October 2021 – City of Gahanna Ohio

Small Business Model: Consider the Pitabilities

October 29, 2021/in Business Spotlight, News /by Chaney Shaner

Pitabilities – Taste of Gahanna

Owner – Jim Pashovich – jim@pitabilities.com

In February 2020, Pitabilities moved its headquarters to 689 Cross Pointe Road in Gahanna just as a global pandemic was taking hold. Although the pandemic placed wide-ranging hardships upon food truck businesses like Pitabilities, the company is still growing and hiring.

Pitabilities, a Mediterranean food company that serves fresh, pita-based meals, is participating in the 24th Annual Taste of Gahanna that runs through November 11. A $130 value of food vouchers can be purchased from the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce for only $75 at gahannaareachamber.com/taste-of-gahanna.

“My leadership style has changed throughout COVID,” shared Owner Jim Pashovich. “I care about my people even more, and I will really do anything I can to help them. I will even give a cash advance if my workers need it. My first core value is that we are all family here.”

Pashovich started Pitabilities in 2011 and runs a second location in Hilliard. The company boasts a crew of 35 with four food trucks. Nearly 90 percent of new hires are from quality employee referrals. To build morale, the crew meets quarterly to discuss new ideas along with ongoing issues. Additionally, crew members who go above and beyond are awarded with a surprise bonus for maintaining a positive attitude when asked to do more.

“Employee tips average from $5 to $7 per hour, meaning that total hourly income can reach $20 per hour. Overall, I just want to foster a fun place to work. Food trucks are great because you are constantly moving – seeing new places and meeting new faces,” exclaimed Pashovich.

General Manager Brian T. shared, “I really respect Jim and what he has built for himself. He’s a great person to bounce creative ideas off of, and we’ve even had some great times this past year despite all the stresses of COVID. It’s great to work at Pitabilities in Gahanna, because I am in walking distance of many other great businesses also on Cross Pointe Road, including Heart State Brewing Co. and Simple Times Mixers.”

Company goals include opening a sit-down café within its headquarters, launching a revamped online workforce development program to include video training, and long-term planning for space expansion.

“I really wanted to work in the food industry because I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandma when I was growing up,” said team member Khalil S. “Jim really helps you with everything, and the company has the same family feel that I experienced as a child. As a company team, we address issues together, and our food company is well run and put together. It’s inspiring to work here, because one day I want to start my own food company and pass that along to my kids.”

To learn more, visit the Pitabilities website at https://www.pitabilities.com/ .

Public Hearing Notice: ORD-0066-2021

October 28, 2021/in News /by Chaney Shaner

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Council Chambers 200 S. Hamilton Rd. Gahanna, OH 43230

Monday, December 6, 2021

7:00 p.m.

ORD-0066-2021 ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 198-96 ON NOVEMBER 19, 1996 AND AS SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED: Changing the Zoning District

of a 1.59 +/- acre parcel located at 5847 & 5875 Taylor Rd.; PID#s 025-000110 & 025-013635 from Office, Commerce and Technology (OCT) District; to Two-Family Residential (MR-1) District; VRGII, Jordan Fromm, applicant.

*Posted on 10/19/21

** Recommendation submitted to City Council on 10/19/21

COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE for ORD-0066-2021

Gahanna PD October Community Report

October 26, 2021/in News /by Chaney Shaner

The Gahanna Division of Police has been busy! Check out the most recent edition of the Gahanna Division of Police Monthly Community Report for updates HERE.

Dye Testing: What You Should Know

October 25, 2021/in News /by Chaney Shaner

Dye Testing: What You Should Know

Beginning Monday, October 25, our ongoing Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES) will continue with the next phase of testing; dye testing. Dye testing of sewers will take place within the area indicated on the attached map. This dye testing will not impact the water or sewer service of any resident. As a result of the dye testing in storm sewers, there may be discoloration in the water being discharged into the section of the stream that starts near the intersection of Agler Road/Imperial Drive, and end at Big Walnut Creek, just a short distance from the City pool (Gahanna Swimming Pool). The dye used is safe and does not have any negative environmental impact.

Map of dye testing area: STORM-EmpireDr&RegentsRd

Casa Hacienda: Traditional Menu Favorites & a Strong Team

October 18, 2021/in Business Spotlight /by Chaney Shaner

Since 2015, Cynthia Fletes Flores and her husband Guadalupe Virgen have owned and operated Casa Hacienda Grill (1356 N. Hamilton Road). The restaurant’s glowing interior is the picture-perfect setting to savor a variety of Latin American dishes, including the ever-popular carne asada burrito and burrito telcome.

“The pandemic really challenged my team like never before. Yet, my employees stepped up to help one another, sometimes without even being asked. They just know how to look out for one another,” shared Fletes Flores.

The restaurant is operated by a 15-member crew. Handmade dishes prepared here include street tacos, seafood molcajete, and the name-brand carnitas Casa Hacienda, a combination of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and other fresh ingredients.

“I am so happy with my employees. I train every employee to understand how to perform all duties, not just their main function. This really builds morale and cohesiveness among my crew,” said Fletes Flores.

Server Ethan has relished working with this family at Casa Hacienda Grill.

“For me, you can gain experience here that’s not widely available for a lot of young people, especially when it comes to performing all the roles required in a restaurant – from customer service to cooking and cleaning. Serving others only helps to improve yourself,” he said.

This year, the Ohio Department of Development launched several business support initiatives, including the Food and Beverage Establishment Grant and the Ohio Micro-Enterprise Loan Program, both of which sparked Fletes Flores’ attention.

“It’s really important to take advantage of all the programs available to help businesses. Last year I was granted Paycheck Protection Program funds, and this year I am grateful to learn about state-level support programs through the City of Gahanna,” exclaimed Fletes Flores.

To learn more about Casa Hacienda, visit https://www.casahaciendaohio.com/ .

Barrel & Boar: A Creekside Favorite for Fare & Crew

October 11, 2021/in Business Spotlight /by Chaney Shaner

For over five years, Creekside’s Barrel and Boar BBQ GastroPub (121 Mill St.) has cultivated a loyal following. Craft cocktails, mouth-watering country fare, live entertainment, and a rustic atmosphere that overlooks the nearby fountain have made this restaurant a strong anchor for Gahanna.

Barrel and Boar was awarded the Gahanna Restaurant of the Year in 2020 by the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce (GACC). A large part of the restaurant’s success is due to its hardworking team.

“Everyone here genuinely enjoys each other’s company. We are a family, so we can speak up with one another and hold each other accountable so that we can all be the best that we can be,” shared General Manager Brandon Ferguson.

The B&B team is participating in the 24th Annual Taste of Gahanna that runs through November 11, 2021. As part of the fundraiser, a ticket for $130 value of food vouchers can be purchased from GACC for only $75 at gahannaareachamber.com/taste-of-gahanna.

The Barrel and Boar BBQ Gastropub hosts live music each Friday and Saturday evening and accepts online ordering through its website.

Headley Parks Gets NEW Playground

October 6, 2021/in News /by Chaney Shaner

Headley Park (1031 Challis Springs Dr.) is getting a NEW playground! The existing playground will be closed beginning Oct. 6, for six weeks while the new equipment is installed.

101 Beer Kitchen: Seasonal Fare & a Motivated Staff

October 5, 2021/in Uncategorized /by Chaney Shaner

101 Beer Kitchen, owned and operated by Jess and Thad Kittrell, is known for its seasonal menus that pair perfectly with a vast array of craft beers. Fall favorites include butternut squash perogies, butternut squash soup, fall grilled cheese and soup and brown butter gnocchi with mushrooms, among other great dishes.

Gahanna’s 101 Beer Kitchen (397 Stoneridge Lane) is participating in the 24th Annual Taste of Gahanna that runs through November 11, 2021. A $130 value of food vouchers can be purchased from the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce for only $75 at gahannaareachamber.com/taste-of-gahanna.

“I practice servant leadership that is rooted in leading by example. My own crew keeps me motivated, and I stay inspired by listening to podcasts and audio books about business and innovation,” shared owner Jess Kittrell, who has given speeches to Gahanna Lincoln High School students about career planning.

Operated by a crew of 45 food and beer enthusiasts, 101 Beer Kitchen provides hands-on training events in partnership with its local brewery vendors. To retain a motivated crew, employee bonuses are awarded not only for providing new employee referrals, but they are also given for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We set-up a clinic for all employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19. We made sure everyone could get vaccinated and that all shifts were covered. This program worked out very well,” explained Kittrell.

After each shift, the crew gathers at one table to share a complimentary meal and drink, helping the team to build family-like relationships on a more personal level.

“I love working with 14- and 15-year-old students,” exclaimed Kittrell. “They have such a spark for working in the food industry. It’s great to harness their passion as they perform beginner duties in the kitchen and service floor before eventually working their way up to managerial positions. There are so many multi-faceted jobs in the restaurant industry, from financial analyst to marketing.”

Bar Manager Cameron H. first started as a busser. “I worked my way up to bar manager after first honing my skills as a server and bartender,” said Cameron. “I learned how to go above and beyond for everyone while training under my first general manager, Erin. She taught me how to be a great leader, and I’m so grateful for her mentorship in this wonderful work environment.”

101 Beer Kitchen has four crew positions open, including two servers, one server assistant, and one host. To apply for a job, plan a visit, or order a meal, please visit https://www.101beerkitchen.com/ or stop by the restaurant at 397 Stoneridge Lane.

2021 General Election Info

October 1, 2021/in News /by Chaney Shaner

This year’s general election will be held Tuesday, November 2, but early voting starts Tuesday, October 5.

To look up your voter registration, go to the Franklin County Board of Elections website HERE.

Questions?

Where can I vote? How does early voting work? How do I request an absentee ballot?

Find out more HERE.

Proposed City Charter Changes

The Charter Review Commission convenes every five years to review the municipal charter and recommends amendments, if any, to Council. Any change to the City Charter must then be approved by Gahanna voters. Earlier this year, the Charter Review Commission recommended seven changes, which will appear on the ballot for the General Election held on November 2.