Popular restaurant in historic building closes after 10 years; here’s what’s next for them

Cozy exposed brick, a marble bar, dimmed vintage lamps, a cool patio, unique small plates, and incredible cocktails made Strongwater Food & Spirits a go-to spot for many in Columbus.

This Franklinton restaurant inside of a warehouse dating back to 1910, located at 401 W. Town St,  first opened in 2013, becoming a hotspot in the Columbus food and drink scene. They’re not carrying through to 2024, though. And their event space right next door is now officially owned by someone else, too.

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Milo’s Catering, a Franklinton staple for the past 25 years, is excited to take over Strongwater’s event space, and they’re also transforming the restaurant into a second, smaller event space. The restaurant is not reopening. “It’s a pretty unique space in there [the former restaurant space], and there will definitely be a demand for small private events, rehearsal dinners, and corporate events,” explained Louie Pappas, co-owner of Milo’s Catering. 

“As longtime residents of Franklinton, we are excited to be expanding further into the neighborhood, deepening our involvement with the Franklinton Arts District, and helping to preserve the historic roots of the community,” said Pappas. 

Pappas and the other owner of Milo’s Catering, Demetra Stefanidis, have no intention of changing the cool, chic warehouse vibes in Strongwater’s former restaurant nor the event space. “From the very beginning, part of this deal was making sure there was no disruption,” Pappas told 614Now. And they have no intention of interrupting existing events booked in the venue, either. “All existing contracts and deposits remain in place, and clients will receive a level of service that exceeds their expectations,” emphasized Pappas.

Milo’s Catering will now be the exclusive caterer for this space. In the past, Strongwater had a list of approved vendors, but Pappas explained that in 2024, they were going to go in-house for their catering regardless of Milo’s taking over the operations.

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