Downtown Columbus Mexican restaurant closes after 17 years in business
A downtown Columbus restaurant has closed its doors after nearly two decades in business.
The Cantina Bar & Grill has closed, the restaurant announced Monday. The restaurant at 1030 Broadway operated for nearly two decades.
“Seventeen years of business, I’m still just elated that I was given that opportunity,” owner Marlene Lemieux told the Ledger-Enquirer.
The decision to close was based on a combination of difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lemieux said, and the loss of foot traffic in the downtown area.
“We had the opportunity to be part of many different phases of Uptown Columbus,” a Facebook post by the restaurant reads. “My company feels blessed that we served thousands of meals and drinks. We built many friendships, and our customers felt like family. We will miss you.”
The Cantina served a large menu, including fajitas, burgers and soups.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant turned into a Latin night club, “offering the best selection of Salsa, Merengue, Bachatta, and Reggeton,” according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
At this time, Lemieux said she doesn’t foresee The Cantina coming back.
“It’s so important for the community to keep stopping at these small local businesses,” Lemieux said. “These mom-and-pop stores. It really, truly, does make a difference when you stop in and spend money at that establishment.”
The Cantina is the second confirmed downtown Columbus closure in 2021.
In late January, restaurateur Mark Jones confirmed the closure of Flip Side Donuts & More nearby at 1115 Broadway.
This story was originally published February 9, 2021 at 11:32 AM.
