A husband-and-wife team from Massachusetts is preparing to open a new Mochinut location in Columbus near Grandview Heights at 994 W. 5th Ave.
The state’s second location is set to move into the former home of Mainstream Boutique of Columbus. This is the latest from franchise owners Ben and Bora Park, who relocated from Massachusetts to the area to open the concept. Ben Park tells What Now Columbus that he hopes to open this location in mid-to-late March, with a grand opening planned for the end of the month. The duo hopes this will be the first of many locations for them, but they want to see how their flagship site performs before seeking additional locations. The franchisees worked with Ed Fellows at Capitol Equities to find a Central Ohio location.
The Parks decided to franchise with Mochinut in 2022. a year after trying mochi doughnuts at a baseball game where Ben was playing. They had been seeking a business to run together and quickly became invested in expanding the Mochinut brand. They chose Ohio as an ideal location due to its demographics and the presence of only one existing site in Westlake, as well as potential customers from Ohio State University. Ben has ties to Ohio from his time with Major League Baseball teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, while Bora has experience in the restaurant industry from her work in Las Vegas and her parents’ sushi shop in Korea.
The state’s second Mochinut location is designed to create a vibrant atmosphere. Customers can enjoy Mochi doughnuts made from rice flour, featuring a crispy exterior and chewy interior. Flavors range from traditional Asian like ube and matcha to American favorites like peanut butter and red velvet. The menu also includes Korean hot dogs battered in rice flour and topped with options such as potatoes, ramen, and Takis, along with sausage and mozzarella variations. For drinks, customers can choose from various boba (bubble tea) flavors and fruit-ades, with the Columbus store offering cold brew coffee as well, which is not often found at other Mochinut locations. 
Photo: Official
