A growing sports bar chain from Texas Roadhouse Inc. is preparing to make its Central Ohio debut.
According to Columbus Business First, Bubba’s 33 is planned for the former TGI Friday’s site at 2928 Taylor Road in Reynoldsburg, pending city approvals. The previous restaurant, the last remaining local TGI Fridays location, closed in 2024.
Plans call for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new 6,686-square-foot restaurant. Bubba’s 33 is a sports bar concept operated by Texas Roadhouse Inc., offering a menu centered on burgers, pizza, wings, beer, and other casual dining favorites.
The concept first launched in 2013 and has since grown to 56 locations nationwide. According to the company’s annual report, Bubba’s 33 locations generate average weekly sales of approximately $122,000.
The brand’s name has a personal connection to founder Kent Taylor. In a previous interview, Taylor explained that “Bubba” was his nickname, while “33” pays tribute to notable athletes who wore the number, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, and Tony Dorsett.
The Reynoldsburg project is part of a broader expansion effort by Texas Roadhouse Inc. in Central Ohio. The company is also developing two locations of its fast-casual burger concept, Jaggers, at 1351 Polaris Parkway and 837 Refugee Road in Pickerington. Both restaurants are planned as new-build developments measuring approximately 3,500 square feet.
According to the company’s annual report, Texas Roadhouse Inc. expects to open four Jaggers locations and 10 Bubba’s 33 restaurants this year. The company’s flagship Texas Roadhouse brand remains its largest business segment, operating hundreds of locations across the United States and internationally.
An opening timeline for the Reynoldsburg Bubba’s 33 has not yet been announced. What Now Columbus reached out to for additional information regarding the project and will provide updates as more details become available.
