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  • 🍔 These Nostalgic Columbus Chain Restaurants Will Take You Back In Time

🍔 These Nostalgic Columbus Chain Restaurants Will Take You Back In Time

Plus: 🛝 An New Indoor Slide Park Is Open, And It Looks Wild

Author

Chelsea Wiley
June 03, 2025

Sponsored by Columbus Recreation and Parks 🎶
Your favorite ’90s bands (sort of) are back. Tribute Tuesdays is bringing free live music, food, and drinks to Bicentennial Park all summer long. Catch tribute sets of Green Day, Nirvana, Weezer, and more. It’s all happening along the Scioto Mile — and yes, admission is totally free. Music starts at 6:30, but come early for happy hour vibes at 5. Please click here for more info.

Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea here.

We talk a lot about what’s new in Columbus. The buzzy bars, pop-up markets, and trending brunch spots. But sometimes, the real magic is in what’s stayed the same. This week, we’re taking a bite out of local food nostalgia with a look at the chain restaurants that helped define growing up here. From greasy fries to checkered floors, these spots aren’t just places to eat, they’re time machines with combo meals.

💦 10 Swimming Holes To Splash Around In This Summer
City pools are a blast, but sometimes, you just want a more “nature” vibe when you’re trying to cool off. As the summer heats up, keep this list handy. You’ll escape the heat and have a blast, all at the same time.

🛝 An Indoor Slide Park Is Open In Columbus And It Looks Wild
Slick City, an indoor slide park with high-speed, waterless slides, is open at Polaris, and it’s shaping up to be fun for all ages.

Headlines 📰 

📻 After decades on the air, Sunny 95’s morning duo Stacy McKay and Dino Tripodis are signing off for good. Their exit is part of a bigger wave of changes hitting Columbus Radio Group. (NBC4)

🧑‍🔧 Columbus is racing to replace tens of thousands of lead water lines ahead of a federal deadline — and your house might be on the list. Here’s what you need to know. (Axios Columbus)

📚 The Columbus Book Festival returns July 12–13 with 120+ authors, live talks, book signings, food trucks, and even a beer garden. Whether you're deep into fantasy series or just here for the bookmarks, this free fest is a summer must. (Columbus Monthly)

☀️ Weather: 86 and mostly sunny

Sponsored by Columbus Children’s Theatre 🎭
Grab your “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal” — Junie B. is back and headed to first grade! With laugh-out-loud songs, lovable characters, and just enough school chaos to feel very real, Junie B. Jones: The Musical brings the beloved books to life on stage. Perfect for kids (and nostalgic grown-ups), this hour-long show runs July 24–August 10 at the Riffe Center. Tickets are on sale now, and you can get your’s here!

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

😍 Have you had a chance to check out the new exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory yet? Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks is soooo cool and it’s definitely work checking out in person.

READ MORE: LEGO Goes Wild At Franklin Park Conservatory This Summer

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- Chelsea