Columbus Cookie Shop Gets National Spotlight!

Plus: Summer events return to Scioto Mile + 6 new foodie hotspots

Author

Gagan Timsina
May 15, 2025

Hey, it's Gagan. Yep, the only Gagan Timsina in the world.

And here are the 13 things about Columbus I leaned only after living in Columbus

In today's newsletter:

  • Columbus Cookie Shop Named Among Best in Nation: Lion Cub's Cookies makes USA Today's top 20 finalists

  • Downtown Columbus Announces 2025 Summer Event Schedule: Free programming returns to Scioto Mile

  • New Restaurant Alert in Columbus: Six exciting culinary additions to the local food scene

  • Weekend Activities: Packed calendar of events from May 16-18

Popular local favorite Lion Cub's Cookies has landed on USA Today's prestigious list of the country's best cookie shops. [USA Today]

Key Highlights:

  • Named as one of 20 finalists in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

  • Public voting open until June 9, with top 10 winners announced June 18

  • Owner Bradley Kaplan credits local community support for the national recognition

What Makes It Special:

  • Started as a delivery service offering massive, still-warm cookies across Columbus

  • Opened brick-and-mortar location in Grandview in 2021

  • Expanded with a second location in Worthington last year

  • Built loyal following through quality products and community engagement

This national recognition for a homegrown Columbus business highlights the city's thriving food scene and entrepreneurial spirit. The expansion from delivery service to multiple storefronts demonstrates the growth potential for successful local businesses in Columbus neighborhoods. For property owners in Grandview and Worthington, having nationally recognized businesses nearby contributes to neighborhood desirability and foot traffic.

DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS ANNOUNCES 2025 SUMMER EVENT SCHEDULE

An exciting lineup of free summer programming is set to animate downtown Columbus through fall 2025. [WSYX]

Key Highlights:

  • Activities span Bicentennial Park, Gay Street, The Peninsula, and other downtown venues

  • Scioto Mile Fountain returns May 23 through September 1, operating daily from 11 AM to 7 PM

  • Evening light shows "Fountain Evening Ambiance" will run nightly from 7 PM to 10 PM

  • Sensory-friendly hours scheduled Mondays from 11 AM to noon (June 2-August 25)

Event Highlights:

  • Fountain Fest kicks off Memorial Day weekend (May 24-25) with music, food trucks, and activities

  • Free Kayak Days on July 12 and August 9 near Bicentennial Park

  • "Wednesdays on the Water" discounted rentals from May 28 to July 30

  • Dorrian Days return to Dorrian Green on Tuesdays (June 10-August 12)

  • UnderCurrent street festival series on Gay Street: May 15, June 27, and July 13

  • Party on The Peninsula scheduled for June 13 at High Water Alley

This robust calendar of free events reinforces downtown Columbus as a vibrant community hub and strengthens its appeal for both residents and visitors. For downtown property owners and investors, these programming initiatives drive foot traffic and enhance livability, potentially supporting property values in the urban core. The variety of activities highlights the city's commitment to creating accessible, family-friendly spaces throughout downtown.

NEW RESTAURANT ALERT IN COLUMBUS

The capital city's dining scene continues to evolve with six exciting new culinary concepts. [Columbus Food Scene]

Key Highlights:

  • ZC Tea House & Yoru: Elegant Japanese teas and small plates

  • Osaka Tonkotsu: Specializing in authentic Tonkatsu dishes

  • 698 Restaurant: Asian fusion concept from a respected local sushi master

  • Macelleria North Market Butchery: Fresh cuts and house-made specialties like ragu and chili

  • Littleton's Market Bakery: Returning to North Market with pastries by Chef Aaron Clouse

  • Marlow's Cheesesteaks: Award-winning Philadelphia-style sandwiches arrive in Central Ohio

The continued expansion of Columbus's culinary landscape reinforces the city's status as a Midwest food destination. North Market's ongoing evolution with specialized vendors like Macelleria Butchery and Littleton's Bakery demonstrates the appeal of food-focused retail concepts. For real estate professionals and investors, these openings signal continued confidence in Columbus's commercial corridors and highlight the importance of food-based establishments in driving neighborhood traffic and appeal.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: MAY 16-18

FRIDAY, MAY 16 [Experience Columbus]

  • Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival | Bexley Public Library

  • Blooms & Butterflies | Franklin Park Conservatory | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest | Harbor Community Center | Through May 18

  • Clue: A Walking Mystery | Short North Arts District | Through June 15

  • Available Light presents: "Rock Egg Spoon" | Studio Two, Riffe Center | Through May 17

  • Columbus Symphony: Tchaikovsky Spectacular | Ohio Theatre | Through May 17

  • D.L. Hughley | Columbus Funny Bone | Through May 18

  • Kevin Hart: Acting My Age | The Schottenstein Center

  • Kiss and Tell | Shadowbox Live | Through August 30

  • Macbeth | Columbus Performing Arts Center (Shedd Theater) | Through May 18

  • Rock this Way: Music Tribute to Aerosmith and Van Halen | Shadowbox Live | Through June 1

  • Rooftop Vibes | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Smallpools: LOVETAP! 10th Anniversary Tour | Newport Music Hall

  • Sparky LIVE | Edison Brewing Company

  • 2025 North Market Downtown Apron Gala | North Market Downtown

SATURDAY, MAY 17

  • New Albany Founders Day | Rose Run Park

  • Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati | Lower.com Field

  • Delaware Arts Festival | Downtown Delaware | Through May 18

  • Mozart to Matisse | Columbus Museum of Art

  • The Goonies | The Avalon Theatre

  • Wish You Were Here's 50/30 Anniversary Tour | KEMBA LIVE!

  • American Culinary Federation Team USA Dinner | Columbus State Community College - Mitchell Hall

  • Clintonville Farmers Market | N High St & Orchard Ln | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • German Village Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

  • Granville Farmers Market | Raccoon Valley Park

  • Grove City Farmers' Market | Grove City's Historic Town Center

  • RendeZOO | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  • The Dublin Market | Bridge Park

  • The Little Grand Farmer's Market | The Little Grand Market | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Worthington Farmers Market | Old Worthington Historic District | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 18

  • Beers & Bluegrass feat Bourbon Legend | Combustion Brewery & Taproom - Clintonville

  • Columbus Eagles FC vs FC Dayton | Historic Crew Stadium

  • Columbus Symphony: Fantasy Camp Concert | Ohio Theatre

  • Private School Pups 3rd Annual 5k Run/1-mile Walk Fundraiser | Dublin Community Recreation Center

  • Problem Child - Alt Comedy Open Mic | The Attic Comedy Club

  • WHEE3TRIO ft. Gilad Hekselman | Natalie's Grandview

  • German Village Makers Market

  • Sunday Cinema Club | BrewDog Franklinton | 7:00 PM

  • Brush Crazy Fluid Art-Paint Pouring Class | Brush Crazy

  • Friends and Family Open Paint Party | Brush Crazy

  • Inside Out 2 [The Movie] | The Avalon Theatre

  • Poetry Marathon With Mimi Chenfeld, Fred Andrle and Friends! | Bexley Public Library

  • Soak up the SUNdays | The Beeline | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: Lion Cub's Cookies' national recognition shows how local businesses can enhance neighborhood profiles, potentially boosting property values in areas like Grandview and Worthington. Downtown's summer programming strengthens the appeal of urban living.

Home buyers: Consider neighborhoods with vibrant food scenes and local businesses gaining national attention. Downtown's free summer events make urban living more attractive, while areas near recognized local businesses like Lion Cub's offer both convenience and neighborhood character.

Bottom line: This week's developments showcase Columbus's balanced growth with both downtown vitality and strong neighborhood-based businesses. The rich calendar of events and expanding culinary scene continue to enhance the city's livability, making it an attractive market for both homeowners and investors.

Thinking about making a move? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina