Philly cheesesteak shop will open in North Market this month

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The latest North Market vendor opening soon is a cheesesteak shop owned by Philadelphia natives.

Marlow's Cheesesteaks will open its North Market location in the next few weeks, it recently announced.

"The addition of Marlow's Cheesesteaks not only enhances our culinary offerings but also brings a best in class experience for North Market guests," said Rick Harrison Wolfe, executive director and CEO of the North Market.

Jomar and Shanika Sheppard opened Marlow's in 2021 after a job transfer brought them to Columbus a few years earlier. Their shop started as a food truck in 2021 and opened in a Gahanna storefront the following year.

"We have been serving up our cheesesteaks since 2021, and for us to receive an opportunity to share a part of our hometown with Central Ohio is a blessing," Shanika Sheppard said.

A fast-casual concept, Marlow's serves traditional Philly cheesesteaks and other favorites. It has bread and meat shipped in daily from Philadelphia, with the goal of bringing authentic food to Columbus. Shanika Sheppard said the most popular item on the menu is "The Marlow's Way," which is named after the shop's co-founder.

The North Market location will be Marlow's third full-time restaurant. It recently opened in Budd Dairy Food Hall and also operates as an outpost during Ohio State home football games.

Littleton's Market Bakery recently opened in the North Market and Macelleria North Market Butchery is opening there Wednesday. The food hall is undergoing a major expansion to add 15,000 square feet over two stories, including space for multiple new vendors.

A 32-story tower featuring a 206-room hotel, along with residential and office space, is also under construction at the site and expected to open in the summer of 2026, be called the Merchant Building.