Downtown Columbia City continues to grow, and one of its favorite local restaurants is growing right along with it.
On June 26, 2026, 1897 BBQ officially celebrated the grand reopening of its new location at 301 W. Van Buren Street, marking an exciting milestone for the locally owned restaurant. The move into the former Van Buren Event Center reflects the incredible support the business has received from the Columbia City community since opening.
According to the owners, the decision to relocate came from a great problem to have—they simply outgrew their original space.
“Due to the strong support we’ve received from the community, we’ve outgrown our space! To better serve the community, we’re going to have more space at our new location.”
The larger building allows 1897 BBQ to welcome more guests while creating new opportunities for events, entertainment, and community gatherings. It’s another example of a downtown business investing in Columbia City’s future while continuing to serve the customers who helped make its success possible.
A Grand Reopening Celebration
The grand reopening wasn’t just about opening the doors to a new building—it was a celebration.
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with food, music, and fun, including Jindo Music Bingo, an interactive music bingo game played from guests’ smartphones, followed by a performance from The Fabulous CRS Band. The new venue even features a dance floor, giving visitors another reason to spend an evening downtown enjoying live entertainment.
The celebration showcased what the new space makes possible: great barbecue paired with memorable experiences for families, friends, and visitors alike.
More Than Just More Space
The move represents more than a change of address. It demonstrates the strength of Columbia City’s small business community and the impact local support can have on helping businesses expand.
With additional seating, room for entertainment, and space for private events, 1897 BBQ is well-positioned to continue serving the community while offering even more reasons to visit downtown.
As downtown Columbia City continues to evolve, stories like this highlight the importance of shopping local and supporting the businesses that invest back into our community.
Congratulations to the team at 1897 BBQ on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to seeing their continued success at 301 W. Van Buren Street and wish them many years of great food, great music, and great memories in their new home.
