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Fat Arnie's a worthy competitor for Columbus' sandwich crown

A former Chapman's chef brings gourmet pedigree to pub sandwiches

Food and Drink

Columbus loves a good sandwich, and a relatively new contender is coming for the crown.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fat Arnie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fatarnies.com/" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fatarnies.com/" target="_blank">Fat Arnie&#x27;s</a> opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late last year" data-vars-click-url="https://614now.com/2025/food-drink/former-chapmans-eat-market-employee-launching-new-clintonville-sandwich-this-month" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://614now.com/2025/food-drink/former-chapmans-eat-market-employee-launching-new-clintonville-sandwich-this-month" target="_blank">late last year</a> in a humble window inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rafter&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/raftersbeerpub/" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/raftersbeerpub/" target="_blank">Rafter&#x27;s</a> pub in Clintonville, but the kitchen has some pedigree.<ul><li>One of its founders, Christopher Beardman, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was a chef" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusunderground.com/restaurant-review-sandwiches-and-more-at-fat-arnies-ma1/" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusunderground.com/restaurant-review-sandwiches-and-more-at-fat-arnies-ma1/" target="_blank">was a chef</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dearly departed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/06/chapmans-metsis-bj-lieberman-restaurant-ohio" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/06/chapmans-metsis-bj-lieberman-restaurant-ohio" target="_self">dearly departed</a> Chapman&#x27;s Eat Market.</li></ul>

Explore these hidden gems on Ohio State's campus

Thompson Library, Mirror Lake top readers' list of favorites.

Things to Do

👋 Hello from the top of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thompson Library" data-vars-click-url="https://library.osu.edu/locations/thompson" data-vars-content-id="2f004d12-8b7a-4462-b3f2-54d5df2a3272" data-vars-headline="Explore these hidden gems on Ohio State&#x27;s campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.osu.edu/locations/thompson" target="_blank">Thompson Library</a> — one of several scenic spots readers recently suggested we explore.Behind the scenes: Like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Museum of Biological Diversity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/27/ohio-state-museum-of-biological-diversity" data-vars-content-id="2f004d12-8b7a-4462-b3f2-54d5df2a3272" data-vars-headline="Explore these hidden gems on Ohio State&#x27;s campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/27/ohio-state-museum-of-biological-diversity" target="_self">Museum of Biological Diversity</a> we recently toured, a lot happens on Ohio State University&#x27;s campus beyond classroom lectures.

Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs

Sales dropped in Franklin County last month while surrounding areas saw steady growth.

News

The Central Ohio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/19/why-more-central-ohio-home-sales-are-falling-apart" data-vars-content-id="870e4a6b-0949-4994-82a7-27f8e4e462bc" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/19/why-more-central-ohio-home-sales-are-falling-apart" target="_self">housing market</a> is shifting away from the city, with sales moving to the suburbs as prices continue to increase.Why it matters: After a harsh winter, the spring housing market is heating up.<ul><li>The market&#x27;s adjusting to pent-up demand and the reality of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/fed-powell-interest-rate" data-vars-content-id="870e4a6b-0949-4994-82a7-27f8e4e462bc" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/fed-powell-interest-rate" target="_self">high interest rates</a> and low inventory.</li></ul>

Ohio's new women's monument takes shape

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the new Statehouse statues.

Decades before women won the right to vote, Ohio was a hub for progressive conventions where they pressed for equal rights.Why it matters: That <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/13/ohio-statehouse-ladies-gallery-women-legislators" data-vars-content-id="af6b4be5-6df7-4882-9d66-ed86139aafd1" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s new women&#x27;s monument takes shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/13/ohio-statehouse-ladies-gallery-women-legislators" target="_self">history</a> of activism isn&#x27;t reflected on Capitol Square, where monuments and portraits mostly honor men. But soon, that will change.

Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024

The industry supports 150,000 jobs statewide.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outdoor recreation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/12/ohio-state-parks-hocking-hills-free-summer" data-vars-content-id="fe16962b-307d-404b-bf83-8ce326cb9902" data-vars-headline="Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/12/ohio-state-parks-hocking-hills-free-summer" target="_self">Outdoor recreation</a> in parks, on waterways and elsewhere made Ohio $20 billion in 2024, and represents an increasingly large percentage of our state GDP.Why it matters: In addition to state revenue, the industry supports tens of thousands of Ohio jobs and billions in wages in fields ranging from boating and fishing to equestrian and snow sports.

New convention center GM sees big opportunity

A leadership change comes as the city builds its reputation for major events.

The new head of the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) says he&#x27;s ready to capitalize on decisions that have positioned Columbus for a &quot;really bright future&quot; in the national events landscape.Why it matters: Columbus has spent years and millions of dollars to become a major convention destination, angling for the reputational and economic impact that comes with that status.

Peek inside Ohio State's biodiversity museum

Explore rare specimens and hands-on exhibits at a March 28 open house.

In a nondescript building on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/24/ohio-state-digital-reservation-team-cinema-revival-festival" data-vars-content-id="944ecd43-55bd-486e-8f10-d626eae99537" data-vars-headline="Peek inside Ohio State&#x27;s biodiversity museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/24/ohio-state-digital-reservation-team-cinema-revival-festival" target="_self">Ohio State</a>&#x27;s west campus, dozens of scientists study the natural world — and visitors will get a rare look inside this weekend.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Museum of Biological Diversity" data-vars-click-url="https://mbd.osu.edu/" data-vars-content-id="944ecd43-55bd-486e-8f10-d626eae99537" data-vars-headline="Peek inside Ohio State&#x27;s biodiversity museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mbd.osu.edu/" target="_blank">Museum of Biological Diversity</a> is essentially an archive of life on Earth.

Potential ICE presence at Columbus airport unclear

Airport officials don't know and federal officials won't say whether ICE will serve as a local TSA backup.

Columbus airport officials don&#x27;t know and a federal official won&#x27;t say whether ICE agents will be sent to bolster local TSA checkpoints.Why it matters: The last time Columbus felt a major ICE presence, in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="December," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/18/ice-immigration-agent-mayor-ginther-respond" data-vars-content-id="8c7af28c-ed4b-4f07-8445-ff718016a020" data-vars-headline="Potential ICE presence at Columbus airport unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/18/ice-immigration-agent-mayor-ginther-respond" target="_self">December,</a> there were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of arrests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/12/ice-detainees-butler-county-jail-ohio" data-vars-content-id="8c7af28c-ed4b-4f07-8445-ff718016a020" data-vars-headline="Potential ICE presence at Columbus airport unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/12/ice-detainees-butler-county-jail-ohio" target="_self">hundreds of arrests</a>.

Massive Anduril weapons plant preps for production

Fury autonomous drone production is set to begin months ahead of schedule.

Anduril&#x27;s Arsenal-1 factory near Rickenbacker is about to start production, and leaders of the autonomous weapons manufacturer believe it will produce superior weaponry at a fraction of the cost and time other companies require.Why it matters: The project promises to be one of the biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job creation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/31/anduril-arsenal-1-project-plant-ohio-tax-breaks" data-vars-content-id="447a9b30-d5e4-4c79-b224-9bb94678b677" data-vars-headline="Massive Anduril weapons plant preps for production" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/31/anduril-arsenal-1-project-plant-ohio-tax-breaks" target="_self">job creation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/anduril-weapons-factory-ohio-brose" data-vars-content-id="447a9b30-d5e4-4c79-b224-9bb94678b677" data-vars-headline="Massive Anduril weapons plant preps for production" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/anduril-weapons-factory-ohio-brose" target="_self">economic development</a> projects in Ohio&#x27;s history and comes with a massive tax break from the state.

Ohioans reflect on COVID's lasting impact

Readers describe long COVID and loss, plus new jobs and perspectives.

Despite COVID-19 mostly disappearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="from daily conversation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" data-vars-content-id="8ef80231-29c2-46cc-af40-29dd236e6194" data-vars-headline="Ohioans reflect on COVID&#x27;s lasting impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" target="_self">from daily conversation</a>, it hasn&#x27;t disappeared from daily life. And it turns out many of our readers still want to talk about it.Why it matters: The pandemic was both universal and deeply personal. Discussing our experiences can help us process what happened and learn from it.

OSU men surge into March Madness as women eye deep run

Both teams enter the tournament with momentum and high expectations.

It&#x27;s tournament time, and Ohio State is sending both its men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s teams to March Madness.Why it matters: Whether you&#x27;re building brackets or just cheering for the home team, here&#x27;s a quick guide as the Buckeyes&#x27; postseason runs begin.

At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy

NEOCH and Downtown Cleveland Inc. leaders traded perspectives on new seasonal shelter.

A confrontation at the City Club of Cleveland this month exposed a simmering feud over how the city addresses homelessness.State of play: The Superior Arts District in downtown Cleveland has become ground zero for the tension after the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened a seasonal shelter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/06/neoch-seasonal-shelter" data-vars-content-id="6730ee75-fe42-41fd-aa48-3d5dcb6fa64c" data-vars-headline="At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/06/neoch-seasonal-shelter" target="_self">opened a seasonal shelter</a> there in January.

A choropleth map of the U.S showing outdoor recreation's share of state GDP in 2024. Hawai'i leads at 6.1%, while Washington, D.C. trails at 1%. The nationwide figure is 2.4%.

Outdoor recreation as share of GDP, 2024

Data: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios

📈 Columbus keeps growing

Columbus keeps growing at a rapid pace

AA choropleth map of U.S. counties showing estimated population change from July 2024 to 2025. The U.S. overall grew by +0.5%. Kaufman County, Texas, grew the most of any county with a population over 100,000: +5.7%. Pinellas County, Florida shrank the most of any county with a population over 100,000: -1.2%. 

News 🗞

Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024

Columbus keeps growing at a rapid pace

New convention center GM sees big opportunity

Peek inside Ohio State's biodiversity museum

Happy Opening Day, Ohio baseball fans