It has probably been a long time since your heard anything about Graeter’s in Columbus. The company has been (mostly) quietly churning out great ice cream in Columbus since 1989 and since 1870 in Cincinnati. At one time the Columbus shops were a franchise but the family bought them back and now almost all of the fifty plus scoop shops are company owned. Among the new locations: Chicago, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It is had to believe but at one time Graeter’s meant a long drive to Cincinnati but today their ice cream is ubiquitous in five states in scoop shops and at Kroger.
The new Polaris store is a different concept for Columbus, it is a more streamlined building with a drive through included. With eleven locations in Columbus is now one location ahead of Jeni’s. And now, I am going to give you permission to say or think something you may be afraid to voice in public. Just like a few of us are afraid to admit we don’t give a shit about the Buckeyes there are those reluctant to say they like Graeter’s more than Jeni’s. I’m letting you know that is OK. In my case if given a choice between Jeni’s and Graeter’s, I’ll choose Graeter’s 9 times out of 10. I’m not knocking Jeni’s, but I refuse to indulge in the cult of local culture – Graeter’s is as good if not better at sourcing local ingredients from Ohio and the Midwest. It should also be noted, Jeni worked at Graeter’s for a while in her formative years.
What is really amazing about this new location is that Graeter’s is growing. This now a fifth generation family business. Most family operations, especially those in the food industry don’t make it past a second generation. In the case of Graeter’s it has been a struggle with the family having to call in outside help to direct a path that would allow them to continue as a sustainable family operation. We are just a few years away from the sesquicentennial and that will be a great thing.
Graeters – Polaris
8749 Sancus Blvd
Columbus, OH 43222
614-396-7541
CMH Gourmand - Eating in Columbus & Ohio 