For the first time in half a decade, Piada Italian Street Food is returning to the city where it all began—Columbus, Ohio. The doors to the new location open on Tuesday, January 16, at 4139 Buckeye Parkway. The fast-casual concept, inspired by the roadside family-run food carts and markets of Rimini, Italy, is located off Stringtown Road in Grove City. This is Piada’s ninth restaurant in Ohio’s capital city and 43rd location in the country; the most recent Columbus-area restaurant opened in 2013.
“There’s no place like home,” says Piada founder Chris Doody. “We love our loyal guests in and around Columbus and feel so connected to this thriving community. We are excited to expand into the growing South Columbus area.”
For its grand opening, Piada is partnering with local organization Grove City Buddy Ball, whose mission is to provide opportunities for all persons to play baseball regardless of ability, and promote community support through volunteerism and sponsorship of these activities. From January 16 to 26, Piada will collect donations made at the register from guests, with all proceeds benefiting Grove City Buddy Ball.
“Our company has been fortunate to partner with many Columbus-based organizations doing great work here in Central Ohio, such as Buddy Ball,” says Doody. “We are proud to support a program that is having a positive impact in the Grove City community and focuses on building self-esteem and promoting equality for all.”
Piada is a chef-driven, fast casual concept, which offers a seasonally influenced menu. The restaurant’s focus is simply prepared, made-to-order items utilizing dozens of fresh, premium ingredients. In addition to the namesake Piada—a thin crust, handmade dough, which is baked on a stone grill, filled with specialty items and then rolled as guests watch the entire process—core entrees also include Pasta Bowls and Chopped Salads. Each is comprised of a grill item, cheese and vegetables.
Earlier this fall, Piada launched a revamped menu with new items that appeal to both the health-focused and culinary-driven customers. With the goal of creating more variety for guests, Piada introduced menu items like the vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean Power Bowl, filled with roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes and glazed chickpeas on a bed of red quinoa with a harissa and Greek yogurt drizzle, and the Porchetta Sandwich, layered on a rustic Italian roll with basil aioli, pickled red onion and fennel.
The new options are available at all 43 Piada locations throughout the country. Piada invites the Columbus community to try its menu items and raise money for Buddy Ball during its Grove City restaurant grand opening.
The Grove City location will seat 55 guests inside and have outside seating for 26. The restaurant will be open from 10:45 a.m. until 1- p.m., seven days a week. Online ordering and catering are also available.
