Former O'Toole's Irish Pub in Gahanna to become new restaurant and cocktail bar

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – A restaurant and cocktail bar will soon take over the building that formerly housed O’Toole’s Irish Pub in Gahanna. 

Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails, a concept that owners say will serve classic American dishes with “fresh flavor” and a “modern twist,” is set to open at 258 Granville St.  

“I would like it to be a place for both special occasions and for everyday meals,” Managing Director Payton Grundey said. “So definitely some steaks on [the menu], some seafood, but we're still going to have shareables, salads, sandwiches, dessert.”

Cocktails will also be a main focus of the restaurant, with Creative Director Alaina Short saying the eatery hopes to be one of the “main leading bars” in Gahanna. 

“We're going to have a happy hour menu from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. available with, we’re aiming for, half-priced cocktails,” Short said. 

The operator of Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails is none other than the owner of O’Toole’s Irish Pub and Payton Grundey’s dad – Joe Grundey. 

“I basically grew up behind the scenes, running around in the kitchen, watching him basically work every job from host to busser,” Payton Grundey said. “Just kind of learning the ropes.”

In 2022, the pub faced staffing issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closed for renovations, which Short said escalated into creating a new concept. 

“We are aiming to reflect the greenery and the beauty of Gahanna and the community of Gahanna inside [the restaurant],” Short said. “So lots of green and lots of gold metal everywhere. It's an elegant face with a lush interior. We're just trying to strike a perfect balance between natural sophistication and warmth just to make sure every guest feels at home.”

The restaurant will also feature a patio overlooking Rocky Fork Creek. Short said the staff is aiming to open the restaurant in mid-October to early-November. 

After its opening, Three Creeks' hours will be 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and stay open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Hours may extend to include brunch in the future, according to Payton Grundey.