Prohibition Gastro Lounge, a popular spot in Downtown Powell at 21 W. Olentangy Street is under new ownership.
After announcing the transition late last year, the company is now officially under the ownership of Genti Koci, who operates Delaware’s OPA Grill and Tavern, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The previous owner, Elton Sargent, opened Prohibition Gastro Lounge in 2014. Koci officially took over at the beginning of the year and has plans to enhance the whiskey menu and promote dishes that feature local ingredients.
“11 years ago today the name, Prohibition Gastro Lounge was announced, and that we were coming to Powell,” Sargent announced on social media late last year. “Today we announce that Jan 1 2025 will begin its next chapter. We have sold to another local company that will continue to operate it with a similar concept to what it has been. While the smiling faces you’ve gotten to know will be staying onboard, we are excited to see what changes they have in store to push it to the next level.”
Koci announced a press release last week praising Prohibition as an “esteemed establishment … renowned for its award-winning whiskey selection, cocktails, modern cuisine, and lively atmosphere,” according to the press release. “We are deeply committed to crafting exceptional experiences for our esteemed guests. Our objective is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of Prohibition while incorporating innovative ideas and flavors.”
Sargent told The Dispatch he was selling the gastropub, citing the need for “work-life balance.” Now that the ink has dried and Prohibition Gastro Lounge has reopened following a brief renovation, the new ownership team plans to host a series of events at the gastropub.
