Longtime Columbus restaurateur associated with Goody Boy, Jimmy V’s and more has passed away

A pillar in the Columbus restaurant scene has passed.

According to his obituary, Jimmy Velio, who was associated with Columbus concepts like Goody Boy, Jimmy V’s and many more, died on May 6. His funeral was held last week.

Velio, who was born and raised in Albania, relocated to Greece, before later moving to America in the early 90s. According to his obituary, his first job in Columbus was at Tommy’s Diner, where he served as a dishwasher.

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It would be far from his last in the Columbus food scene, however. Velio went on to launch a namesake eatery, Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub. He was also the owner of the recently shuttered Goody Boy Burger Club at one time (he was not the owner when it closed earlier this year) and was behind a number of other concepts, like Easy Street Cafe, Ohio Brewing Company Columbus and more.

“Jim was an extraordinary man who embodied the true spirit of the American dream after immigrating here from Albania. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, sons, and the rest of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by our Ohio Brewing Company family,” Ohio Brewing Company Columbus posted in a statement on social media accounts last week.

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new May issue here!

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