SPAGIO, the Grandview restaurant and wine lounge founded by Chef Hubert Seifert and his wife, Helga, 38 years ago, has been sold to a Central Ohio-based restaurant group. Wine|Dine Holdings and cityBRANDS own and operate several restaurant concepts throughout the area, including The Wine Bistro, NAPA kitchen + bar and Katzinger’s Delicatessen.
“This is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-positioned restaurant with a rich history and broad name recognition,” Wine|Dine Holdings and cityBRANDS President Tim Rollins said, in a statement. He added, “SPAGIO has held a prominent role in the Columbus dining scene for several decades and I’m pleased to add this special restaurant to our growing family of restaurants.”
The Seifert family will remain part of the SPAGIO team during the transition.
According to Seifert, the timing of the sale is perfect. “I am ready to relax a little and take some steps toward retiring. Remaining an advisor to SPAGIO gives me the opportunity to support the new ownership while being part of the next evolution of this restaurant that has been such a big part of my life.”
Rollins said SPAGIO will undergo a “rolling refresh,” with improvements and modifications to continuing through the fall. Updates to the menu will take place during this time as well. The restaurant will remain open during the renovations.
Mike Waters, The Worthington Inn’s former executive chef, has been hired as executive chef. He’s already been working in the Grandview kitchen with Chef Seifert and his culinary team, and plans to expand the menu offerings.
Keli Flanagan has been hired as the new general manager. Flanagan most recently served as general manager at NAPA kitchen + bar in Dublin.