City Barbeque, an award-winning barbeque restaurant chain founded in the Columbus Region, has announced plans to expand its operations in Dublin, Ohio, creating 35 new jobs and investing nearly $1 million. The company will hire for multiple positions including marketing, operations, accounting, IT, sales and customer support.
City Barbeque’s existing operations at 6175 Emerald Parkway currently employ 47 full-time employees. While maintaining its existing office, the company will use this new investment to expand into a new 16,000-square-foot facility at 5168 Blazer Parkway to accommodate its continued growth across the country. The facility will include the addition of research and development for City Barbeque, as well as a new training facility and test kitchen.
“Our ongoing success and ambitious growth strategy cannot be met without the talented team at our Dublin support center,” said City Barbeque founder and CEO Rick Malir. “We’re doubling down in Dublin and continuing our growth here because we are confident the support we’ve received and the talent that’s available will help us as we strive toward the future.”
Founded in 1999, City Barbeque was originally a catering operation in Rick Malir’s Dublin home. The company’s first restaurant is located on Henderson Road in Upper Arlington and has since grown to 43 company-owned restaurants across seven states.
“The company’s continued investment in our community is an important component to local job creation and a testament to the strength of Dublin as a desirable location for corporate headquarters to grow and thrive,” said the City of Dublin’s Director of Economic Development Colleen Gilger.
The Columbus Region is home to 196 food and beverage establishments that together generate $2.2 billion in annual economic output. The Region is also a top choice for company headquarters, including fast food giants like Wendy’s and White Castle, as well as 14 Fortune 1000 companies and several Fortune 500 companies. Franklin County is home to more than 1.2 million residents, making it the most populous county in Ohio.
“City Barbeque has called Dublin home for two decades, and it is a fantastic example of how businesses can start up and grow in the Columbus Region,” said JobsOhio Director of Food and Agribusiness Joe Needham. “This expansion will bring 35 new jobs and support City Barbeque restaurants that are feeding satisfied customers in seven different states.”