Former High Bank mixologist launching cocktail bar in former Light of the Seven Matchsticks space

While one of the Columbus area’s most celebrated cocktail spots, Light of the Seven Matchsticks, closed when Natalie’s in Worthington shuttered in 2022, a chic new concept is now ready to replace it.

According to owner Bismaark Akomeah, a Columbus service industry veteran of more than a decade, a new cocktail concept called The Nine will open in the former home of Light of the Seven Matchsticks, which is located at 5601 N. High St.

The space, which is located underneath the former home of Natalie’s in Worthington, will also have a pizza-focused neighbor above it when it opens later this year or in early 2026. Fired Up Pizza will open in the former Natalie’s space soon as well, offering wood-fired pies and an Italian-style deli.

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Akomeah, who “fell in love” with the service industry at the beginning of his 12-year career in the Columbus bar and restaurant scene, plans to bring his experience as a former High Bank Distillery Co. mixologist to The Nine.

“In 2024 I said I think it’s time to start my own thing. I was trying to invest in other restaurants, but it didn’t pan out, so I thought, ‘Why not just build from the ground up,’” he said. “I grew up in Westerville, and I want to show people that the suburbs can be fun too.”

He said that the concept’s cocktail program will be “the star of the show,” featuring drinks like Whisper of Tomorrow (basil Vermouth, pomegranate, coconut, herbs and more), in addition to Model Village (brown butter, sage, overripe bananas and whiskey).

The tapas side of The Nine will kick off with a concsie menu, Akomeah said, offering Mediterranean-inspired shareables like braised short rib, a spicy feta dip, quartered chicken and more.

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