Bodega owner to open restaurant in closed Half Pint in Worthington

The owner of Bodega and Bristol Republic in the Short North plans to open a new restaurant concept in the former Half Pint space in Old Worthington.

Brian Swanson, who has been active in the Columbus restaurant scene for more than a decade, said he plans to start remodeling the space, at 671 High St., early next year with a goal of opening it in April or May.

More: Proposed Worthington hotel would incorporate closed Worthington Inn

The Half Pint closed Dec. 6, 2020, after being open two and a half years. All the furnishings and signage remained in place, and Swanson said the owners were preparing to reopen when he contacted them about buying the restaurant.

"It wasn’t for sale; they were getting ready to open back up," said Swanson, who recently moved to Worthington. "The stars just aligned and it worked out. ... I really love that location. Downtown Worthington has so much walk-by traffic."

Swanson is still working out details for the new restaurant, but said it will not be like Bodega or Bristol Republic, which draw a nightlife crowd as well as a dinner audience.

"I won't do either of those concepts in this space," he said. "This will be something new."

Swanson recently received city approval to raise the rear patio to the level of the restaurant and install garage-style doors between the indoor and outdoor spaces, significantly expanding the restaurant's capacity.

"That will make the space a very cool environment to eat and drink," he said.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Half Pint restaurant in Worthington to get second life