Mitchell eyes Rigsby’s for restaurant

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants likes the Short North.

The Columbus restaurant company, led by founder Cameron Mitchell, plans a new concept for the former Rigsby’s Kitchen space at 698 N. High St.

It will join three other Cameron Mitchell restaurants already open in the 600 block of North High Street: the Pearl, the Guild House and Marcella’s. Mitchell also plans to open two more concepts in that area: one on the ground floor of a planned high rise at 711 N. High St., and one on the roof.

The former Rigsby’s space

has been empty since the Short North pioneer closed in late 2015 after a 29-year run. It’s something of an iconic location, given Rigsby’s legacy in the neighborhood.

“We held this space for a long time and turned away a lot of users who did not have the same vision for the neighborhood that we did,” said Mark Wood, president of the Wood Cos., in a news release. The company owns the building that would be home to the 698 N. High St. Mitchell restaurant.

Wood has worked with Mitchell on a number of Short North locations, including those planned at 711 N. High St.

“It is an honor to work with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants on another destination restaurant that will offer an additional new dining experience to the Short North,” Wood said in a press release.

Mitchell wasn’t available to comment, and no other details are available on the nature of the new restaurant. It is expected to open in spring 2018. Mitchell’s concepts at 711 N. High St. are expected to open in fall 2018.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants operates about 30 restaurants across a dozen concepts, including 13 Ocean Prime locations in 11 states and Washington, D.C.