Columbus BBQ spot close Dublin location, but touts new food hall home

The Pit BBQ Grille has lost a location, and a pair of co-founders, but a recently-opened spot in New Albany’s Bubbly Hall remains open.

According to co-owner D’Andre Martin, the “Cleveland-style” barbeque spot has officially closed its North Market Bridge Park location. The concept, which at one time had additional locations in Clintonville, Parsons Avenue and Cleveland Avenue, now operates one location in New Albany’s new Bubbly Hall.

The Bridge Park closure comes roughly six months after The Pit closed its Clintonville storefront.

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Additionally. Two of  the Pit’s four co-founders have parted ways with the brand. Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa, both of whom played college football at Ohio State and later in the NFL, left The Pit for other ventures, according to Martin. He and co-founder Mike Johnson will continue to operate the restaurant.

Martin said that “It was time” for the split, and it appears Chekwa and Browning left on good terms. Martin and Johnson also thanked their former co-owners in an Instagram post.

“We thank @chimchek35 and @br_browning70 for all of their hard work. We would not have reached this level of success throughout the years without their hard work and leadership. We will miss them and wish them well in their future endeavors,” the post reads.

Earlier this year, The Pit launched a location within Bubbly Hall, the anticipated New Albany Food Hall, where its indulgent “Cleveland-style” Polish sausages, alongside a slew of other barbeque offerings, are still available.

In addition to The Pit, Martin operates another restaurant concept. Just Chicken, which offers a slim menu built around chicken fingers and fries. The concise menu allows Just Chicken to streamline operations, with its signature Just Loaded Fries, made using fresh-cut fries topped crispy chicken, shredded cheese and their signature Just Sauce.

Just Chicken has two locations, one that recently opened in Bubbly Hall, and one inside the East Market.

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