One Chapter Closes, Another Begins in the Trackside District
Downtown businesses are more than the spaces they occupy. They become part of our routines, our celebrations and, over time, our memories.
After eight years in the Trackside District, Cork & Barrel has announced it will pour its final drinks on October 30.
What began in 2018 as an idea for a basement bar grew into a gathering place where countless birthdays, reunions, celebrations and ordinary nights out were shared. The patio filled on warm evenings, friends gathered around the bar, and Cork & Barrel became a familiar part of downtown Columbus.
The journey certainly wasn't without its challenges. Over the years, Cork & Barrel weathered floods, COVID, another flood and even a sewer backup. Through each challenge, owner Nicole Frauendorfer credits the staff, family, friends and customers who continued to show up and support the business.
For eight years, Cork & Barrel added its own personality to the Trackside District, and we are grateful for the time, energy and investment Nicole put into creating a place where people wanted to gather.
But while one downtown chapter is coming to an end, another is just getting started.
Black Market Pizza Is Growing
After October 30, Black Market Pizza will take over a portion of the Cork & Barrel space, giving the growing business a place to fully call home.
What started with a couple of ovens and an idea has steadily grown, and owners Tina and Leo are now ready to take the next step.
Black Market Pizza will initially operate without alcohol, focusing its energy on the food and pizza that have helped build its following. More details about hours, menu offerings and future plans will be announced as the transition gets closer.
Tina and Leo have also expressed their gratitude to Nicole for giving Black Market Pizza a place to get its start and for supporting the business as it grew. Now, as Cork & Barrel prepares to close, that relationship is helping create an opportunity for another locally owned business to continue growing downtown.
It's a transition that captures something we love about the Trackside District — spaces can change, businesses can evolve and new ideas can grow from the foundation others helped create.
One Last Toast
There is still time to make another Cork & Barrel memory.
October 30 will be the final night for Cork & Barrel, and the community is invited to stop in, raise one last glass, share a favorite memory and help give this downtown business the send-off it deserves.
Then, we'll look forward to what's next as Black Market Pizza begins its new chapter.
Thank you, Cork & Barrel, for eight memorable years in downtown Columbus.
And congratulations to Black Market Pizza. We can't wait to see what's next.
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