Local Mediterranean chain to expand with two more central Ohio eateries

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A locally owned, fast-casual Mediterranean chain is expanding its footprint in central Ohio with two more locations.

Agapé Mediterranean is launching new restaurants at 6589 Artesian Run in Lewis Center and at 855 W. Third St. in Grandview Heights, according to the company's site. The openings will expand the company to six central Ohio eateries, with the other locations in Gahanna, Sunbury, Westerville and Plain City.

Launched in 2021, the Greek restaurant is home to a selection of pitas, salads and bowls. Filling include gyro meat, chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus, feta, tzatziki, Kalamata olives, chickpeas and more. Sauces, like tahini and vinaigrette, round out the menu, along with french fries topped with feta and a house dressing.

The chain gets its name for a concept derived from the ancient Greeks that embodies "doing good for one another," the company's site states.

Agapé is one of several new food offering opening in Lewis Center, including a shop boasted as Ohio’s “biggest coffeehouse.” Named Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., the Michigan-based brand is now welcoming patrons to the new shop at 8911 S. Old State Road near Polaris Fashion Place.

A Lewis Center site once home to a Wendy’s and Tim Hortons and then left abandoned has finally found a new tenant, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. The Popeyes was built from scratch after the building housing a combination Wendy’s and Tim Hortons was demolished. Wendy’s and Tim Hortons had closed several years before the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the structure abandoned for several years.

A Columbus restaurateur who owns a trio of Asian fusion eateries in central Ohio is expanding with a new create-your-own stir fry restaurant in Lewis Center. WY Mongolian Grill is opening this spring at 8633 Columbus Pike, taking over a 6,000-square-foot building previously home to Asian Garden Buffet.