Around this time last Halloween, my wife and I went to a Blue Jackets game, then went to Spice after the game. Being lame, I thought the whole area was dead considering it was Halloween. Then my wife reminded me that it was only 9 pm, and things don’t heat up until much later. Gosh I thought, am I that out of touch with the night life? Apparently, yes.

But I did have a great time at Spice. The food and drinks were excellent.

So there’s my lead in, to the following Press Release that I just got. I’ll have to make it out there again soon. And next time, I won’t be so lame.

Spice

Gastro-Lounge  & Club

For Immediate Release:                                                                                             October 23, 2008
Starker and Theodotou announce new powerhouse partnership with Corso Gallicchio ventures and the purchase of Spice Bar and restaurant:

 

Columbus, Ohio- Tom Starker and Pam Theodotou announced today after much anticipation that they have finalized a deal with Corso Gallicchio Ventures, for a long term partnership on Park Street and the purchase of the well known Spice Bar and Restaurant. This being their second large project in Columbus they bring to the space their unique brand of artistic vision that will redesign and re-launch Spice in cooperation with Corso Gallicchio Ventures.

Soon after the sale of their first project, BoMA, to its investors after an award winning run, Chris Corso in an unprecedented move approached Starker to discuss the possibilities. Based on their long standing relationship of 15 years, despite being recent competitors, they forged a deal that would redesign Spice, launch a new unique restaurant and re-style its club and nightlife. Joining them in this new venture if Executive Chef Brian Parker, formerly Executive Chef at M and BoMA.

The relationship forged by these two club veterans creates a new powerhouse partnership in entertainment in Columbus that they describe no less than as a juggernaut. While many restaurants and clubs are in competition with one another, this new announcement has a very different flavor. Offering Spice to Starker was instrumental in an already growing plan by Corso Gallicchio Ventures to expand their interests in Park Street by attracting other top operators into the area as they continue to develop new properties with their vision to create a bridge between the short north and the arena district. But as with all expansion, diversity and creativity must be liberally applied. Corso’s reach across the aisle to bring Starker and his partners onto Park Street in an unprecedented move of cooperation in both operations and promotions embraces excellence in both the club and restaurant world.

So how will Spice be different in its new incarnation? Expect a re-vamp on both the restaurant aspects as well as the club offering, both of which with be ramped up. The current lounge and restaurant will remain open through the Halloween weekend as Starker’s team assumes control but will close to the public for two weeks starting November 2, 2008 for a renovation and transformation. Planned are complete re-designs for the entire space including the front of the building and a new style for each room that will embrace the environment of the artistic community in the short north. Promotions and new entertainment schedules for both aspects of the business will be announced in November.

Starker and Theodotou’s home run with their prior restaurant project that hit the top ten lists in Columbus will be just a precursor to what they plan for Spice. Switching it up they will be launching what they coin as a Gastro-Lounge rather than their previous fine dining venture. The new Spice will be a full service contemporary restaurant that will delight new and former patrons alike with affordable classics and unique twists by Chef Parker that should make it a new place not to miss. Infused in their presentation will be an array of cocktail, beer and wine pairings throughout their menu that brings home the “Lounge” in Gastro-Lounge. Also offered will be a complete new program for private parties and catering which they expect will highlight Spice as the brightest new downtown space to entertain guests and throw private parties for the upcoming holidays and beyond.  

Current Spice hours Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30pm-2:30, Friday 4:00-2:30, Saturday 6:00pm-2:30. On line reservations through Opentable.com and new hours of operation will be available in November. Please call for private bookings and availability for the holidays.

 

For further information, please see the following: 

Website: http://www.Spicebar.net

Contact Information for Press:

 

Pamela Theodotou                                            Chris Corso

Co-Owner, Spice Partners, LLC                          Co-Owner, Corso Gallicchio Ventures

491 North Park Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215     491 N. Park Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215         

614-843-1144 Cell                                              614-209-1012 Cell

E-Mail: Theodotou@aol.com                              E-Mail: Corso@mailrz.com

Popularity: 11% [?]

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