Serving up inside stories on Downtown's restaurants.

Potbelly Sandwich Works

17 N. High St.
224-1976
potbelly.com

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Finally, a chance to be a Potbelly Pioneer! The opportunity is yours when Potbelly Sandwich Works opens Downtown. The sandwich shop, scheduled to open June 20, will be located in the former Dress Barn site at 17 S. High St. It is one of 78 restaurants owned by the Chicago-based company.

“Our tenants are really excited to have a new place to eat, especially since Potbelly Sandwich Works is new to the market,” says Lynne Raduege, senior property manager at the Huntington Bank building, where the new eatery will be located. And because Potbelly Sandwich Works is new to the area, it’s giving customers a chance to try out its menu for free. Just log onto www.potbelly.com, sign up to be one of the Downtown store’s Potbelly Pioneers, and get a coupon for a free sandwich during the store’s first week of business.

Potbelly's menu includes sandwich varieties ranging from turkey, to ham and cheese, to meatball, to chicken salad. “It’s a very simple idea. There are 11 sandwiches, all hot, one size, one price—$3.79,” says Potbelly’s marketing director Peter Nolan. The store also serves hand-dipped milkshakes and malts.

Don’t worry about taking half your lunch hour to order a sandwich. “We are obsessed with customer service. It’s not uncommon to see 40 people standing in line, but the last person will still get their sandwich in seven minutes,” Nolan says.

The restaurant will employ 35 people; its décor features all-natural wood, funky, old collectables and a potbelly stove.

“With helpful landlords at the Huntington, we were able to build the restaurant in two months,” Nolan says. The restaurant will seat 25 people, and it also offers take-out and catering services, Nolan says.

Where you'll get your questions answered about what's being built or restored Downtown.

City Hop to Feature Downtown Living at Its Finest

City Hop
June 18
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. starts at the North Market. Ticket and tour stop information can be found at cityhop2005.com

Downtown’s revitalization includes restoration and new-build residential projects. The plan is to have 10,000 new housing units by 2012. Currently, there are 988 new, occupied units and another 2,585 in development. But what are these places like? And who is living in them? During the 2005 City Hop tour June 18, the public will be able to go inside 22 residences within 15 of the hottest condominium and apartment developments in the Short North, Arena District and North Downtown areas.

Inside 43215 has some insider tips on making the most of your City Hop tour.

-The tour starts at the North Market with the Showcase of Downtown Living. Only once a year can you meet most of the downtown developers and agents in one place, so take advantage of it.

-With 15 stops this year, you may not have time to see all of them, so set your priorities. If you want to see cool garden spaces, don’t miss Sixty Spring or EcleXtion Lofts. For amazing views, start at the Lofts at 106 or CityView at 3rd. If you want to see “raw spaces,” head to 225 N. Fourth St., the Buggyworks or Yukon Studio Lofts, and for a very cool architectural addition, don’t miss The Brunson at 145 N. High St.

-If new-build complexes are your preference over restorations and renovations, then focus on Jeffrey Place, Arena Crossing, Burnham Square, Parkview and Washington Rich Townhomes.

Kate Matheny, executive director of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, suggests you wear good walking shoes this year. “This tour is double the size of any we’ve hosted in the past. People will not be disappointed, thanks to the amazing diversity of projects available to see and experience,” she says.

From services to specials, you'll learn about ways to make your life Downtown easier and more enjoyable.

Take a Walk

Click on the map for the full suggested path.

Now that the weather is warmer, it’s time to get outside and exercise. Walking Downtown offers so many diversions, it won’t even feel like exercise. “Most people quit a workout routine because it’s boring,” says Mark O’Neil, a personal trainer at World Gym on Long Street. “Walking Downtown means there’s always something new to see. A lunchtime walk with a buddy is a good idea for an upbeat, cardiovascular workout.”

Taking a walk “increases the blood flow and circulates oxygen through the body,” O’Neil says. “It gets you out of the office and helps you be more alert so you’re not sluggish later in the day sitting at your desk. And it’s good to get fresh air.”

Here are a few suggested paths that are a mile in length. On average, walking a mile burns 100 calories.

It’s Monday. You need a book at the Main Library. Start at State and Third streets. Walk east on State to the Main Library and back down Town Street. Map

It’s Tuesday or Friday. Start at the Lynn and Pearl Alley Market (Lynn and Pearl streets). Buy some vegetables or baked goods and walk them off over at the Olentangy/Scioto bikeway along the river. Pearl to Long, over to the river and back to Broad. Map

It’s Wednesday, and you’re hungry. Head to the North Market. Start at Long and Front streets. Walk up Front to just north of Vine Street. Map

It’s a Thursday, and that’s Party on State night. Walking around the Ohio Statehouse perimeter twice is 1.26 miles! In between your laps, stop in at the free concert at Third and State streets. Map

Be wise about something you can't find anywhere else: Downtown's arts and culture.

Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 E. Broad St.
1-800-214-PARK

fpconservatory.org

Franklin Park Conservatory
Chapungu: Stories in Stone is entering its final weeks and will close July 5. Art workshops, a photography exhibit and a music performance will conclude the nine-month run of the Chapungu exhibition.

Stone-Carving Workshops
June 14-18
June 28-July 2
Create a work of sculpture under the guidance of visiting artists from Zimbabwe, regarded as the greatest contemporary stone sculptors. Call 645-5923 for information and to register.

Spirit Through Art: An Exhibition Series
Photographs by KoJo Kamau
June 8-July 6
Artist Reception: June 8, 6-8 p.m.

SDASA Choir in Concert
June 24, noon, in the Palm House
The SDASA Choir from Soweto, South Africa, has performed throughout Africa and Europe. This 36-member gospel choir is made up of youth and adults who are committed to evangelization and education through song.

Chapungu Sculpture Gallery
This is your final chance to purchase a piece of contemporary African artwork. The gallery features dozens of sculptures of varying sizes.

Every month we will feature main downtown events. Mark your calendars!

Columbus Arts Festival June 2-5 Downtown riverfront
www.gcac.org/artsfest/

28th Annual 10K Run June 5 Downtown
www.runohio.com

Party on State June 9 (Thursdays through Aug. 25) State Street patio by Darby’s and San Francisco Oven
www.downtowncolumbus.com

Festival Latino June 17-18 Bicentennial and Genoa parks
www.festivallatino.net

City Hop tour June 18 North Downtown, Arena District, Short North
www.cityhop2005.com

Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival June 25 Bicentennial Park
www.stonewallcolumbus.org