Muñoz Family Purchased Columbus Bar Bodega

The family plans a full renovation and rebrand for the Short North institution.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A weathered brick storefront with an arched doorway in an urban commercial district during golden hour, reflecting historic architectural character. — The Muñoz family finalized the purchase of the Columbus bar Bodega in early September, with plans to renovate and rebrand the Short North venue. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In early September 2026, the Muñoz family finalized the purchase of Bodega, a long-standing bar located at 1044 N. High St. The deal follows a two-week negotiation period with former owner Brian Swanson.

Why it matters

The sale allows the previous owner to focus on relocating his other business, Bristol Republic, while the new owners plan to pivot the establishment toward a stronger focus on food and cocktails.

The bar, which first opened in 2005, operates with 47 draft beer lines. The Muñoz family, who also run Cilantro Latin Fusion and Valencia Bakery, completed the sale after two weeks of negotiations.

The players

Muñoz family

This group owns and operates several local businesses, including Cilantro Latin Fusion and Valencia Bakery.

Brian Swanson

He is the former owner of Bodega who is now focusing on the relocation of his other restaurant, Bristol Republic.

The details

The new ownership intends to conduct a six-week renovation, which includes replacing furniture, updating lighting and wallpaper, and applying a fresh coat of paint. They are also utilizing sales insights from a recent pop-up kitchen to guide their strategy for the venue's future food offerings.

Bodega originally opened its doors in 2005.
The Muñoz family finalized the purchase in early September 2026.
Valencia Bakery opened its new location near Polaris in September 2026.
Renovations are expected to conclude by Thanksgiving 2026.

Market Landscape

This acquisition follows the broader local trend of established bars evolving into more culinary-focused spaces in the Short North. By transitioning from a heavy focus on draft beer to an emphasis on cocktails and food, the owners are positioning the venue to compete for a new demographic of diners.

Patrons can expect changes to the bar menu, including a potential reduction in the current 47-tap beer selection to make space for a new food and cocktail program. The facility will be closed for six weeks during the renovation period leading up to Thanksgiving 2026.

The takeaway

The Muñoz family is applying data gathered from their previous kitchen ventures to refine the business model of this historic bar. Readers looking to implement similar changes can benefit from testing small-scale operational concepts before committing to major renovations.