine-merion-village/" data-vars-content-id="4b44b23e-08e6-4394-a55c-744d9efd59d6" data-vars-headline="Columbites: Lupita&#x27;s, our new favorite Mexican restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbusnavigator.com/lupitas-mexican-cuisine-merion-village/" target="_blank">authentic taste of Mexico City</a> and a cozy atmosphere.

A mural reads "Lupita's Mexican Cuisine" inside the restaurant dining area, with lights strung on the ceiling

Franklinton to debut a new playground for adults

Gravy Experience Park is expected open this fall.

Franklinton&#x27;s Gravity development has tapped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios readers&#x27; favorite brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/05/22/land-grant-columbus-ohio-best-brewery" data-vars-content-id="8e66ae4b-e634-4915-91b1-8c8abbccd65f" data-vars-headline="Franklinton to debut a new playground for adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/05/22/land-grant-columbus-ohio-best-brewery" target="_self">Axios readers&#x27; favorite brewery</a> to operate a new park within its 15-acre campus.What&#x27;s happening: Gravity Experience Park, on a former half-acre parking lot, will feature an outdoor Land-Grant bar, concert stage, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball courts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/05/31/pickleball-columbus-ohio-popularity-2023" data-vars-content-id="8e66ae4b-e634-4915-91b1-8c8abbccd65f" data-vars-headline="Franklinton to debut a new playground for adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/05/31/pickleball-columbus-ohio-popularity-2023" target="_self">pickleball courts</a>, fire pits and public art.

A rendering of an overview of the new Gravity Experience Park

A pumpkin spice Frosty is apparently coming soon

How soon is too soon for pumpkin spice season?

Whether you&#x27;re ready or not, pumpkin-flavored everything is back.Driving the news: Fall beers have already hit shelves and Dunkin&#x27; pumpkin spice lattes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are back tomorrow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.today.com/food/restaurants/dunkin-pumpkin-spice-2023-rcna98817" data-vars-content-id="b78321dd-dce4-44fb-adf8-049745fed112" data-vars-headline="A pumpkin spice Frosty is apparently coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.today.com/food/restaurants/dunkin-pumpkin-spice-2023-rcna98817" target="_blank">are back tomorrow</a>, while Starbucks PSLs are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="likely to return Aug. 24" data-vars-click-url="https://parade.com/food/starbucks-fall-menu-possible-return-date-august-2023" data-vars-content-id="b78321dd-dce4-44fb-adf8-049745fed112" data-vars-headline="A pumpkin spice Frosty is apparently coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parade.com/food/starbucks-fall-menu-possible-return-date-august-2023" target="_blank">likely to return Aug. 24</a>.

A Wendy's restaurant sign reading "Quality is our recipe."

Try these new Columbus restaurants

Fancy Short North sushi, authentic Mexican food and more.

If you&#x27;ve yet to meal prep for the week, consider checking out a new local restaurant.🍱 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Domo Sushi Kitchen &amp; Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://domoskb.com/" data-vars-content-id="34615cdf-8fb0-42c4-bdb8-6b8afb25d3f5" data-vars-headline="Try these new Columbus restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://domoskb.com/" target="_blank">Domo Sushi Kitchen &amp; Bar</a>: Upscale sushi and bento boxes in the Short North, with takeout available. Opened July 24.

Illustration of an open sign with a fork and knife

We tried White Castle's new AI drive-thru

The Columbus-based chain hopes to bring AI technology to 100 locations.

👋 Tyler here. I&#x27;ve been on the hunt for a robot to take my fast food order, and recently got the chance at my neighborhood White Castle.Deep frying the news: The Columbus-based chain has spent a few years experimenting with &quot;Julia,&quot; its computer ordering persona, at restaurants on Hilliard-Rome Road and in Indiana.

An ordering menu for White Castle AI drive-thru. 

Food and Drink 🍽