40 year old Ohio based chain, known for wings and ribs, closing another central Ohio location

In 2018, the Bethel Rd. location closed. Then, in 2020, the Grandview location shuttered its doors. Now, the Westerville location is saying goodbye.

If you’ve kept up with restaurant closings for the past couple of years, you probably know we’re talking about Winking Lizard Tavern, a 40-year-old, Ohio based restaurant chain that started in 1983 in Bedford Heights, OH. 

Winking Lizard Tavern announced this week that they’re closing their Westerville location, located at 496 Polaris Parkway, at the end of the business day on December 22nd, mostly due to the effects of the pandemic.

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“Unfortunately, the pandemic came and caused this area to have multiple office vacancies, which contributed to the change in dynamics for this location. We tried different scenarios to recapture the pre-pandemic atmosphere. The rise in operating costs accompanied by climbing labor costs and shortages have left us no choice but to permanently close our Westerville location,” Winking Lizard Tavern announced. 

Their last remaining central Ohio location is in Reynoldsburg, located at 7995 East Broad St. Some of the current Westerville staff members will be taking positions there, according to Winking Lizard.

“This decision has not been an easy one, and we want to express our sincere gratitude for the years of support and patronage our loyal guests and tourists have provided,” Winking Lizard emphasized.

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