Popular eatery from Avaishar Barua approved for expansion
One of Worthington’s most popular restaurants is expanding their footprint and hours. The Worthington Municipal Planning Commission approved plans for Joya’s expansion during its Sept. 10 meeting. The approved plans involve the restaurant expanding from its current space at 657 High St., into the neighboring space at 661A High St.
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The expansion will bring about 60 additional indoor seats to the restaurant and allow Joya’s to expand its hours, with plans to add evening service Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. During the meeting, Municipal Planning Commission Chair Mikel Coulter summed up what we’re all thinking. He said, “The biggest question is why didn’t you do it [expand] before?”
Owner and chef Avishar Barua said the restaurant is excited to continue growing in Worthington. “For the record, I think the building is an awesome building,” Barua said. “We like being part of the environment in Worthington. The building has a really cool history.”
The existing Joya’s storefront will remain part of the expanded restaurant, while the neighboring building will receive several updates to accommodate the restaurant’s expansion. Plans include adding an accessible entrance, additional outdoor seating, and extended evening hours.
The project will also involve changes to the south side of the building, including removing an existing window to accommodate mechanical equipment and piping. The equipment will be enclosed behind a six-foot fence. The second floor of the building will continue to be occupied by COhatch.
The timeline for the expansion has not been confirmed, stay tuned here for updates and announcements. In the meantime, Joya’s is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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