Jars can feel claustrophobic, but the new Beet Jar location has plenty of room to breathe. The Ohio City eatery went from a small, DIY, counter-only shop that opened in 2014 to, one decade later, a 1400-square-foot sophisticated restaurant on Detroit Avenue that’s about three times the size of the original.
The new Beet Jar takes over the former Grocery space inside the Quarter apartment building, located at 2600 Detroit Ave.
On the eating end, the new kitchen space now allows Beet Jar to offer hot food. Popular items on the fall menu include red curry tofu soup (small $6, large $18), a hot chopped cheese sandwich ($14) and avocado za’atar toast ($7). A particularly popular special is Beet Jar’s new big beat burger ($14) (“a vegan Big Mac,” according to co-owner Joseph Joseph). The restaurant’s plan is to offer a weekly burger night starting in November.
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Joseph has realized that while the larger location brings excitement, it also brings a more profound commitment to the craft. To him, the new location is more than just food — it's also about the atmosphere and creating a good time for the customers.
“It means we have a larger responsibility, not only to make great food and drinks but also to give customers a good time and sensory experience hanging out in our curated space,” Joseph says.
The vegan shop has always had a clean design with no kitschy clutter. To the co-owners, Joseph and Molly Pamela McKay, white space in between shop offerings is as important as the art placement, retail display and the music that feels the background.
“Our approach to running a small business has always been artistic. More about the negative space and the ghost notes,” Joseph explains.
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McKay and Joseph knew they needed custom-built furniture to curate the space. William Sabetta of Working Days Studio led the project, installing unique, striking benches and tables in the space for diners to enjoy their meals.
Even with all the newness, Joseph says that Beet Jar classics, like the signature "Bravocado" sandwich ($13), are still awe-inspiring to new customers.
“We’re not just here for vegans,” Joseph says. “It’s everyday food for everyday people.”
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See more photos of Beet Jar's new location below:
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