Bruno’s pizza shuts down after 48 years; temporary closures for other businesses announced

As the pandemic continues to create challenges for the food and beverage industry, three more local businesses have announced temporary and permanent closures. 

Bruno’s Pizza and Restaurant will close permanently on Dec. 13, while Rye River Social and Taft’s Brewing Co. announced temporary closures. Their plight is one familiar to many restaurants across the state. 

According to an Ohio Restaurant Association poll conducted in mid-November, over 40% of restaurants believe that if they continue to operate at their current capacity, they will be forced to close within six months. A total of 81% of respondents said they don’t anticipate breaking even this year. 

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Dave Kassling, managing partner at Taft’s Brewing Co., said he regrets having to temporarily close because the “current landscape is not sustainable to continue to operate.” 

“At the same time, we are more confident than ever that there will be an end point to this and we will be back,” Kassling said. “We love Columbus, the community, and our guests, and we cannot wait to reopen with a bang when the time is right.”

In a Dec. 7 Instagram post, Rye River Social, located at 955 W. 5th Ave., announced that they would temporarily close beginning that day. 

“We want to thank you (for) all of the support we’ve received throughout this tough year,” the post said. 

Bruno’s, located at 1774 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., announced Dec. 6 in a Facebook post that their last day of operation would be Dec. 13. 

“As you all know, this year has been quite different and very difficult for everyone,” the post reads. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the lives and livelihood of us all. We here at Bruno’s have put forth tireless efforts to try and adapt to the changes needed in order to survive this unprecedented time. After 48 years of successful business, it is with tremendous disappointment that we must close our doors and turn the lights out one last time.”

614Now reached out to Rye River Social and Bruno’s for comment but didn’t hear back by press time. 

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