Columbus-based fast-casual Mediterranean chain Brassica to open at Polaris

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus-based fast-casual chain is set to bring its Mediterranean bowls and pita wraps to Polaris.

Brassica will open at 2170 Ikea Way in summer 2027, a spokesperson for the brand told NBC4. The new 2,600-square-foot restaurant will be built from the ground up on a previously undeveloped property, according to Columbus Business First.

The Mediterranean concept offers customizable pitas and bowls with protein options such as falafel, chicken and brisket. A variety of vegetables, including marinated eggplant and roasted cauliflower, are also available as toppings, along with dips like hummus and baba ghanoush.

Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Katy Malhame opened the first Brassica in the Short North in 2015. The brand then expanded to Bexley in 2018, Upper Arlington in 2019 and Easton Town Center in 2021.

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The chain opened its first Ohio location outside the Columbus area in Shaker Heights in 2019. It later added restaurants in Westlake in 2023 and Cincinnati in 2025. Brassica expanded out of state for the first time with a Houston eatery in March.

Brassica’s expansion is expected to continue with three additional restaurants, one in each the Akron suburb of Fairlawn, Sugar Land, Texas, and Indianapolis, Columbus Business First reported.

In addition to Brassica, the Malhames own Northstar Cafe, an Ohio-based chain that first opened in the Short North in 2004 and now has seven locations. They also opened the restaurant Third & Hollywood near Grandview Heights in 2009.

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