Three Central Ohio restaurants, Ox-B's, Whit's and Lazeez Grill, are teaming up to bring new flavors to Henry Development Group's downtown Marion redevelopment, adding fresh dining options along Main Street. The lineup marks another step in the developer's multi-year push to refill historic storefronts and make the square more walkable, with hopes of boosting evening foot traffic and giving residents more reasons to stay downtown on weekends.
Developer Locks In Three Local Eateries
On March 16, Columbus Business First reported that Henry Development Group has signed on Ox-B's, Whit's and Lazeez Grill for its historic downtown Marion project, noting that all three tenants have Central Ohio roots. According to Columbus Business First, the restaurants will move into renovated storefronts the developer has been actively marketing to local restaurateurs.
Ox-B's Targets Main Street Liquor Permit
Public records show Ox-B's LLC has applied for a new liquor permit tied to a Main Street address listed as 172 S. Main St., a procedural step that signals the chain is moving ahead with a brick-and-mortar location in Marion. The permit request appeared under new business on a February committee agenda for Marion City Council, according to city records. The agenda is posted by Marion City Council.
Ox-B's Builds on Fast-Casual Roots
Ox-B's started as a local chicken concept in the Columbus area and has been working to establish permanent locations in nearby communities. Columbus Business First previously detailed the brand's move from a trailer-based operation into a full restaurant in Newark, part of a broader regional footprint that helps explain how Henry Development was able to draw the chain into Marion's downtown storefront mix. For background on Ox-B's expansion, see the earlier coverage from Columbus Business First.
Part of a Bigger Downtown Game Plan
Henry Development Group has been steadily rehabbing historic buildings in Marion and layering in offices, housing and shared work space, including the conversion of 181 East Center Street into Connect Coworx. That work was completed with support from a JobsOhio Vibrant Communities grant. The redevelopment of that property and similar efforts have been framed as a way to pull businesses and foot traffic back to the heart of town, according to a regional press release. Details on the Vibrant Communities-backed project are outlined in a JobsOhio/One Columbus release via Columbus Region.
On its website, Henry Development Group highlights a playbook centered on restoring downtown storefronts and providing hands-on tenant support, from marketing help to build-out coordination, as part of its approach to repopulating Main Street. The firm's Marion-focused pages describe an emphasis on preserving historic character while offering spaces tailored to small businesses and residents, as outlined on Henry Development Group.
Public filings indicate that early administrative steps for the three restaurants are underway, but none of the operators have announced firm opening dates yet. For those watching downtown Marion's makeover, the next signs to watch for will be permit approvals, interior build-outs and any posted timelines from the restaurateurs or the developer.
