Here’s why Columbus’ last remaining Ponderosa Steakhouse is going viral on TikTok

A short-form video social media app populated in large part by 18-24 year-olds doesn’t necessarily seem like the place for a fading steakhouse chain with one remaining Columbus location, but the internet works in mysterious ways.

In late October, Ohio-based food creator CrustyMcG posted a TikTok of him visiting the Ponderosa Steakhouse located at 3875 S. High St.

“We’ve traveled back in time to 1998 to Ponderosa Steakhouse,” Crustymcg said in the intro to his video. “Let’s have lunch.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The chain, which was once thriving with locations across the country, currently has only three remaining Ohio restaurants, and only one left in Columbus.

The TikTok shows Crustymcg eating at Ponderosa’s lunch buffet. Much of the 90 second video is driven by the creator’s nostalgia, and includes him reminiscing about visiting Ponderosa over the past three decades.

It appears to have struck a chord with his audience as well, as the video currently has over 100,000 views, with nearly 2,000 likes and over 80 comments, with users still commenting this week.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY