Columbus Curiosity - March 14th, 2025

Your Weekly Dose of Local Flavor, News, and Fun

Author

Nathan Griggs
March 14, 2025

Hey there, Columbus crew!

March is cruising by faster than a Skyline Chili cheese coney disappears at a family cookout—swift, a little messy, and totally satisfying. This week, we’ve got everything from government updates to green noodles, TikTok trends to century-old bakeries, and even some Intel buzz. Strap in, because this newsletter is about to hit you like an impromptu St. Patrick’s Day parade.

But first, let’s kick things off with a classic dad joke:

Why did the Ohio State student bring a ladder to class?

Because they heard the tuition fees were through the roof!

(Groan-worthy, I know. But hey, it’s tradition!) Now, let’s dive into what’s happening in Columbus this week 👇

🚨 The Headlines

🦫 Buc-ee’s Delays Opening (Again)

Bad news for road trip enthusiasts: Buc-ee’s, the Texas-sized convenience store chain, has pushed back its Ohio opening again. Originally slated for December 2025, the Huber Heights location won’t open until summer 2026.

Blame it on legal disputes over sewer and water services (because nothing says “bureaucratic nightmare” like arguing over who gets to handle Buc-ee’s plumbing).

But hey, when it does open, it’ll be 75,000 square feet of jerky, brisket, and the cleanest restrooms in America. Worth the wait? Maybe.

📩 Ohio State Faces $700 Million Threat Over Antisemitism Allegations

Yikes. Ohio State is one of 60 universities slapped with a formal warning from the Department of Education for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism. The feds are threatening to pull funding if OSU doesn’t step up its game.

Here’s the kicker: OSU hasn’t even received the letter yet. Spokesperson Ben Johnson is out here like, “We condemn antisemitism, but also, where’s the mail?”

The investigation stems from incidents like the assault of two Jewish students in 2023 and the vandalism of Hillel’s offices. OSU says it’s doing everything it can, but the feds aren’t impressed.

If OSU loses funding, it could mean a $700 million hit. That’s a lot of zeros—enough to make even Brutus Buckeye cry.

📉 Columbus Growth Slows Down (But Still Beats Chicago)

Columbus is still growing, but apparently, we’re not the hot new thing we used to be. According to the Bank of America Institute, the number of people moving here dropped by 40% in late 2024 compared to 2020.

Why? Blame it on the lack of affordable housing and the fact that everyone’s still recovering from the pandemic-era “let’s move to the Midwest” craze.

But hey, we’re still beating Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis in population growth. So, take that, Windy City.

💾 Intel’s Ohio One Plant: Promises, Delays, and Drama

Intel’s $28 billion Ohio One plant is starting to feel like that friend who keeps saying they’ll show up to the party but never does. Construction delays, layoffs, and now rumors of a potential buyout? Not exactly the economic boom we were promised.

Chip industry expert Lenny Siegel says Intel might not fulfill all its promises to Ohio. Translation: those 10,000 jobs and $20 billion investment? Don’t hold your breath.

Meanwhile, Ohioans are side-eyeing Intel like, “We gave you $2.2 billion in CHIPS Act money. Where’s our ROI?”

🍀 Skyline Chili Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day

For the 14th year in a row, Skyline Chili is dyeing its noodles shamrock green. It’s the “Green Way” to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and honestly, it’s kind of iconic.

Pro tip: Pair it with a coney and a side of regret.

📱TikTok Saves the Day for Orale Guey

When Irandi Rodriguez’s parents opened Orale Guey, no one showed up.

So, she posted an 8-second TikTok. Boom—1.2 million views later, the restaurant is packed.

Moral of the story: TikTok is the new Yellow Pages.

🥖 Resch’s Bakery Expands to Gahanna

Resch’s Bakery, a Columbus institution since 1912, is opening a new location in Gahanna. More space, more baked goods, and more parking.

It’s like Christmas for carb lovers.

March 14:

🎸 Friko & Starcleaner Reunion at A&R Music Bar – If indie rock and high-energy performances are your thing, don’t miss this electric double bill. Friko’s raw emotion and Starcleaner’s nostalgic reunion make for an epic night.

🎭 AVLT Presents: "Wild Strawberries" – A deeply collaborative theatre piece exploring the meaning of home, featuring voices from Columbus’s arts scene. Expect poetry, dance, and storytelling woven into an unforgettable performance.

March 15:

🎻 JAG: Red Hot Jazz – Tap & Fiddle Fever at Southern Theatre – Picture this: fiery jazz, electrifying fiddle solos, and high-energy tap dancing. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra is turning up the heat with a sizzling performance that blends classic swing with high-octane showmanship.

📚 Mini-Comics Day at Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum – Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or just love doodling, this hands-on event lets you create and publish your own mini-comic. Open to all ages—because everyone’s got a story to tell.

🏃‍♂️ Crooked Shillelagh 4 Miler at Crooked Can Brewing Co. – A 4-mile run through Old Hilliard, followed by an epic St. Patrick’s Day party at Crooked Can. Run fast, grab a Guinness, and pretend you're part of an Irish marathon tradition.

March 16:

🎲 Columbus Toy & Game Show at Ohio Expo Center – Vintage toys, rare collectibles, free arcade games, and wrestling legends in attendance? This is a playground for both nostalgic collectors and modern board game lovers.

🍵 Earl Omakase Tea Experience at ZC Tea – A guided multi-course tea tasting that goes beyond the traditional steep. This event is all about appreciating tea as an art form—perfect for those who like their Sundays slow and soothing.

🎷 Women’s History Month Pop-up Concert at Columbus Museum of Art – The Columbus Cultural Orchestra is throwing a one-time performance celebrating the contributions of women in music. Expect jazz, classical, and modern compositions.

March 17(St. Patrick’s Day Edition 🍀):

🍀 Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration – Start your St. Paddy’s Day early with Dublin’s annual parade, featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and plenty of green. Stick around for the city's extended DORA hours, where you can sip and stroll through Downtown Dublin and Bridge Park.

🎻 Byrne’s Pub St. Patrick’s Day Party – One of Columbus’ most iconic Irish pubs throws down with two full days of Irish bands, festive drinks, and classic pub vibes. A must for those who want an authentic and rowdy St. Patrick’s Day.

🍹 Celtic Cocktail Trail – Sip your way through Dublin with the Celtic Cocktail Trail. Knock out six stops for a commemorative koozie or go full-send and complete all twelve to earn an exclusive Celtic t-shirt. No need to rush—it’s an all-season adventure.

🎤 Flannagan’s Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Bash – The biggest St. Paddy’s party in Columbus is back! Live music, DJs, and an electric tent party make this the go-to event if you’re looking for high-energy St. Patrick’s Day chaos.

March 18:

🎤 Twofer Tuesday Crowdwork Show - Attic Comedy Club

Love comedy but hate scripted jokes? This show is all about improv and quick thinking—comedians have to riff off the audience in real time. Get roasted, or just watch the chaos unfold.

🖌 Artist Talks: Woody De Othello at Wexner Center for the Arts

Ever wondered what goes on inside an artist's head? Woody De Othello breaks it down—his inspirations, process, and what it really takes to make art that speaks.

🕺 Pachanga E Poder: Latin American & Caribbean Social Dance Incubator

Salsa, merengue, and all the good vibes. A mix of social dance and culture that’ll have you moving like a pro—whether you meant to or not.

March 19:

🎸 An Evening With Buckethead at The Bluestone

Guitar virtuoso, mysterious masked legend, and a human shred machine. If you've never seen Buckethead live, this is your chance to experience pure instrumental madness.

🎷 Jazz Wednesday at Brothers Drake Meadery

Smooth tunes, honey wine, and a midweek reset. Whether you're a jazz purist or just want to sip mead in style, this is your spot.

🎭 Open Mic and Workshop With Sista Lu - The Attic Comedy Club

A safe space for fresh talent, weird experiments, and comedy that’s actually funny. Whether you’re performing or just watching, it’s bound to be a wild ride.

March 20:

🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena

The Jackets take on Florida, and you know it’s gonna be a battle. Whether they win or lose, yelling at referees is free.

🎶 Party101 with DJ Matt Bennett at Newport Music Hall

If you grew up watching Nickelodeon, you know Matt Bennett (aka Robbie from Victorious). Now he’s throwing a nostalgia-fueled DJ set, and it’s gonna be pure chaotic fun.

🎥 Visiting Filmmakers: The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire at Wexner Center for the Arts

A cinematic deep dive into the life of a radical writer and activist. Stay after for a filmmaker Q&A to get all the behind-the-scenes details.

📸 Picture of the Week

Shoutout to @jakesmakesandtakes for this week’s best snap: A Few From Walnut Creek Metro Park. Nature’s quiet beauty never fails to impress. 🌲🌄

Add #ColumbusCuriosity to your photo for a chance to be featured next week :)

That’s it for this week, Columbus! Whether you’re navigating government updates, slurping green noodles, or just trying to decide if Buc-ee’s is worth the wait, we’ve got your back.

Got a hot tip, a hidden gem, or an event we should know about? Hit reply and let us in on the secret—we’re all ears.

Until next time, stay curious, stay kind, and remember: life’s too short to skip dessert (or a good TikTok trend).

— Nate

The Columbus Curiosity

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