New England-based noodle bar chain opening first Ohio location in the Short North

The former home of the Short North White Castle is getting a new tenant.

Mecha Noodle Bar–a fast-growing, pan-Asian eatery offering pho, ramen and snacks like banh mi or dumplings–is coming to Columbus. The eatery will be located at 965 N. High St. Mecha will occupy the ground floor of the High Street building that housed a White Castle location since it was erected in 2018 (although White Castle operated from an older building on the same property since the late 1960s.

According to Mecha co-owner Tony Pham, the eatery’s first Ohio location is planning to open in January or February of 2024.

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The concept, which started in Connecticut in 2013, currently operates a handful of locations in New England, but is beginning an expansion across the country with its new Columbus store, in addition to locations in Denver and Washington, D.C.

In addition to noodle dishes and Asian-inspired side dishes, Mecha operates a charity program known as Eat Justice, which will see the eatery donate a portion of profits to local nonprofits.

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