Top headlines of the week, Jan. 23 2026
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.
Torchy’s Tacos, a Texas chain that came to central Ohio in 2022 and eventually expanded to three restaurants in the area, is leaving the Columbus market entirely.
The company confirmed to The Dispatch that its locations at 3726 W. Dublin Granville Road on the Northwest Side and at 6042 N. Hamilton Road on the Northeast Side will close permanently Feb. 3.
Torchy’s Tacos closed its original Columbus restaurant on Gemini Place in the Polaris area of the Far North Side in August 2025.
“After carefully evaluating performance across our portfolio and our long-term plans for the brand, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the locations,” a statement sent Jan. 23 reads.
“The decision to close a restaurant is never an easy one, especially in a community that’s shown us so much love. We’re incredibly grateful to the team members who have dedicated their time and energy to these locations, as well as to the guests who supported us over the years.”
In a 2025 statement after its first Columbus closing and again now, Torchy’s representatives said, “We hope to return in the future when the time and place are right.”
Torchy’s only other Ohio restaurant, in Liberty Township near Cincinnati, will remain in business, the company said.
Follow Dispatch dining reporter Bob Vitale on Instagram at @dispatchdining. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
