Iconic Short North LGBTQ+ venues sold to new owners
Two longtime fixtures of Columbus’ LGBTQ+ nightlife scene have new owners.
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Union Cafe and Axis Nightclub announced Wednesday that the Short North businesses have been acquired by a group of people from within Columbus’ LGBTQ+ community. Ohio native Michael Smithson identified himself, Dominic Bruno, and Ryan Doyle as the primary investors and managing members.
“Union Cafe and Axis Nightclub are two iconic institutions for the Columbus LGBTQ+ community,” Smithson told 614NOW. “They have also always had a wonderfully dedicated LGBTQ+ staff. We jumped at the opportunity to acquire these two spaces because, as members of the LGBTQ+ community ourselves, we feel it is important to have owners that are part of, connected to, and invested in our amazingly diverse community as well.”
Located on North High Street and across from each other, Union Cafe (782 N. High St.) and Axis Nightclub (775 N. High St.) have been staples of the Short North and Columbus’ LGBTQ+ community for decades. The businesses changed hands in 2022. That previous ownership drew controversy in 2023 after a former employee raised concerns about the owner’s previous political contributions to Republican candidates and organizations. As 614NOW reported at the time, Union and Axis defended the owner as an LGBTQ+ ally and reiterated their commitment to remaining safe and welcoming spaces for the community.
In Wednesday’s announcement, the new owners said they plan to preserve what has made the businesses important to the community while also making changes for their future. “Our vision is simple: honor what has made Union and Axis so special over the years, while thoughtfully reinvigorating both venues for the future,” the statement reads.
The group specifically thanked the bartenders, servers, managers, performers, DJs, security teams, and other employees who have helped shape the venues, as well as the broader community that has supported them. “We believe these iconic spaces deserve to thrive for generations to come, led by people who are part of, love, and are deeply invested in this community, and its future,” the owners said.
The news was met with excitement and plenty of curiosity from longtime patrons on social media. One commenter who said Union was an important part of his coming-out experience from 2015 to 2020 said he was “excited to hear more about the makeup and structure of the new ownership and who actually is running it.” Another recalled visiting Union when it was Union Station in what is now Bernard’s space and said the current venue could use a refresh, adding, “look forward to seeing what the new group brings!”
“This is just the beginning,” the ownership group said. “Stay tuned… THERE’S MUCH MORE TO COME!”
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