866 Beds: RPM Living Proposal Absorbs PJ's Grill Site

PJ's Grill, a long-time dining spot near the Ohio State University campus, has closed its doors at 15 E. Frambes Ave. The closure occurs as development plans for a nearby project expand to encompass the building that housed the restaurant.

Texas-based developer RPM Living proposed a seven-story apartment and retail complex near North High Street and East Woodruff Avenue. Earlier versions of this project excluded the buildings containing PJ's and a neighboring Donatos Pizza. Updated records from the University Impact District Review Board now show the project footprint includes the former PJ's location.

The proposed development calls for 228 units, 866 beds, and 4,000 square feet of retail space. This retail area is designated for a coffee and juice bar. The city of Columbus lists the project's certificate of approval application as "continued," meaning final approval has not been granted.

Jacob Sidorczuk, a third-year construction management student, described the loss of a familiar post-party destination. He learned of the closure through social media and word of mouth. "I was very upset," Sidorczuk said. "It was a spot that me and my fraternity brothers would go after a night out." Sidorczuk noted that the restaurant offered distinctive combinations, such as french fries and tater tots on a single sandwich, a style he compared to Dirty Frank's.

Abbey Gunn, a fourth-year health sciences student, visited the restaurant approximately once a month. She frequently ordered a sandwich called the "Fat Bitch," which included buffalo chicken, mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese bites, and fries. "I think it stands out because it's not a chain restaurant, which I really like," Gunn said. "It's kind of just local to OSU."

The closure adds to Gunn's concerns regarding local businesses being replaced by housing. This March, The Little Bar was demolished to make way for a multi-story housing development. "I understand the need for apartments, but closing down local businesses like that is upsetting to the college crowd and me too," Gunn said. She expects nearby establishments, such as Sicilia Fine Italian Specialties and Buckeye Donuts, to absorb some customers, but noted the absence is visible. "I walk past it every day when I'm walking to classes and I see the lights off and the chairs still stacked in there," Gunn said.

In January, plans indicated that the Ohio Staters apartment and a nearby Dunkin' Donuts at 2060 N. High St. would close, while PJ's and Donatos remained unaffected. The updated proposal now includes the PJ's building in the demolition area, while the Donatos building remains outside the project footprint. The Lantern contacted project applicants and the owner of PJ's for clarification on why the plans expanded, but neither party responded before publication. The specific reasons for the closure have not been independently confirmed.