What happens when 2 iconic Columbus restaurants get together? They create this new menu

Skipper’s Seafood, 3505 Buena Vista Road, had a huge change in management. The beloved seafood spot has leased its space to another popular restaurant, Chester’s BBQ.

This is Chester’s third location in the Columbus area, following the original location on Northstar Drive and another in Phenix City.

Ronzell Buckner, owner of Skipper’s Seafood, told the Ledger-Enquirer his retirement was his main reason for leasing the restaurant. In his retirement, Buckner will focus on running his community garden, the George-Washington Carver Victory Garden and Farm, founded in 2021.

Buckner approached Trenton and Toya Chester, owners of Chester’s BBQ, with the opportunity to lease his business toward the end of 2024. She officially leased Skipper’s in December 2024. The new restaurant opened at the beginning of February.

Originally, Chester’s BBQ was downsizing their business, starting with a closure of their location on Veterans Parkway last year. But Toya Chester told the Ledger-Enquirer the opportunity was too good to pass on because of the prime location.

“The location itself is great,” Chester said. “There’s no other business or restaurant in this area serving the food items that we chose to serve. So, we thought the location would be good for business.”

Chester said she has changed the seafood restaurant’s name from Skipper’s Seafood to Skipper’s Restaurant. She brought some of Chester’s popular dishes, like their catfish plates and beef tips, to Skipper’s, and plans to introduce more menu items exclusive to this location.

“It was good to continue with the name, due to the recognition and longstanding history of the business,” Chester said. “We basically incorporated the Skipper’s and Chester’s, so instead of having just the fish menu, we added additional food items.”

In addition to selling seafood, the new restaurant also offers menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Customers have been enjoying the salmon croquettes and chicken & waffles dishes, according to Chester. These menu options will be available at only the Skipper’s location.

“We appreciate our customers’ support as we’re navigating how to perfect our dishes,” Chester said.

Their hours also have changed. The new restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Chester is preparing to add Skipper’s Restaurant to DoorDash. Chester said it will be available to order on demand starting next month.

This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.