Dodge Family proposes $8M expansion for Columbus restaurant equipment warehouse

A significant investment is on the horizon for Columbus, as the Dodge Family Limited Partnership, known locally as Restaurant Equippers, proposes an $8 million expansion of their distribution facility. This project, set to increase their existing 171,000-square-foot facility by an additional 109,000 square feet, aims to create four new full-time jobs while retaining 22 existing positions. The estimated annual payroll for these jobs is projected to be around $1.2 million.

The Columbus City Council has recommended a 75% tax incentive for 15 years on the real property improvements related to this expansion. This incentive is expected to generate an additional $545,955 for Columbus City Schools over the same period, alongside a total of approximately $2.7 million over 30 years due to the investment.

Council members highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses, particularly family-owned ones like Restaurant Equippers, which has deep roots in the Columbus community since the 1960s. The council emphasized that without this investment and incentive, the expansion would not proceed, underscoring the need for community support to strengthen the local economy.

In another key discussion, the council approved an ordinance to allocate $2 million to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio. This funding will support the construction of a new on-site warehouse as part of the Furniture Our Community plan, which aims to expand the organization’s capacity to serve families in need. Currently limited to assisting 4,000 families annually, the new facility will allow the Furniture Bank to nearly double its outreach to 6,000 families.

Christine Mills, representing the Furniture Bank, expressed gratitude for the city’s support, noting that the expansion will enhance their ability to provide essential furniture and household items to families facing challenges. The project is part of a broader effort to address the growing needs of the community, particularly in the realm of affordable housing and essential living conditions.

Both initiatives reflect the city council's commitment to fostering local businesses and supporting nonprofit organizations that play a crucial role in the community. As these projects move forward, they promise to create jobs, enhance services, and ultimately improve the quality of life for many Columbus residents.