After a 14-year run at the heart of downtown Columbus, Milestone 229, an establishment hailed for its American cuisine, is set to close its doors on Dec. 31. The restaurant, positioned on the scenic 229 Civic Center Dr., announced the impending closure via a WBNS, attributing the decision to a failure to reach favorable lease terms with the City of Columbus.
In their social media announcement, Milestone 229 expressed gratitude for the years of patronage, "We have enjoyed sharing our time with you for the past 14 years and helping you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and so much more," as per WBNS news, sharing the sentiment that they have been honored to be part of their customers' lives. The spot, known for its prime location near Bicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile Fountain, has been a staple for locals and tourists alike, offering meals and a view of downtown Columbus.
The closure was also confirmed on other platforms, with NBC4i reporting additional details on the restaurant's service hours leading up to the end of the year. According to NBC4i, Milestone 229 has a schedule running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, extending to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sundays until its final day of service.
Despite the impending shutdown, the city maintains a position of negotiation. "We’re disappointed that we were unable to come to an agreement with a longtime partner and dedicated employer that has contributed to the vibrancy of the Scioto Mile," a city representative expressed in a statement obtained by WBNS. They added, "We remain open to negotiations and hope to come to an amicable resolution." It is, however, unclear if an agreement can be reached before the restaurant's slated closure or if the establishment will seek a new location post-shutdown.
Columbus Navigator shared insights into the community's perception of the restaurant, noting that it has been the backdrop for countless memories, from anniversaries to graduations and everything in between. As they prepare for their final chapter, Milestone 229's team invites everyone to stop by one last time for a meal or drink to toast their legacy. Patrons are encouraged to visit before the year's end to bid farewell to this local favorite.
