The Shapeshifter, a new themed cocktail bar, is preparing to debut in Franklinton at the end of May, and is set to be located at 129 Mc Dowell St, Columbus, Ohio.
While speaking to WhatNow Columbus, the owner of the bar, Theo Lentz, told the publication that the concept is currently in its final stages and should open in May.
The upcoming cocktail bar will focus on rotating themes, immersive experiences, and community-centered events while also offering a space for local artists to showcase their work.
Lentz said the inspiration for the bar came from their 15 years of bartending and from managing Mouton in the Short North for a couple of years. The closure of the place after the landlord ended up not renewing the lease in 2024 led to Lentz opening their own bar, The Shapeshifter.
“I was initially going to take over ownership, but then we got that disappointing news. So I kinda had to pivot and decided to just open an entirely new concept. While I was waiting to find a space to actually open the business, I started doing some pop-ups around town, and that’s where the name came from, the shapeshifter, because each pop-up was a different theme,” Lentz explained to WhatNow Columbus.
Lentz said Franklinton stood out because of its strong arts community and creative atmosphere, adding that the neighborhood felt like the perfect fit for The Shapeshifter’s rotating cocktail concepts and artistic vision.
Theo went on to add that the cocktail themes at The Shapeshifter are often inspired by movies, dishes, and other creative concepts, with a strong emphasis on community engagement.
The process of opening the cocktail bar was not as easy as Lentz shared that during the development process, the concept faced several permitting challenges, including communication difficulties with city officials and unexpected project requirements.
But that did not stop Lentz, as they will soon be opening the cocktail bar, with a menu that they claim will feature the “greatest hits.”
Lentz said the opening menu for The Shapeshifter will initially stay more approachable before gradually introducing more experimental cocktail creations.
Among the themed drinks expected to return later this year is the “gravy boat” cocktail, a Thanksgiving-inspired beverage featuring cream of mushroom-infused whiskey, green bean juice, cranberry ginger syrup, and sage syrup. According to Lentz, the drink was designed to resemble “green bean casserole or Thanksgiving in a cocktail.”
Lentz added that creating a safe and welcoming environment for both guests and staff remains one of the bar’s top priorities.
