The Scoop: The Fish Guys Depart, North Market Quickly Adds Coastal Local Seafood

North Market News

North Market’s seafood purveyor for nearly 14 years, The Fish Guys, ended its run on Aug. 31. The seafood shop, owned by fishmonger Doug Denny, announced the decision on Facebook: “As with so many small businesses worldwide we have struggled since March of this year to make ends meet. A time comes when a business must realize their financial losses have devoured their gains, and their efforts to tread water have been overcome by the need to head for the shore.” Offering fresh seafood as well as soup and sandwiches, The Fish Guys first opened in the historic market on Dec. 6, 2006.

The 144-year-old market has moved quickly to fill the spot, announcing today that Ian Holmes’ Coastal Local Seafood will fill the space, beginning Friday, Sept. 11. Coastal Local, which started out distributing fresh fish and seafood to local restaurants, has already been announced as a tenant in the forthcoming North Market Bridge Park. "Although the circumstances aren’t exactly how I had imagined, I have always wanted to be a part of the iconic North Market," Holmes said in a press release. "I realize this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this next chapter." Holmes was named a Columbus Monthly Tastemaker in 2017.

Openings & Announcements

Plans for the reopening of The Sycamore (262 E. Sycamore St.) in German Village were announced this week. The German Village tavern, which Grow Restaurants shuttered in May, is returning next year under the new ownership of Lima, Ohio-based Good Food Restaurants Family. Good Food owns 15 restaurants across three concepts in Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio, including three Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill locations locally. According to a press release, The Sycamore will “maintain its emphasis on thoughtfully sourced local ingredients and expertly crafted drinks” and will expand service beyond dinner, adding breakfast and lunch.

Barrio Tacos, the build-your-own tacos eatery out of Cleveland, opened its first Columbus location this week at 1416 W. Fifth Ave., formerly Winking Lizard. The menu includes tacos, bowls, guacamole, queso, margaritas and craft beer. The Barrio debut sets up an intriguing taco war with its locally owned competitor Condado Tacos, whose founder, Joe Kahn, was part of Barrio’s original ownership group. The two companies, which have similar Day of the Dead motifs and ordering methods, are in a lawsuit over trademark infringement.

Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails (73 E. Gay St.) reopened this week after a long shutdown because of the pandemic. The Downtown bar serves a popular comfort food menu featuring Ohio nachos, pot roast, meatloaf and some of the city’s best sweet potato fries.

The Downtown vegan eatery Fourth & State (152 E. State St.) has also reopened after a long hiatus.The café is currently open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

Closings

On the Northwest Side, Ba Sho Japanese Restaurant has closed at 2800 Festival Lane.