COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An investigation into an alleged assault has resulted in an arrest.
According to court documents, a man had exited his vehicle and was walking toward the entrance to a Mobile gas station on Cleveland Avenue in the North Linden neighborhood. Police say that’s when two people, a man and a woman, approached a man outside of the business and briefly spoke to him.
The man, who is 83 years old, entered the gas station store, and security video showed the two talking to each other, in what police believe was a manner of “planning something.” As the man left the store, the woman began talking to him and video showed the man pull out his wallet.
Columbus police fire probationary officer with ties to former officer guilty on federal chargesThe woman, identified as Shereese Howard, allegedly took the wallet and walked over to a Buick parked nearby and got in the rear driver’s side door. The victim attempted to open the door, which is when Harvey Wade reportedly got out of the car, walked around the man and suckerpunched him in the head.
The victim fell unconscious and the woman reportedly got out of the car to search through his pockets. Police said Wade and Howard then drove away, nearly running over the elderly man.
A witness drove the victim to meet with police officers. and he was to a hospital for treatment.
Wade and Howard have each been charged with robbery with an attempt to inflict serious harm. Howard was arrested Thursday and arraigned in Franklin County Municipal Court on Friday.
A warrant for Wade’s arrest was issued on Jan. 22, but he is not yet in custody.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A $14 million proposal to convert a former downtown Columbus church into a concert venue is moving forward.
The Downtown Commission approved on Tuesday the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts' plan to construct a new music hall in the building previously home to the Central Presbyterian Church at 132 S. Third St. The association purchased the property in 2012 and has long planned a major renovation of the church building. Watch a previous NBC4 report on CAPA's plan in the video player above.
Dublin City Schools cancels plan to buy Cardinal Health building for $37 million"Even back then, we realized that this would make a great space for a music hall," said CAPA President Chad Whittington last year when the plan was announced. "It's a gathering space just like our theaters are and so it was going to be a great transition for that."
Built in the 1860s, the church is listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties. CAPA's proposal calls for the main building to be preserved, including the church's stained-glass features and balconies. A back section of the church constructed in the 1920s will be demolished to make way for a new addition that will wrap around into the parking lot.
Whittington has boasted the future music hall's flexibility, given the space will have capabilities for standing-room-only shows, a dance floor and other offerings that CAPA's existing venues may not. This means the venue will be able to host weddings, corporate meetings and various community events.
New Hot Chicken Takeover owner closes central Ohio locationCAPA's venue will also feature a bar and two exterior walls left blank on the north and south sides of the building for murals painted by local artists. As part of an effort to diversify the type of musical acts CAPA is able to showcase, the space will prioritize local up-and-coming musicians.
"We have a lot of great bands that originate from Columbus," Jason Gay, CAPA vice president of operations, said last year. "They play the clubs here in Columbus, standing-room clubs that are sort of bar in their atmosphere. We would like this to be a stepping stone venue for them."
Since A&W Root Beer became the first American restaurant to franchise in 1925, the U.S.—not to mention the rest of the world—has been dominated by chains.
Iconic establishments like the now-defunct Howard Johnson's trained customers to look toward its distinctive orange roofs for consistency and comfort, while McDonald's revolutionized the industry with its focus on speed and affordability.
Over the years, chains have had a tremendous influence on American culture, from Little Caesars making takeout pizza accessible to families to Panda Express bringing Chinese American cuisine to the mainstream. It's no wonder so many of us feel connected to chain restaurants, which have had a notable impact on what and how we eat.
At the same time, the resilience of these destinations has been tested in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations across the industry, with staffing shortages and health restrictions causing some chains to close numerous locations or shut down entirely.
Inflation in 2024 made the situation even worse, driving up the cost of ingredients, labor, and rent while consumers—burdened by rising costs—scaled back on dining out. Even once-thriving chains like Boston Market and Subway have faced closures, underscoring the volatility of the current climate. Despite these hurdles, chain restaurants remain vital to American dining culture, offering familiarity in an ever-changing world.
Stacker analyzed 2024 Q3 data from YouGov to rank the 50 most popular chain restaurants in the U.S. The rating agency surveys people daily across various areas—such as culture, politics, and business—to determine what they like and dislike.
YouGov's overall positive opinion scores represent the percentage of people who responded positively out of those surveyed, further breaking scores down by generation—baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials. Keep reading to see if your favorite chain made the list.
#50. Dave & Buster's- Positive opinion score: 52%
-- Popularity among boomers: 34%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 57%
-- Popularity among millennials: 63%
Founded in Dallas in 1982, Dave & Buster's combines dining with arcades to create a uniquely entertaining experience. The chain, known for its expansive game rooms and American fare, now operates over 170 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Its menu includes burgers, pasta, and cocktails, while games range from classic arcade options to more recent virtual reality innovations. Dave & Buster's has expanded its digital presence by incorporating immersive gaming and hosting watch experiences.
#49. Boston Market- Positive opinion score: 52%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 56%
-- Popularity among millennials: 55%
Originally Boston Chicken, when it launched in 1985 in Newton, Massachusetts, Boston Market changed its name in 1995 after expanding its menu to include ribs, meatloaf, turkey, and a bevy of savory sides. This inexpensive rotisserie chicken chain once had nearly 350 locations across the United States, but has closed 95% of its restaurants since 2022, according to Restaurant Business. As of December 2024, only 16 locations remain.
#48. Panda Express- Positive opinion score: 53%
-- Popularity among boomers: 43%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 49%
-- Popularity among millennials: 58%
A subsidiary of the Panda Restaurant Group, Panda Express started in 1973 as a formal sit-down restaurant called Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. The restaurant's founders, father-and-son team Ming-Tsai Cherng and Andrew Cherng, crafted a menu of Mandarin and Sichuan dishes that filled a gap in the area's market. Their success allowed them to open a number of similar restaurants in the surrounding community.
In 1983, a year after Ming-Tsai's wife, Peggy Cherng, joined the company, the restaurant group opened a fast-food version of their restaurant in the Glendale Galleria, which they dubbed Panda Express. There are now more than 2,300 Panda Express restaurants.
#47. Starbucks- Positive opinion score: 54%
-- Popularity among boomers: 42%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 49%
-- Popularity among millennials: 65%
Starbucks has become synonymous with coffee, but it wasn't always so omnipresent. Founded in 1971 in Seattle as a small coffee bean shop, Starbucks had humble beginnings before expanding into a global coffeehouse chain under Howard Schultz's leadership in the 1980s.
Starbucks had over 38,000 locations worldwide as of December 2024, according to a report by Cafely. The brand, known for its specialty coffee drinks, teas, and seasonal beverages, emphasizes sustainability initiatives, such as reducing single-use plastics. However, it has faced recent challenges with inflation and controversy over the company's response to unionization efforts. Starbucks' headquarters remain in Seattle, where the original Pike Place store is still operating.
#46. White Castle- Positive opinion score: 54%
-- Popularity among boomers: 50%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 52%
-- Popularity among millennials: 55%
White Castle began in Wichita, Kansas, in 1921 and claims to be "the first fast-food hamburger chain in the world." The brand's focus on cleanliness, quality, and an affordable price point has been credited with convincing Americans that hamburgers—which had previously been viewed as an unsanitary and unsafe option—were good, healthy, and safe to eat.
The company, which has never franchised and wholly owns every location, currently operates 340 locations, primarily in the Midwest and the East Coast.
#45. Hardee's- Positive opinion score: 54%
-- Popularity among boomers: 50%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 48%
-- Popularity among millennials: 55%
Established in 1960 in Greenville, North Carolina, Hardee's quickly gained popularity for its charbroiled burgers and biscuits. The chain merged with Carl's Jr. in the '90s under the parent company CKE Restaurants, but the two brands maintain distinct regional identities. Hardee's operates over 1,800 locations, mostly in the Midwest and Southeast. Its menu features breakfast platters, burgers, and hand-breaded chicken sandwiches.
#44. Mrs. Fields- Positive opinion score: 54%
-- Popularity among boomers: 65%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 62%
-- Popularity among millennials: 51%
Debbi Fields founded Mrs. Fields in 1977 in Palo Alto, California. It started as a single cookie shop and expanded into a global franchise. The chain, often positioned in malls and airports, specializes in cookies, brownies, and other baked goods. Today, Mrs. Fields operates under Famous Brands International and continues to emphasize its commitment to high-quality ingredients and nostalgic treats.
#43. Hard Rock Café- Positive opinion score: 55%
-- Popularity among boomers: 53%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 52%
-- Popularity among millennials: 59%
Two Americans, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, just wanted a good burger in the U.K.; when they couldn't find one, they started their own company. What started as a small American-themed restaurant in London in 1971 has since turned into a megafranchise with over 300 cafés, shops, hotels, casinos, and performance venues all over the world.
The cafés are renowned for their extensive collections of rock 'n' roll memorabilia that hang on every free space in the restaurants, as well as regularly scheduled live concerts at many venues. The food generally consists of burgers, fries, sandwiches, steaks, and other American favorites.
#42. Jimmy John's- Positive opinion score: 55%
-- Popularity among boomers: 46%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 49%
-- Popularity among millennials: 64%
Jimmy John's was founded in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois, by Jimmy John Liautaud. It originally served just four sandwiches, but its focus on fresh ingredients and quick service helped the restaurant expand. The chain now boasts over 2,600 U.S. locations and is known for its "freaky fast" rewards and customizable menu of sandwiches.
In 2019, Jimmy John's became part of Inspire Brands, which owns Arby's and Dunkin'. It remains a favorite among the sandwich chains for its continued promise of fresh bread and premium deli meats.
#41. LongHorn Steakhouse- Positive opinion score: 55%
-- Popularity among boomers: 62%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 55%
-- Popularity among millennials: 53%
First opened in 1981 in Atlanta as LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon, LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual dining steak joint with more than 520 locations around the United States. The chain is owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, whose portfolio includes Olive Garden, Yard House, and The Capital Grille. Known for its steaks, LongHorn Steakhouse also serves burgers, sandwiches, ribs, chicken, and fish.
#40. A&W Restaurants- Positive opinion score: 56%
-- Popularity among boomers: 63%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 54%
-- Popularity among millennials: 53%
This fast-food chain began in 1919 as a root beer stand in California. With the advent of Prohibition in the 1920s, A&W played on the name "root beer" to attract alcohol drinkers to its establishment. The root beer was so popular that the company began selling the drink in bottles and cans in 1971.
Today, A&W is still famous for that draft-style root beer, along with decadent root beer floats and sizzling burgers. The company has locations across the globe and is part of a conglomerate that includes Dr Pepper, Snapple, and 7 Up.
#39. Waffle House- Positive opinion score: 56%
-- Popularity among boomers: 53%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 43%
-- Popularity among millennials: 64%
Waffle House is one of the biggest franchises in the United States, consisting of more than 1,900 locations across 25 states. The first Waffle House launched in Avondale Estates, Georgia, where partners Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened their restaurant on Labor Day of 1955. Every Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and serves reasonably priced waffles, as well as omelets, melts, steak and eggs, burgers, and sandwiches.
#38. Denny's- Positive opinion score: 56%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 62%
-- Popularity among millennials: 55%
Harold Butler and Richard Jezak opened a donut stand in 1953 called Danny's Donuts, aiming to serve the best coffee and donuts 24 hours a day. The name became Denny's Coffee Shops in 1959 and finally Denny's in 1961. Since then, the breakfast joint—still open 24 hours daily—has expanded with more than 1,500 restaurants globally.
Denny's is typically known for its diner-style ambiance and breakfast items, but the restaurant also serves burgers, steak, and other American fare throughout the day (and night).
#37. In-N-Out Burger- Positive opinion score: 57%
-- Popularity among boomers: 47%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 54%
-- Popularity among millennials: 62%
Harry and Esther Snyder founded the West Coast legend In-N-Out Burger in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, where it was the first drive-thru concept in the region. The chain, known for its simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes, has a cult following, particularly in California.
With over 400 locations, it remains family-owned and has resisted franchising to maintain quality control. In-N-Out is also famous for its "secret menu" (no longer much of a secret) and commitment to fresh ingredients.
#36. TGI Friday's- Positive opinion score: 57%
-- Popularity among boomers: 50%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 64%
-- Popularity among millennials: 56%
TGI Friday's began as a cocktail bar that catered to single folks on New York City's Upper East Side. Alan Stillman opened the first location in 1965, and it was an instant success. Two years later, Stillman began franchising, and it was those early suburban locations—which focused on food and a family atmosphere rather than being a place for 20-somethings—that transformed it into the diner-style restaurant it is today.
TGI Friday's has faced its fair share of hardships in recent years, leading to mass closures. According to its store locator, just 136 locations remain in the United States as of January 2025.
#35. Buffalo Wild Wings- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 44%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 58%
-- Popularity among millennials: 60%
After moving to Ohio from Buffalo, New York, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery were hankering for Buffalo-style wings—only to discover nowhere to satiate their craving existed. The pair opened their restaurant in 1982, and Buffalo Wild Wings has since become an international craze with over 1,300 U.S. locations and more across the globe. The restaurant is known for its wings, naturally, but it's also a sports bar serving sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and beer.
#34. Red Lobster- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 54%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 52%
-- Popularity among millennials: 61%
Bill Darden started Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida, in 1968 with a single restaurant. Today, there are more than 700 Red Lobster joints around the world. Red Lobster is a family-friendly restaurant with a mission to bring inexpensive seafood to the masses. The menu always includes a fresh catch of the day, in addition to lobster, shrimp, steaks, and sides.
Darden went on to found the highly successful Darden Restaurants group, with Red Lobster as the foundational restaurant, but the conglomerate sold the seafood chain in 2014 to Golden Gate Capital, which also owns Bob Evans, California Pizza Kitchen, and On the Border.
#33. Jersey Mike's Subs- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 53%
-- Popularity among millennials: 58%
The original Jersey Mike's Subs opened in a popular Jersey Shore town, Point Pleasant, in 1956. In 1971, 17-year-old high school student and Jersey Mike's employee Peter Cancro bought the stand-alone restaurant from its aging founder. After opening a handful of outlets in the area, he began franchising in 1987.
Today, there are close to 3,000 Jersey Mike's restaurants in the United States, but the brand has been expanding internationally. In January 2024, Jersey Mike's announced a major expansion in Canada.
#32. Chipotle Mexican Grill- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 51%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 57%
-- Popularity among millennials: 62%
Based in Denver, Chipotle serves food with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The burrito and bowl spot has been going strong since 1993, now with more than 3,500 locations throughout the country. The owners chose not to franchise the business, believing instead that holding ownership allows them to set the tone for their employees and better control the quality of their ingredients. McDonald's was an early and major investor, but has since divested entirely.
#31. Little Caesars- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 52%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 57%
-- Popularity among millennials: 59%
Married couple Mike and Marian Ilitch started Little Caesars in Michigan in 1959. Today, it is one of the biggest pizza chains in the United States. The company truly took off in 1979 when it coined its famous phrase "Pizza! Pizza!" and started selling two pizzas for the price of one. Today, Little Caesars is the third-largest pizza chain in the world, with thousands of global locations, and it's just as well-known for its sit-down restaurants as it is for delivery and carry-out.
#30. McDonald's- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 52%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 55%
-- Popularity among millennials: 63%
Though Ray Kroc is credited with the meteoric rise of McDonald's around the world, Richard and Maurice "Mac" McDonald started the fast-food burger joint in San Bernardino, California. After eating at the restaurant, Kroc was so impressed that he started franchising and bought the exclusive rights to McDonald's in 1961.
The fast-food chain—known for burgers, fries, and drive-thrus—is one of the most recognizable brands on the planet, with over 40,000 restaurants and billions of dollars in sales.
#29. Red Robin- Positive opinion score: 58%
-- Popularity among boomers: 54%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 54%
-- Popularity among millennials: 66%
Founded in Seattle in the 1940s, the restaurant's original name was Sam's Tavern before being renamed Sam's Red Robin—and it had just one location. That all changed when Gerry Kingen bought the restaurant in 1969 and began rapidly expanding across the country, dropping the "Sam's" from the name. There are more than 500 Red Robin restaurants today, which are considered casual dining spots with American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers.
#28. Papa John's- Positive opinion score: 59%
-- Popularity among boomers: 50%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 63%
-- Popularity among millennials: 55%
Although founder John Schnatter was ousted as CEO over his controversial comments on the NFL in 2017, this franchise is still going strong with close to 6,000 locations globally. Papa John's was founded by Schnatter in 1984. It is known for its signature garlic dipping sauce that distinguishes it from other popular pizza delivery chains, like Domino's and Pizza Hut.
#27. Outback Steakhouse- Positive opinion score: 59%
-- Popularity among boomers: 63%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 66%
-- Popularity among millennials: 52%
Despite its name, Outback Steakhouse is merely an Australian-inspired steak restaurant; it got its start in 1988 in Tampa, Florida. The restaurant differentiated itself by providing top-quality steaks at reasonable prices, placing it between low-end establishments and high-end steak joints.
The family-friendly establishment is known for steaks, of course, but also creative delicacies like the Bloomin' Onion, Kookaburra Wings, Sydney 'Shrooms, and other Aussie-themed items.
#26. Five Guys- Positive opinion score: 60%
-- Popularity among boomers: 48%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 55%
-- Popularity among millennials: 61%
The name Five Guys derives from founders Jerry Murrell and his four sons, Ben, Jim, Chad, and Matt. The family-owned business started in the Washington D.C. area in 1986 and has since expanded to over 1,600 locations in the United States and around the world.
Five Guys is a fast-casual chain known for its burgers, hot dogs, and fries, but true fans of the establishment are familiar with its secret menu. It includes favorites like the patty melt, double-grilled cheeseburger, or the Presidential, so-named for former President Barack Obama's special order: a cheeseburger with jalapeño peppers, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
#25. Applebee's- Positive opinion score: 60%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 59%
-- Popularity among millennials: 61%
Applebee's was founded in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia, as a casual dining restaurant offering American classics. Its mouthful of a name, T.J. Applebee's Rx for Edibles & Elixirs, has thankfully since been shortened. Now owned by Dine Brands Global—which also owns IHOP—the chain operates over 1,500 locations worldwide. Applebee's menu includes burgers, pasta, ribs, and signature cocktails, though it may be best known for its "riblets."
#24. Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits- Positive opinion score: 61%
-- Popularity among boomers: 60%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 63%
-- Popularity among millennials: 63%
"Love that chicken" from Popeyes? You're not alone. The restaurant was founded in 1972 in New Orleans by Alvin Copeland, with an emphasis on Southern-inspired fried chicken and Cajun flavors. Originally named Chicken on the Run, the chain operates over 4,000 locations globally.
The menu features its signature fried chicken, spicy chicken sandwich, and red beans and rice. Popeyes gained significant attention for its chicken sandwich, sparking a "chicken sandwich war" among fast-food competitors.
#23. Cracker Barrel- Positive opinion score: 61%
-- Popularity among boomers: 69%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 57%
-- Popularity among millennials: 57%
With a Southern country ethos centered on warm hospitality and home-style food, Cracker Barrel has been a roadside staple since 1969. The part-restaurant, part-gift shop got its start in Tennessee as a family-friendly, sit-down establishment. There are now more than 650 Cracker Barrels around the country, and they can usually be found close to highways, as they're known to attract long-haul commuters with comfort food and general stores.
#22. IHOP- Positive opinion score: 61%
-- Popularity among boomers: 63%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 59%
-- Popularity among millennials: 65%
IHOP has been an American breakfast staple since it opened in 1958. The shortened name—from International House of Pancakes—was coined 15 years later and is now the company's official name.
Serving pancakes at more than 1,750 restaurants around the world, IHOP is a family-friendly enterprise known for clever branding and iconic menu items like the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes and the Signature Pancake Sliders. It started as a breakfast-only eatery, but the restaurants have sandwiches, burgers, and other lunch and dinner items today.
#21. Panera Bread- Positive opinion score: 61%
-- Popularity among boomers: 64%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 59%
-- Popularity among millennials: 61%
Panera Bread started as the St. Louis Bread Company in Missouri in 1987. When Au Bon Pain purchased it in 1993, the name changed to Panera. The fast-casual, sit-down restaurant is famous for its freshly baked bread, sandwiches, and various pastries, soups, and salads. Panera has over 2,200 U.S. locations, and today, it's part of JAB Holding Company, a European group whose portfolio also includes Pret A Manger, Peet's Coffee, and Krispy Kreme.
#20. Taco Bell- Positive opinion score: 62%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 54%
-- Popularity among millennials: 70%
Founded by Glen Bell in San Bernardino, California, Taco Bell has its roots in a stand called Bell's Drive-In and Taco Tia. The first Taco Bell opened in 1962 in Downey, California, and Bell began franchising outlets around Los Angeles and beyond.
The fast-food Mexican chain became one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, and there are now more than 8,000 locations in the United States. Bell eventually sold his stake in Taco Bell to PepsiCo. It's now part of the Yum! Brands portfolio, which includes Pizza Hut and KFC.
#19. Cold Stone Creamery- Positive opinion score: 62%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 62%
-- Popularity among millennials: 68%
Cold Stone Creamery is an ice cream parlor chain where sugary treats are made to order. Cold Stone's specialty is mixing up flavors atop a 16-degree Fahrenheit granite slab with an eclectic choice of toppings. Cold Stone started in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona, and now has nearly 1,000 locations. Today, the company is owned by Kahala Brands, which also has Pinkberry, Baja Fresh, and Blimpie in its portfolio.
#18. Arby's- Positive opinion score: 63%
-- Popularity among boomers: 65%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 62%
-- Popularity among millennials: 65%
The name Arby's comes from founders Leroy and Forrest Raffel, known as the Raffel Brothers—or R.B. for short. The brothers were looking to start a fast-food franchise different from the popular burger chains. They landed on freshly sliced roast beef sandwiches. Arby's slogan, "We have the meats," still holds, as the sandwich shop serves an array of meat, including roast beef, turkey, brisket, and Italian deli meat subs.
#17. Chick-fil-A- Positive opinion score: 63%
-- Popularity among boomers: 59%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 67%
-- Popularity among millennials: 54%
Founded as The Dwarf Grill in 1946 outside Atlanta, Chick-fil-A is now a multibillion-dollar fast-food chain specializing in chicken sandwiches. The company's founder, S. Truett Cathy, was deeply religious, so Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays.
Even though there are more than 3,000 locations, Chick-fil-A is still owned and operated by the founding family, and the restaurant maintains consistency by selling the same chicken sandwiches, nuggets, strips, and wraps at all its locations.
#16. Pizza Hut- Positive opinion score: 63%
-- Popularity among boomers: 61%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 62%
-- Popularity among millennials: 65%
Known for its iconic red roofs, Pizza Hut is a sit-down restaurant, carry-out spot, and pizza delivery place. Founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, as a single outlet, there are close to 20,000 locations around the world. Pizza Hut is also famous for its pizza innovations, like stuffed crusts, the calzone-inspired P'Zone, and Dippin' Strips, which are pizza pieces that can be pulled off and dipped in sauce.
#15. Burger King- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 52%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 64%
-- Popularity among millennials: 70%
The McDonald brothers didn't just inspire the McDonald's franchise. After eating at the famed San Bernardino restaurant in the 1950s, Matthew Burns and Keith Kramer bought the rights to a grill called the Insta-Broiler and opened Insta-Burger King in Florida. The name changed to Burger King in 1954, and explosive growth continued.
James McLamore and David Edgerton were the first franchises. The pair, responsible for inventing the Whopper and introducing the flame-broiler, acquired the company in 1959. The chain went through several more owners before becoming part of the Restaurant Brands International portfolio. Burger King has around 20,000 locations globally and serves a variety of fast-food items, like charbroiled burgers, fries, chicken, and breakfast items.
#14. Subway- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 62%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 65%
-- Popularity among millennials: 66%
When nuclear physicist Peter Buck loaned 17-year-old Fred DeLuca $1,000 to open a sub sandwich shop in 1965, neither man could have imagined what would follow. The first store was in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and franchises began popping up soon after.
The official Subway name was first used in 1968; since then, the fast-food sandwich chain has grown to over 20,000 U.S. locations and thousands more abroad. Subway is known for its wide-ranging menu of sub sandwiches, but also sells salads, wraps, and some breakfast items.
#13. Sonic- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 58%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 58%
-- Popularity among millennials: 66%
When Sonic opened in Oklahoma in 1953, it was considered revolutionary for its ordering process. Customers could order through a speaker, and a worker would bring their food to them so they would never have to leave their cars.
The company still employs carhops (servers on skates) and there are now more than 3,500 establishments across the United States serving burgers, milkshakes, hot dogs, and fries. Sonic is part of the restaurant group Inspire Brands, which includes Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby's, and Baskin-Robbins.
#12. The Cheesecake Factory- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 64%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 65%
-- Popularity among millennials: 66%
Anyone who has ever eaten at The Cheesecake Factory knows the menu can be overwhelming, with its seemingly endless pages of food items. But the restaurant had humbler beginnings as a small salad and sandwich shop in Beverly Hills, California, with a variety of cheesecakes that all fit on a one-page menu.
Since its start in 1978, The Cheesecake Factory has grown into a family-friendly juggernaut with 348 outlets in the United States and Canada serving everything from soups, salads, and appetizers to pasta, sandwiches, and burgers—not to mention, of course, a vast number of cheesecakes to choose from.
#11. Domino's- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 55%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 60%
-- Popularity among millennials: 74%
Domino's Pizza used to be called DomiNick's, but the name was changed after brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought the restaurant with a $500 down payment and $900 they borrowed. Domino's was founded on delivering hot pizza to homes in a timely manner, and its meteoric success now equates to over 20,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. In addition to pizza, Domino's menu features made-to-order salads, sides, and sandwiches.
#10. Dunkin'- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 64%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 65%
-- Popularity among millennials: 64%
Formerly Dunkin' Donuts, Dunkin' is a coffee and donut shop founded by Bill Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. With the world's never-ending appetite for donuts, Dunkin' has since opened close to 10,000 U.S. locations. While donuts remain the specialty, the company's coffee also has countless fans, and the shops have expanded their menus to include sandwiches, wraps, and bagels.
#9. Chili's- Positive opinion score: 64%
-- Popularity among boomers: 63%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 59%
-- Popularity among millennials: 67%
After falling in love with chili cook-offs, Chili's Grill & Bar founder Larry Lavine opened his own restaurant in Texas to share that love with the world. From its start in 1975, Chili's concept was always a family-friendly, casual dining eatery at reasonable prices.
While that ethos remains to this day, the chain has become a surprisingly hip destination for younger customers. The sit-down restaurant is known for its burgers, fajitas, and a variety of American fare at more than 1,600 locations across the globe.
#8. KFC- Positive opinion score: 65%
-- Popularity among boomers: 63%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 66%
-- Popularity among millennials: 63%
The truth behind Kentucky Fried Chicken's secret recipe remains shrouded in mystery, but the fast-food chain is as popular as ever, opening its 30,000th outlet in 2024. Colonel Harland Sanders created KFC's famous fried chicken in 1939 and helped grow the company into the multibillion-dollar behemoth it is today. The restaurant is known for its buckets of fried chicken, along with sandwiches and sides that include mac and cheese, corn, green beans, and potatoes.
#7. Olive Garden- Positive opinion score: 65%
-- Popularity among boomers: 59%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 64%
-- Popularity among millennials: 67%
Olive Garden is a fast-casual Italian restaurant that caters to families looking for tasty pasta without breaking the bank. The company was founded in 1982 as General Mills' first original restaurant. It is famous for its menu specials like unlimited breadsticks, salads, and soups, along with its never-ending pasta bowls. Today, there are more than 900 Olive Garden locations where you can feel right at home, according to its "when you're here, you're family" slogan.
#6. Texas Roadhouse- Positive opinion score: 66%
-- Popularity among boomers: 65%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 74%
-- Popularity among millennials: 61%
Despite its name, Texas Roadhouse is a Western-themed steak joint that's headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and has its origins in Clarksville, Indiana. Opened by Wayne Kent Taylor in 1993, Texas Roadhouse now has more than 750 locations around the world—including in Texas. The family-friendly restaurant is known for its variety of hand-cut steaks, but it also offers chicken, sandwiches, burgers, and other American specialties.
#5. Krispy Kreme- Positive opinion score: 66%
-- Popularity among boomers: 68%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 66%
-- Popularity among millennials: 63%
The secret to Krispy Kreme's fluffy donuts lies in a recipe that Vernon Rudolph bought in 1937 from a New Orleans chef. Since then, the wafting scent of Krispy Kreme's addictive donuts has tempted customers around the globe.
There are more than 350 Krispy Kreme donut shops in the United States and hundreds more worldwide. They all provide customers with favorites like the original glazed and strawberry-filled donuts, as well as seasonal flavors and special partnerships. Pop-Tart donuts, anyone?
#4. Baskin-Robbins- Positive opinion score: 66%
-- Popularity among boomers: 78%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 72%
-- Popularity among millennials: 65%
Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins were brothers-in-law who wanted to open an ice cream shop where families could gather to enjoy tasty treats. Though they originally opened separate stores, the men eventually combined their powers to form Baskin-Robbins, which boasts 31 ice cream flavors. Today, there are nearly 8,000 locations globally, and Baskin-Robbins is part of Inspire Brands, which also owns Dunkin'.
#3. Cinnabon- Positive opinion score: 68%
-- Popularity among boomers: 68%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 66%
-- Popularity among millennials: 69%
Cinnabon's mission was to create the world's greatest cinnamon roll, and if the level of success the company has achieved is any indication, it might just have pulled that off. The cinnamon roll shop started in Seattle in 1985 and has grown to over 1,800 locations around the world.
Cinnabon is more of a bakery than a sit-down restaurant, now serving a variety of cinnamon treats in addition to its famous rolls. Today, Cinnabon is owned by GoTo Foods, which also has Auntie Anne's, Carvel, and Jamba in its portfolio.
#2. Wendy's- Positive opinion score: 69%
-- Popularity among boomers: 71%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 68%
-- Popularity among millennials: 63%
Named after founder Dave Thomas' daughter Melinda Lou "Wendy" Thomas, Wendy's opened in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. Known for its square-shaped burger patties, Wendy's was one of the first of the big chains to adopt a drive-thru window.
The fast-food destination's popularity has been boosted by its creative advertising campaigns, such as its iconic 1984 "Where's the Beef?" ad. Today, more than 7,000 locations around the world serve the same square-shaped burgers, fries, baked potatoes, and Frostys.
#1. Dairy Queen- Positive opinion score: 72%
-- Popularity among boomers: 81%
-- Popularity among Gen X: 71%
-- Popularity among millennials: 68%
The first Dairy Queen store opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, after co-founder John Fremont McCullough developed a formula for soft-serve ice cream—and the brand has been expanding ever since. Dairy Queen is famous for inventions like the Peanut Buster Parfait and the Blizzard.
The chain is more than just an ice cream shop in recent decades. It also serves burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries. There are more than 5,700 Dairy Queen locations worldwide, and the brand's popularity shows no sign of slowing down.
Data reporting by Wade Zhou. Additional writing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Story editing by Louis Peitzman. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.
MARION, Ohio (WCMH) -- Marion City Police said two people were hospitalized early Saturday morning with gunshot wounds after an unknown incident.
Police said they received a call about a disturbance in the 400 block of Lynn Drive shortly before 2:30 a.m. Officers said the caller hung up before providing any more details, but minutes later, police received word that a shooting victim was being driven to a local hospital, and another victim was laying in Lynn Drive.
Police said they responded to the scene and found a 34-year-old man in the street with gunshot wounds. Police also located the other shooting victim at the hospital and identified him as a 19-year-old man. Police said both men were eventually transported to Columbus hospitals, and the condition of both men was unknown.
Police did arrest and identify a suspect in custody. They said Devin Bonney, 22, of Marion was arrested and held on felonious assault charges. The investigation is ongoing.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – While driving in the dark, many motorists have experienced being blinded by the headlights of an oncoming car.
The Ohio Revised Code and federal guidelines shed some light on what is legal when it comes to headlight brightness, as well as colors of headlamps and potential car accessories such as Christmas lights.
Ohio’s headlight standardsOhio’s law regarding headlights requires a car’s high beams to be bright enough to reveal a person or vehicle at least 350 feet away, and a car’s low beam headlights to be bright enough to reveal at least 100 feet ahead. The law also requires drivers to turn off their high beams when approaching another vehicle.
“Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver,” the Ohio Revised Code states.
While a specific maximum brightness for headlights is not specified in Ohio law, the United States Department of Transportation sets federal guidelines followed by all states.
The USDOT requires the intensity of headlights to sit between 500 and 3,000 candelas. A candela is a unit of measurement for the intensity of light that’s pointed in a specific direction, with one candela roughly emitting the same brightness as one lit candle.
Federal guidelines do allow LED lights if the car came that way from its manufacturer, but they are not approved as replacement bulbs. LED lights typically emit a whiter and brighter light than other kinds of headlights. Once again, LED headlights cannot exceed the federal standard of 3,000 candelas.
The USDOT and Society of Automotive Engineers certify what headlights are legal; as long as a headlight is labeled DOT or SAE approved, they are legal in all states.
Other rules regarding headlights in Ohio law include that front-facing headlights, excluding turn signals, spot lights and auxiliary lights, must be white or amber. Cars are permitted to have one spotlight that does not light more than 100 feet in front of the vehicle. Vehicles may also have no more than three auxiliary lights mounted on its frontside.
The state law also mandates drivers have their headlights on from sunset to sunrise, as well as anytime their windshield wipers are in use.
Are Christmas lights allowed on cars?While there is not a specific state law banning Christmas lights on cars, the type of lights and way they are distributed could violate certain sections of the Ohio Revised Code.
Vehicles cannot have “more than five lights” on the front of the car that are lit at the same time when driving on a highway. The Ohio Revised Code also prohibits flashing lights on vehicles, outside of turn signals and hazards, and excluding emergency vehicles as well as school buses.
Red and blue lights are also not allowed on cars except those used by law enforcement. To abide by the law, Christmas lights also cannot interfere with the visibility of headlights, tail lights or turn signals.
In Ohio, if an officer has “reasonable suspicion” someone has committed a crime, even a minor traffic offense, they are allowed to pull that person over. In most instances, those who violate headlight or other vehicle lighting guidelines in Ohio are guilty of a minor misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of a fine of up to $150.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An unidentified victim is fighting for their life in an area hospital after being struck by a vehicle on Morse Road Friday night.
According to Columbus Police, an adult was crossing Morse Road west of Northtowne Boulevard around 10:50 p.m. Friday night. Police said an unknown vehicle traveling westbound struck the pedestrian and fled the scene without stopping.
The pedestrian was initially transported to a local hospital in stable condition, but police said their condition worsened quickly to "life-threatening."
The Accident Investigation Unit is still investigating. Anyone with knowledge of the unknown driver or vehicle is asked to call police at 614-645-4767, or report anonymously at 614-461-8477.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in critical condition following a shooting on Columbus' northeast side late Friday evening.
Columbus police were called to the 2000 block of East 5th Ave around 11:31 p.m. When police arrived they found one person suffering from a gunshot wound. According to police dispatchers, the victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Police say there is no suspect information at this time and the incident is still under investigation.
GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) -- The City of Gahanna promotes runner and walker safety this weekend at the 'Walk for Women' event.
Organizers we spoke with say it’s all about coming together as a community and taking a stand against the random acts of violence that happen to women who are runners and walkers.
“This weekend's events are going to be an opportunity to bring the entire community together to really celebrate and make sure that everyone knows how much we prioritize safety,” said Gahanna City Council President Merisa Bowers.
The event is called ‘Walk for Women.’ The idea is to ensure that every woman can use shared pathways, sidewalks, and roads without fear. It’s a joint effort between the Gahanna police, the city council, and Visit Gahanna.
“I think that it shows that we can come together as a community,” said Bowers.
In November, a woman was walking on a trail near the Gahanna swimming pool when a masked man pointed a gun at her. Gahanna police say the woman ran away from the man after multiple attempts to kidnap her.
The suspect was later charged with kidnapping, abduction, attempted felony, and carrying a loaded weapon. Gahanna City Council President Merisa Bowers said that after this happened, the idea of the ‘Walk for Women’ event started to come together.
“While our police responded promptly to ensure the safety of the community, there was still, I think, residual concern by many women who use this trail,” said Bowers, “I think the best things that we can do as a community are to ensure that there are eyes and ears around and that we're supporting each other.”
Three events are happening this weekend and the first starts Saturday at 10 a.m. It’s being led by Gahanna police and Second Sole, a store that supports runners and walkers. They’ll be talking about ways to stay safe while you’re outside exercising.
“We're going to empower people through knowledge and camaraderie so that you can have better experiences when you're out there and feel more comfortable,” said Gahanna police officer Blair Thomas.
What makes Columbus' priciest suburbs so expensiveSaturday’s event is centered around runner and walker safety tips.
“A couple of safety tips people can keep in mind is not running or walking at the same time, the same location every day,” said Officer Thomas.
Two events are happening on Sunday. The first is the walk on the Big Walnut trail, following that people are invited to go to a local health and wellness center for simple self-care practices.
“What we really hope happens here is to ensure that women feel that they can move bravely, freely, and courageously throughout Gahanna,” said Bowers.
All of the events are free and open to the public. Saturday’s event starts at 10 A.M. at Second Sole, located at 1245 North Hamilton Road.
The walk on Sunday starts at noon, those wanting to attend should meet at the Gahanna Swimming Pool on the Big Walnut Trail.
After that, people can go to the Ohio Herb Center for an open house event from 1 to 4 PM.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Since taking office, President Donald Trump has signed a slew of executive orders. He recently signed a few on education, including an order that asks the Department of Education to favor school choice programs when awarding grants.
School choice allows parents to decide whether they want to send their child to public or private school through government-funded scholarships. The executive order the president signed could make it easier for parents to use taxpayer funds on private school tuition.
Here in Ohio, lawmakers have already passed laws furthering school choice, also known as voucher programs.
Bill would allow Ohio schools to display the Ten Commandments“They have that choice to go to wherever they want and the state of Ohio will reimburse them a certain amount of money for tuition for that school,” said local Republican strategist Bob Clegg.
It’s been a back-and-forth topic, often split down party lines. Republicans have said parents should be able to send their child to any school no matter the cost. Democrats and teachers’ unions have argued school choice diverts money from public school districts.
“There’s been this growing movement to put more money into the hands of private schools through voucher programs. We think that’s a real concern in terms of draining resources away from the vast majority of kids who need them,” Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, said.
Clegg and DiMauro are on opposite sides of the aisle when it comes to the impact of school choice and the president’s executive order.
“If we’re going to fulfill our mission that is deeply embedded in the history of our country and in our constitution here in the state, we have to fully and fairly fund our public schools,” DiMauro said.
“I think it gives school choice parents some hope that the federal government, instead of fighting them as they have been doing over the years, they actually will be supporting their choice,” Clegg said.
Ohio lawmaker targets sanctuary cities with new billOhio already has a pretty big voucher and school choice program, so Clegg said the order won’t have a huge impact on the state. He said Ohio parents already have good options.
“What President Trump’s executive order does is it says it wants school choice to be prioritized in all local school district’s throughout the country,” said Clegg.
DiMauro said voucher programs are not something the federal government should be pushing for.
“It’s really impossible to predict what impact this is going to have in Ohio, but we know that vouchers are bad policy for Ohio. Let’s not make that bad policy for the entire country,” said DiMauro.
Clegg said Trump’s executive order will have the biggest impact on blue states like New York and California.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person has died after a shooting in east Columbus Friday night.
Cedarville mourns student who died in D.C. plane crashColumbus police received a call around 6:55 p.m. regarding a domestic situation in the 1500 block of Baxter Dr. Police then received a second call around 7:17 p.m. that one person had been shot.
According to police dispatchers, one person was originally transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital at 8:06 p.m. There is no suspect information available at this time.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame has unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition Brutus Buckeye Ohio State Flag Bobblehead.
The bobblehead features Brutus waving the Ohio State flag on the field of the Shoe. These bobbleheads are limited edition, with the Milwaukee-based hall of fame only releasing 2,025, with each one individually numbered.
It is the latest in a collection highlighting the Buckeyes' incredible season, ending with OSU's ninth national championship. Last week, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame released several other collectibles focused on the national championship win.
We know fans are going to love this bobblehead featuring Brutus Buckeye with the Ohio State flag,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “This season was one of the most memorable in Ohio State history given the epic rebound from one of the most difficult loses to four of the biggest wins."
The bobbleheads are $40 each, plus an $8 shipping charge for each order. Fans can buy the bobbleheads online, and they are expected to ship in July.
CEDARVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Cedarville University community is mourning the loss of a student who was one of the 67 people who died when a plane and military helicopter collided near Reagan International Airport on Wednesday night.
Grace Maxwell was a junior at Cedarville University. The 20-year-old majored in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering.
“She would just love on you because she was the most caring person. One of the most caring people I've ever met," said Aspen Schiebout, Maxwell's hallmate and close friend.
Schiebout and Riley Blair, another hallmate and close friend of Maxwell, spoke with reporters Friday morning. They described Maxell as vibrant, passionate about everything she cared about, and quiet at first but not after getting close to her. They said she always made them smile, whether it was while walking on campus or just hanging out.
“She was a really close and dear friend of ours and a really bright light in our lives. Already the unit feels so empty without her," Schiebout said.
Acton on governor run, why she quit as health directorMaxwell was on her way back to Ohio after going to her grandfather's funeral in Kansas, according to Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. During a Friday morning college chapel program, he asked the community to pray for the Maxwell family which is dealing with two huge losses in a short period of time.
"Can you imagine losing a parent and seven days later losing a child, and so I want us to pray for the Maxwell family, I want us to lift them up during this time," he said.
After Maxwell's friends found out what happened, they got together to share stories and support one another.
“One of the biggest things I remember and that I loved about her is how enthusiastic she was to hang out with her friends," Blair said.
At Friday morning's college chapel, they were joined by much of the university community.
“So we grieve, we pray for a family that is hurting and we have no words that can comfort them, and yet even in the midst of our grief, we stop and we say her name was Grace, and it was Grace for a reason," White said.
Blair and Schiebout said Maxwell had a great sense of humor. The group had game night every Sunday. Maxwell always brought a big bag of games and was the first to show up.
“All the memories are the best things. Especially the memories of us sitting in the unit and playing games. I think if our unit ever sits and plays games or if I ever just sit and play games with anybody, she’s always going to come to the forefront of my mind," Blair said.
The friends said Maxwell wanted to use her education to help people. She was part of a team that is making a special hand-stabilizing device for a boy in Dayton.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- State lawmakers will soon decide how to spend billions of dollars as part of their biennial duty to pass a state operating budget.
“The state is doing well,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.
DeWine will introduce his ideal budget on Monday. Then, the Ohio House Finance Committee will start hearing testimony on Tuesday. But this year’s budget has come with some concerns that there may not be as much money as year’s past.
“Some people could say, ‘Well we’ve got a tight budget,’" DeWine said. "Well, I’m not sure that’s the best way to describe it."
DeWine said the spending concerns come after extra cash was given to Ohio during the pandemic.
“We had a period of time, because of COVID and frankly because of the federal dollars that were coming in, some of them fairly unrestricted, where it was an unusual period of time as far as the total amount of money that we had to do all kinds of things with,” DeWine said. “Now we’re back sort of to normal, we’re back to normal growth, we’re back to not that extra money.”
Bill would allow Ohio schools to display the Ten CommandmentsRegardless of dollar amount, DeWine said there are a lot of things to consider when crafting the state budget.
“We have a lot of choices to make,” he said. “And sometimes these are very, very difficult, difficult choices.”
DeWine said funding for education will be a priority, but aside from that, he wants to keep building upon investments made these past few budget seasons.
“We have mental health progress, we have been making health progress in regard to our drug problem. These are two big things that take a lot of money,” he said. “Education, early childhood education, early childhood development, K-12, our colleges, our universities -- all these things are important.”
DeWine said income tax cuts have been successful historically, but there are a lot of things to consider this budget season.
“We’re going to jump into the budget and I would imagine there’s going to be a desire to continue the tax reform that we’ve done over the course of time,” Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) said.
Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) is hesitant to say that an elimination of the income tax is possible this year. He said although the income tax has been reduced nearly every budget year since 2007, he is mindful that the tax comprises about one-third of the budget. And Democratic leadership is weary of what an income tax cut will mean to other critical programs.
“We’ve got a lot of things that we need to fund, a lot of priorities, people who need some of the services that we fund in the state budget and the math doesn’t work if you eliminate an income tax,” Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said. “Anytime we’ve seen these large-scale income taxes, it really has amounted to a tax shift, it’s not a tax cut.”
CPD fires officer with ties to many guilty on federal chargesInstead, Huffman said he wants to shift his focus to property tax relief.
“Income taxes and sales taxes people can kind of control. The harder you work, the more you pay in income tax. That’s not always true, but it’s mostly true,” Huffman said. “The more you spend, the more you pay in sale tax. Property tax is a bigger, more difficult problem.”
A slew of property tax relief bills will soon be introduced at the Statehouse, and Huffman said whether some provisions end up in the budget does not change the complexity of the issue.
“I think we need to resolve how real estate taxes are assessed, how they’re increased,” he said. “It’s not simply a matter of increasing or cutting. It’s how can we make the real estate tax system more predictable, smooth out the paths.”
DeWine said he does not think it is a fair excuse to fail to pass any property tax relief under the guise of a tighter-than-normal budget.
“But again, everybody has to deal with the same numbers, everybody has to deal with the same reality,” DeWine said.
Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Russo agree that funding public schools -- and not funneling excess dollars to the school voucher program -- is a priority this budget year.
“We know there are going to be school funding issues, we want to see transparency and accountability from private schools that’s at the same level as the public schools,” Antonio said.
Dr. Amy Acton on run for Ohio governor, why she quit as state health directorRusso said she wants to see significant investments in childcare, both making sure people have access and there are enough well-paid childcare workers.
“It is clearly a priority, especially for the business community and for our workforce and obviously for early childhood development as well,” Russo said.
But Russo said she is also keeping an eye on the federal government to ensure that programs like Medicaid, TANF block grants, school meals, SNAP and food assistance can all be funded. Russo said 30% of the revenue funding the state operation budget comes from federal grants and loans.
Other entities like food banks and abortion groups have also already lobbied for money in this year’s budget.
The Ohio House will work on the budget for the next few months before it goes to the Ohio Senate for more testimony and consideration. Several negotiations will likely happen behind closed doors until a final budget is reached and passed by the start of July.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man has pled guilty to his involvement in three separate shootings motivated by revenge.
Dillan Bush pled guilty on Thursday in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court to multiple violent crimes, beginning in 2023. According to a media release from the Franklin County Prosecutor, Bush hired multiple shooters to get revenge on Cole Parker Jr., who had accidentally killed Bush's brother in 2019.
Family-owned bakery announces expansion in Upper ArlingtonOne of the shooters hired by Bush hit the wrong house, which had small children inside. The release also described another attack where a shooter struck Parker's father, who was severely injured from the incident.
Bush was also involved in a different shooting targeting a woman originally believed to be involved in the death of his girlfriend's best friend. That woman has since been acquitted.
Bush pled guilty to attempted murder, felonious assault and discharging a firearm into a habitation. He also pled guilty to gun charges in a separate case from 2023, as well as drug charges from a 2024 case.
A judge has sentenced Bush to 21 to 22 and a half years in prison.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Columbus Division of Police probationary officer with ties to a former Columbus police officer who recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges, has been fired.
According to personnel records obtained by NBC4, probationary officer Amber Blackburn was terminated after reports of her alleged involvement in a bar fight surfaced earlier this week.
A request for probationary termination was received on Jan. 27 after it was reported that the night prior Blackburn got into a fight at the TownHall bar on North High Street in the Short North neighborhood, just north of Downtown, Columbus.
Columbus police arrest 19-year-old in connection to father’s fatal shootingThe termination letter states that CPD officers working special duty at the bar were alerted by an employee that a woman needed to be removed. Two officers reported that on Jan. 26 at around 1:50 a.m. they observed Blackburn, 34, throwing punches at the head of another woman, who was attempting to walk away from the altercation.
The officers said they asked the victim if she “was good” and the woman replied, “I just got mauled by a girl, but I’m good”. The officers reportedly approached Blackburn, who they said was behaving erratically while being restrained by another man. The officers asked both to leave the bar, but they allegedly refused. Attempts to remove them physically were met with resistance, the report said.
One of the special duty officers interviewed Blackburn and reported that Blackburn said the other woman spit in her face and that she “beat that (expletive’s) ass”. The officer reported that Blackburn appeared highly intoxicated and was acting belligerent and dismissive towards him. Blackburn then reportedly left the bar without further incident.
While the report states that the officers were not wearing their CPD issued body cameras due to low batteries, video surveillance from the TownHall bar reportedly showed Blackburn assaulting three separate people. Two of the assaults, police say, occurred while officers were attempting to restrain and remove her from the bar.
Blackburn’s personnel records indicate she was hired in August 2023 as a probationary police officer, or a new police officer who is in training and being evaluated before becoming a full-time police officer. Her probationary period was through March 2025.
Fraternal Order of Police president Brian Steel told NBC4 that disciplinary action against probationary officers can be terminated for just cause without a review process.
In a statement CPD Sgt. James Fuqua said, "Probationary Officer Blackburn’s employment was terminated during her probationary status as a result of her involvement in an off-duty incident. The Columbus Division of Police holds our officers to the highest standards and anyone who violates their oath will be held accountable."
Westerville cannabis proposal mirrors Ohio law, would limit businesses near schoolsPersonnel records also state that Blackburn was hired under the name Amber Duty before changing her last name to Blackburn. Steel and Fuqua confirmed that Blackburn was married to former officer Nicholas Duty, who just last week pleaded guilty to falsifying records in connection with multiple sexual encounters with women in 2023 and 2024.
Documents confirm that Blackburn changed her name in April 2024, days after Duty’s arrest, and Steel said that Blackburn and Duty were no longer together when Nicholas Duty was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024.
No charges have been filed against Blackburn for last weekend’s incident.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Valentine's Day is one of the most popular times to dine out in Columbus; fortunately, the city has many top dining options with great food and charming atmospheres.
The online restaurant and reservation website, OpenTable, compiled a list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the country. From little hole-in-the-wall spots to establishments that overlook entire cities, there is plenty of variety across the U.S.
Several states had multiple restaurants on the list. While California had the most listings, with a total of 11, Ohio arrived at second place with nine places deemed “most romantic.” In Columbus, four restaurants made the 2025 list, the most of any city in the Buckeye State. Only one other city in the country, Las Vegas, had four restaurants on the list.
Culinary excellence: Central Ohio’s award-winning restaurants and chefsCento — German Village
• 4.8 stars
• Italian
• 595 S. Third St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse — Downtown Columbus
• 4.8 stars
• Steakhouse
• 89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43215
Lindey's — German Village
• 4.9 stars
• Contemporary American
• 169 E. Beck St., Columbus, Ohio 43206
Mitchell's Ocean Club — Easton Town Center
• 4.8 stars
• Seafood
• 4002 Easton Station, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Other states that saw plenty of locations make the list were Virginia and Florida with six different restaurants apiece, and Pennsylvania, Illinois, Arizona, and Tennessee with five each.
Texas finished with four restaurants on the list, two in Dallas, one in San Antonio, and one in Austin.
As for the rest of the country, the highest-rated restaurant on the list was in Charlotte, North Carolina — Steak 48. With a 4.9 rating thanks to 1,229 votes, Steak 48 serves the finest steaks and seafood in a very intimate environment.
Also rated very high at the top of the list include GW Fins in New Orleans and 618 in New Jersey.
See the full list of restaurants on OpenTable's website.
CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio (WCMH) – One person is dead after a collision between a vehicle and a trash truck near Canal Winchester Friday morning.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, a woman was driving a 2015 Nissan Versa eastbound on U.S. 33 at approximately 6:19 a.m. Friday morning in Violet Township, near Canal Winchester. At the same time a Columbus man driving a 2007 Mack garbage truck was heading north on Thorn Lane. The truck was making a left turn onto U.S. 33 when the Nissan struck the truck.
What makes Columbus’ priciest suburbs so expensive to live inThe driver of the Nissan, later identified as 33-year-old Bryanna Cox, of Marysville, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the garbage truck, owned by Local Waste Transportation LLC, was not injured.
The eastbound portion of U.S. 33 was closed, while the westbound lanes were restricted, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. All lanes are now fully open, though the crash remains under investigation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Nine of Ohio's top 20 most expensive cities to live in are in the Columbus metro area. Housing costs have been rising rapidly in recent years, but many of central Ohio's most expensive suburbs have been expensive for some time.
According to a 2020 report from Ohio State, local amenities, schools, crime rates and social networks are among the most important factors driving home values in a neighborhood. The study found these features self-reinforce, meaning rich neighborhoods typically stay rich and get richer, furthering the economic gaps among neighborhoods and suburbs. Many of central Ohio's wealthiest neighborhoods have a history of wealth. Watch previous coverage of central Ohio's housing crisis in the video player above.
Marble Cliff -- average home value of $753,057Marble Cliff is a small village supported by amenities from Grandview Heights. If you can afford the high home prices, the tax benefits are substantial. According to Marble Cliff, the village has the lowest municipality property tax rate in central Ohio at just 0.35 mills and has a municipal income tax rate of just 2%. The city also has Paul J. Falco Park for local greenspace, and residents of Marble Cliff are able to use many facilities in Grandview Heights.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for Marble Cliff is $134,688. This wealth is nothing new -- according to central Ohio historians Esther Marsh and Pat Garbrandt, the area was originally home to wealthy Columbus families seeking to escape downtown.
Whitehall student tests positive for tuberculosis Galena -- average home value of $602,757According to Rocket Mortgage, Galena homes are getting pricier. The median home sold price in December by Rocket's data is 9.6% more expensive than it was a year ago. Galena has a low income tax rate at just 1%, which could be an incentive for people with higher incomes. It is also home to hiking trails and is situated between Big Walnut Creek and Little Walnut Creek, offering plenty of outdoor activity.
Galena was founded by Gilbert Carter in 1809 and was originally a milling town, according to the village's historical marker. However, the town was best known for its thriving shale tile and brick business, which operated from the 1890s until 1983, according to the village's LinkedIn page.
New Albany -- Average home value of $595,568Recently ranked as the number one suburb in America by Business Insider, the area is one of the fastest-growing cities in Ohio. Tech companies are flocking to the area and investing billions, but to live there, residents also need to be able to invest. The median income in New Albany is $232,524, according to the U.S. Census
Initially founded in 1873, the city was transformed by wealth when Victoria's Secret, PINK and Bath & Body Works founder Les Wexner partnered with Jack Kessler to create The New Albany Company. According to Kessler, he and Wexner lived in Bexley and wanted a change farther from Downtown. The pair settled on New Albany because they could shape it into something new and attracted young professionals and wealthy families by expanding the city's amenities.
Upper Arlington -- Average home value of $590,969Upper Arlington has parks and recreation opportunities, including Fancyburg Park and the new Bob Crane Community Center scheduled to open this spring. Upper Arlington was founded by King and Ben Thompson in 1914 and was exclusive from the start. The U.S. Census lists the median income for Upper Arlington as $150,993, and it has sought wealthy residents from its inception.
Modeled after Kansas City's Country Club Plaza, the city was built with a clear vision, catering to the upper class. In 1926, the city had many property deeds that banned Black residents from owning property and required all house employees to be white. Upper Arlington has condemned this practice, which was ended in 1971. However, the effects of the racially restrictive clauses still exist today, and only 1.3% of residents are Black, according to the U.S. Census. Some land deeds still have these clauses, although they are illegal to enforce.
Sweet dog who loves treats and toys is up for adoption Riverlea -- Average home value of $545,542Riverlea is a small community within walking distance of downtown Worthington that was incorporated in 1939. Like several other expensive villages, it uses neighboring cities' schools and resources to support it. It is situated between the Olentangy River and North High Street and is bordered by Rush Run Nature Preserve, offering green space.
According to copies of The Worthington News from the 1930s, Riverlea debuted as an "attractive and very desirable" place to live. A June 1938 edition reported 25 lot owners planned to build new homes for those who wanted to live near downtown but could afford not to live in the thick of things. According to the 1938 article, hundreds of people visited the area just to see the homes.
Powell -- Average home value of $543,450Powell has seven community parks and a median household income of $191,250. Its community amenities reflect a higher tax bracket, and it has a program where local police will monitor homes if their owners go on vacation. It has doubled its population in the last decade, according to the city's website.
Powell was settled in 1813 and renamed for Judge Thomas Powell in 1857 after he established the village's first post office. Per the Powell-Liberty Historical Society, although few people lived there, a railroad passed through Powell, establishing it economically as a place to stop. Powell first grew in the early 1980s when central Ohioans began exploring residential development for what was then a village.
Bexley -- Average home value of $541,235Bexley offers several green spaces, including the lawn behind the city's public mansion. Jeffrey Mansion was donated in 1941 and it is used for community activities and recreation. Bexley's housing market is competitive due to its high-ranking school district, low crime rate and many trees. It is classified as an arboretum
Bexley formed in the late 1800s as a neighborhood for wealthy Columbus residents and Capital university professors, and it was incorporated in 1908, according to the city. After the Spanish-American War, improved transportation led some prominent Columbus families to develop the area as an exclusive community, building mansions and beginning the wealth associated with the city, according to Touring Ohio. According to deed records from the Ohio History Connection, Bexley land deeds also excluded Black residents from owning property in the city.
Ohio awards $33 million for Downtown revival project Dublin -- Average home value of $537,907The city of Dublin lists its median income at $148,493 and is home to several large corporations, including Cardinal Health, United Healthcare, Nestle and Wendy's, according to the city website. The city is proud of its annual three-day Irish Festival and the annual Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour. Downtown Dublin is particularly attractive, with shops and restaurants within walking distance of one another.
According to the city, Dublin began with an economy based on milling, farming and tourism, with taverns and hotels for travelers along what is now State Route 161. The city said in the late 1880s, a stone quarry industry emerged, earning Dublin a reputation as a rough town. The city said it transitioned from a poorer village to a suburban hotspot in the 1970s after developments emerged in city limits, and today its home value has increased thanks to the strong development and amenities in the city.
Plain City -- Average home value of $521,020Plain City has undergone mostly recent development due to the growth of Columbus as a whole. According to the city, Plain City is expected to continue rapidly growing over the next 25 years, especially as new housing developments and job opportunities continue to pop up in city limits. The city said its rural charm is enticing for many moving to the Columbus area, although some residents have voiced concerns about the rapid growth, according to the city's FAQs.
The city has natural features, including Big Darby Creek, that are a draw for many residents. Unfortunately, the creek also had major floods four times in the 20th century. Plain City grew very slowly in its first years, according to the city, and a good portion of its population came from an Amish settlement established in 1896. The city said it had become a crucial stop along a railroad for livestock shipping by the 1920s.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An investigation in the fatal shooting of a man in southwest Columbus Thursday morning led to the arrest of the victim’s son.
According to court documents, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Butler Avenue in the South Hilltop neighborhood Thursday morning. Officers arrived just after 10 a.m. and found Frederick Taylor suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene eight minutes later.
Ohio lawmaker targets ‘sanctuary cities’ with new billPolice later learned that Frederick Taylor got into a physical altercation with his son, Antonio Alvarez-Taylor, at which time Alvarez-Taylor, 19, allegedly produced a handgun and shot his father several times.
Alvarez-Taylor, charged with murder, was arrested Thursday and on Friday he was issued a $750,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court. He is next scheduled to appear in court Feb. 7 for a preliminary hearing.
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) - A bakery that's been a staple in central Ohio for 70 years is expanding.
The Original Goodie Shop, located at 2116 Tremont Center in Upper Arlington, announced its adding on to its current storefront in February, all to make and serve more products. This will increase the amount of treats offered while adding a new selection of baked goods to choose from, according to the company.
Get out and do something this weekend in central Ohio, Jan. 30-Feb. 2According to owner Emilie Smith, the additions also include the mega long john. “It’s a giant cream filled and iced donut that we can write a message on, add sprinkles, or design for any occasion!”
The retail bakery has been serving a variety of treats and freshly baked goods that have been handmade from scratch. Those include cheesecakes, scones and tiramisu, alongside more savory options like pot pies and quiche.
This isn't the first expansion for Goodie Shop. The company expanded in 1993 when the business took over space from a men’s clothing retailer. Now, they are expanding into the previous Tremont Shoe Repair space, according to the company.
In the coming weeks, the shop will have a tasting event celebrating the expansion and the shop’s 70th anniversary. The Original Goodie Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sundays.