A popular pop-up cocktail project is about to settle down in Franklinton. The Shapeshifter is taking over a renovated garage, with plans for rotating themed menus, community events and space carved out for local artists.
From pop-ups to a permanent bar
At 129 McDowell St, The Shapeshifter is slated to open by the end of May, as reported by Columbus Underground. Owner and bartender Theo Lentz aims to carry the high-energy feel of his themed pop-ups into a full-time brick-and-mortar spot, complete with regular programming and local art showcases.
Licenses and the site
City records show Shapeshifter LLC has applied for a new D5A permit for the Franklinton address (permit #8059754), a key step toward serving drinks on-site, according to the City of Columbus. The filing appears in council communications dated May 2025, indicating the project has been moving through municipal approvals for several months.
Menu themes and pop-up roots
Lentz developed The Shapeshifter concept through a run of themed pop-ups, including "Christmas in July," a Waffle House homage and a tea party. The first brick-and-mortar menu is set to be called "Greatest Hits," pulling together the most popular cocktails from those events. Planned hours are Wednesday–Thursday 5–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5 p.m.–midnight and Sunday 5–10 p.m., as reported by Columbus Underground.
Why Franklinton?
Franklinton's arts and makers scene has been steadily expanding, anchored by the Idea Foundry and recent programming changes that brought the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts into the space. That backdrop helps explain why a theme-forward, arts-minded bar would land here, per CAPA takes charge of arts hub. The Shapeshifter's mix of immersive themes and gallery-style events aligns with the neighborhood's push for creative, small-scale hospitality.
No exact opening date has been announced, and Lentz is continuing to preview concepts through pop-ups and open houses while the final permits are completed. For menus and a firm opening day, keep an eye on The Shapeshifter's Instagram, and we will update readers as official filings and a public launch date are confirmed.
