INJECTING SOME LIFE
Bethel Road getting new upscale sports bar with wood-fired steaks
Stone Bar & Grill just might inject some life into the staid Bethel Road tavern scene.
Veteran Orion Trifoni has brought partners Ilias Strovolidis and Alex Elofir into the concept, which is under construction on Bethel Road in northwest Columbus, in the vacant Alteration and Tailoring location.
An early February opening is planned. Trifoni owns two Koble Grill restaurants with Strovolidis – one in Westerville and the other in Powell – as well as Kraft House No. 5 with Kliton “Tony” Gjergji, also in Powell, and Panini Opa on Bethel Road.
He’s switching gears from Greek and Italian fare to New American classics – steaks, burgers, pizzas and such cooked in a wood-fired oven, with more expensive items costing in the $15 to $18 range.
Elofir, who said he was trained in his native Morocco in how to cook and worked with the Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, said he’s eager to show off his technique.
“The main thing about the food is everything is going to be made in-house,” he said.
Bethel Road lost a little luster when Winking
Lizard Tavern closed at the northeast corner of Bethel and Godown roads, followed by the shuttering of the Buffalo Wild Wings in the Bethel Center.
Trifoni called Stone an upscale sports bar, with TVS tuned into European soccer and American sports.
Surprisingly large at 3,200 square feet, an outdoor patio will add another 2,000 square feet to the dining area.
The interior will offer an upscale design. Trifoni said he likes the location at the corner of Bethel and Kenny roads, within proximity of several new apartment buildings and in a shopping center with plenty of parking.
The plan is to offer a small-bites menu at the bar. The place will be open for lunch and dinner and possibly brunch. gseman@thisweeknews.com @Thisweekgary