70 year old iconic restaurant reopens this month after local family buys it
Many families in Upper Arlington have bygone memories of stopping into the neighborhood diner at 2090 Tremont Center for candy bars, milkshakes, cherry Cokes, and a huge pancake breakfast. And now, those memories won’t be just something of the past.
That’s right folks – Chef-O-Nette’s is reopening.
The nearly 70 year old restaurant closed last year, but Abigail Stellern and family thought this would be the perfect opportunity to continue the legacy of the restaurant.
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“We, as a family, have been Upper Arlington residents for a long time,” Stellern explained. “I even still live here now with my husband. It was a business decision, but it was also a family decision.”
Stellern is the vice president of strategy and growth for Old Bag of Nails, and the restaurant operated in the Tremont Center before moving and turning into a pizza concept. Stellern emphasized that the Tremont Center holds a special place in the family’s heart.
While the timeless charm of Chef-O-Nette’s has been preserved, Stellern said that some renovations were necessary, such as back-of-house construction, gutting the kitchen for new appliances, installing a new walk-in cooler, hood systems, HVAC systems, and updating the bathrooms.
The cozy dark wood & vintage diner mood will all be the same as the restaurant Columbus has known and loved for decades, assured Stellern. Abigail and her mother have reupholstered the original chairs, repaired the swivel counter seats, and even repainted the interior. “It will feel very similar when you walk in,” she said. “I don’t think people will feel a huge change, but we’ll just be brightening it up and refreshing it.”
And of course, we can’t mention Chef-O-Nette’s reopening without discussing the food. The menu will feature familiar classics, such as breakfast dishes and traditional diner food, but the new owners are also bringing in new items such as homemade cinnamon rolls (starting in July).
The legendary restaurant reopens this weekend, June 20th, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. From there, they’re open every day besides Tuesdays, from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Expect a long line, but know that it’s worth it!
“The community’s been supportive and patient as we’ve taken the time to reopen,” Stellern said gratefully.
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