Joya’s Café is preparing to expand its footprint in Worthington after the Worthington Municipal Planning Commission approved plans for the restaurant’s expansion during its September 10 meeting, according to 614now.
Owned and operated by chef Avishar Barua, Joya’s will expand from its current space at 657 High St. into the neighboring space at 661A High St. The expansion is expected to add approximately 60 indoor seats and allow the restaurant to extend its hours with evening service.
Under the approved plans, Joya’s is expected to offer dinner service Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. The restaurant currently operates as a daytime café, and the additional space will allow the concept to accommodate more guests and expand its service.
During the planning commission meeting, Municipal Planning Commission Chair Mikel Coulter highlighted the restaurant’s popularity while discussing the expansion.
Barua also expressed his enthusiasm about continuing to operate in Worthington, noting the building’s history and the restaurant’s connection to the surrounding community.
The existing Joya’s storefront will remain part of the expanded restaurant, while the neighboring space will undergo several updates to accommodate the additional seating and restaurant operations. Plans include an accessible entrance, additional outdoor seating and improvements to the building.
The project will also include changes to the south side of the building. An existing window will be removed to accommodate mechanical equipment and piping, which will be enclosed behind a six-foot fence. The second floor of the building will continue to be occupied by COhatch.
Barua opened Joya’s in 2022 in the former Sassafras Bakery space. Named after his mother, Jayasree “Joya” Barua, the restaurant is known for its Bengali-American approach, coffee, doughnuts and daytime menu.
Barua is also the chef and owner of Agni in Columbus’ Brewery District. Joya’s has gained broader recognition since opening, including a 2024 appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
An exact construction or reopening timeline for the expanded Joya’s has not yet been confirmed. The restaurant is currently open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Joya’s is expected to announce additional updates about the expansion as the project progresses.
