Business Spotlight: Regina's Kitchen
Fellowship, Faith and Food in Downtown Columbus
Tucked inside Pioneer Plaza on the east end of 13th Street there's a little place where the food feels like a hug and the people feel like family. That place is Regina's Kitchen, a faith-filled cafe run by the ever inspiring Regina McDuffee.
An Unexpected Journey
Regina didn’t set out to become a cook. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Columbus during a challenging time in her life. She was in recovery from alcoholism and searching for support, stability, and purpose. It was here she saw a simple newspaper ad that would change her life.
She began cooking for Dick Tooley in a 21-seat luncheonette, where she found joy in serving others. But when COVID-19 shut down the kitchen in 2020, she faced uncertainty once again—until a new opportunity presented itself.
A Leap of Faith
That opportunity came in the form of Grandma’s Kitchen, a local spot that had gone up for sale. Regina didn’t have the funds or a clear plan, but with help from friends and her unwavering faith, she trusted the timing.
On July 7, 2020, she acquired the restaurant. In just 30 days, she renovated and reopened it as Regina’s Kitchen on August 7—a place where faith, food, and fellowship come together.
What's on the Menu
Regina’s daily specials rotate, but you can always expect hearty homemade meals that feel like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen. Popular offerings include:
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Daily hot lunch specials
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Warm soups and stacked sandwiches
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Fresh-baked cookies and homemade pies
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New! Creamy gelato served 4–7 p.m.
What’s the difference between ice cream and gelato?
Gelato has more milk and less cream, is churned slower for less air, and is served at a slightly warmer temperature—giving it that rich, silky texture.
A Space That Feels Like Home
In true Regina fashion, this powerhouse cook works her magic in a tiny 10' x 15' kitchen on a four-burner stove, always sporting shorts and colorful Crocs to keep cool. Her restaurant is known for more than its food - people gather to play cards or dominoes, visit with friends, and meet Trinity, Regina's three-legged dog and unofficial mascot.
House Rules at Regina's
No politics.
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The Christian music stays on.
Regina’s space is built on kindness, calm, and connection. She never rushes guests out the door and aims to make every person feel welcome and known.
Giving Back to the Community
Regina's heart for service extends far beyond her kitchen. She has catered events for up to 250 people, hosted fundraisers for local causes and is a strong support of the recovery community through 1C Church, where she continues to spread the message that hope is never lost.
She recently added some outdoor seating where people can enjoy an evening gelato.
A Vision for Downtown
Despite running her own business, Regina doesn't view other restaurants as competition. She sees them as collaborators in building a vibrant downtown. She celebrates the growth of the district and hopes to keep building the community - one plate at a time.
Oh -- and that New York Yankees game you hear playing in the background? Regina went to school for sports broadcasting before she ever picked up a spatula.
Visit Regina's Kitchen
🕚 Open Monday - Friday
🍽️ Lunch: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
🍨 Snacks & Gelato: 4 p.m. –7 p.m.
📱 Follow on Facebook or check Google for hours and daily specials
