Seven New Restaurants, Snack Shops and Bars Coming to University Square and Gateway – University District

Burgers, bowls and more for students, faculty, staff and neighbors.

Campus Partners announced today seven new restaurants and bars are opening at University Square or Gateway – University District in the coming months. Genghis Grill, Smashburger and Dave’s Hot Chicken will open at University Square (East 15th Avenue and High Street) joining already open Root Natural Kitchen, Barrio Tacos and Bubbles Tea & Juice Company. At Gateway University District, Campus Partners welcomes Mac Shack, Slammies on High and Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon.

“One thing is certain about the thousands of people who live, work and study within the University District and that is they like a variety of choices when it comes to food and beverages,” said Matt Hansen, President, Campus Partners. “Adding seven new places to explore along the High Street corridor will provide something for everyone to enjoy.”

Genghis Grill – 18 East 15th Avenue – Opening May 2023 – First in Ohio
Founded in 1998, Genghis Grill is the nation’s leading fresh bowl concept, renowned for its fresh, hot and healthy food, and its interactive dining experience. At Genghis Grill, guests are in charge, either by creating a bowl filled with exactly what they are craving from over 80+ of the freshest ingredients, or letting our Bowl Experts build one for them from over 25 curated recipes. Genghis puts a focus on brand reimaging, heightened customer service, improved food quality and even more operational excellence as a way to continue to refine the customer experience, including the launch of their new location prototype and the introduction of an industry-leading franchise incentive program. In terms of development, Genghis has identified key markets across the South Atlantic, Midwest and Southwest as part of its franchise expansion strategy. Genghis Grill owns and franchises operations for over 50 restaurants system-wide. For more information, visit genghisgrill.com and follow Genghis Grill on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Dave’s Hot Chicken – 1828 North High Street. – Coming in 2023
Dave’s Hot Chicken was created by best friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Dave, a chef trained in Thomas Keller’s (French Laundry) organization set out to create the perfect Hot Chicken by searching, tasting, and frying. The four friends scrounged up $900 to put a tiny stand in an East Hollywood parking lot. The menu was simple, and the chicken was the star. Sourced and prepared to be the juiciest and most tender chicken imaginable, each piece is topped with Dave’s signature mix of spices ranging from No Spice to “The Reaper.” Arman created Instagram buzz and the lines began to grow. Two nights later, Eater/LA showed up to see what the fuss was about. The next morning's headline read "East Hollywood's Late Night Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind." Almost instantly, the lines stretched around the block. A year later, the boys had the money to open a shop in a hip strip-mall with décor by local street artists, where the crowds continued to grow with wait-times of an hour and more. From there, the incredibly craveable “Hot and Spicy” varieties have created a cult following with rave reviews across the U.S., Canada, UAE & Qatar.

Smashburger – 1840 North High Street – Coming in 2023
Smashburger® is a leading fast-casual better burger restaurant known for its Certified Angus Beef® burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices and seal in the flavor. In addition to burgers, Smashburger® offers grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, turkey and black bean burgers, fresh salads, signature side items such as Brussels sprouts and SmashFries®, and hand-spun shakes. Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger is a recognized Stevie American Business Award winner and was ranked as one of Fast Casual’s top 10 brands in its 2022 Top 100 Movers & Shakers Award. The brand has 240 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 34 states and seven countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

Mac Shack – 1619 N. High St. – Opening Summer 2023
Keystone’s Mac Shack, an extension of Keystone Bar & Grill, is a fast-casual restaurant established in 2016 by Four Entertainment Group (4EG). Known for its signature mac + cheeses honoring classic musicians, Keystone’s Mac Shack has become a local favorite by serving the students of the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University and their surrounding communities. The brand boasts a thriving late-night business and serves customers in-store and via DoorDash until 4 a.m. on select nights. As it continues to expand, Mac Shack embraces the idea of a quick stop for made-from-scratch comfort food. For more information about Keystone’s Mac Shack, please visit eatmacshack.com.

Slammies on High - 1607 N. High St. – Opening March 3, 2023
Slammies on High is a LGBTQ+ bar and pizza kitchen offering Columbus style pizza, a full bar and seasonalcocktail menus. Check out the apps, sharables, salads and specialty pizzas. For dessert, you won’t want to miss the churros or dive into a delicious cinnamon roll!

Auntie Anne’s / Cinnabon – 1619 N. High St. – Opening Summer 2023
About Auntie Anne’s® - With more than 1,700 locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries, Auntie Anne’s mixes, twists and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection all day long in full view of guests. Auntie Anne’s can be found in malls and outlet centers, as well as in non-traditional spaces including universities, airports, Walmarts, travel plazas, military bases, and food trucks. For more information, visit AuntieAnnes.com, or follow on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

About Cinnabon® - Founded in Seattle in 1985 and now based in Atlanta, Cinnabon is the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries. The company serves fresh, aromatic, oven-hot cinnamon rolls, as well as a variety of other baked goods and specialty beverages. Cinnabon currently has more than 1,600 franchised locations worldwide, primarily in high traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, train stations, travel plazas, entertainment centers and military establishments. Cinnabon is also a multi-channel licensor, focused on driving multi-channel growth across consumer relevant occasions whether on the go, in grocery stores, schools, at home or in the office. For more details and to stay connected to all things Cinnabon, follow on Twitter or Instagram @Cinnabon, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cinnabon, or visit www.Cinnabon.com.

Campus Partners was formed in 1995 as a 501(c) 3, private, non-profit corporation working in the urban neighborhoods surrounding the Ohio State University. The hallmark of Campus Partners’ work has been a market-based strategy which relies on community planning, a comprehensive approach to neighborhood renewal, partnerships among the major stakeholders and strategic projects that leverage private investment and change underlying conditions in the neighborhoods.