GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio soul food eatery will soon open a new restaurant in Gahanna.
Soul 2 Go is opening its third location at 134 N. Hamilton Road. The concept debuted as a carryout kitchen in the Milo-Grogen neighborhood at 1282 Essex Ave. in 2021, before opening its first brick-and-mortar location in the Uptown District at 72 E. Lynn St. in 2024.
The concept is run by brothers Will, Kevin and Keith Hightower, along with their long-time friend Jerome Ross. Keith Hightower said the partners were looking to expand when they came across the Gahanna real estate.
“I think the right opportunity presented itself,” he said. “The brick and mortar location downtown, Columbus has really embraced it and showed a lot of love and support for it. After we opened downtown, we kind of expected ourselves to sort of taper off from our first location, but really the opposite has happened and they’ve both gone up.”
The Gahanna building previously housed Dawn’s Fish and Chicken, which relocated earlier this spring after just a few months at the address. Before that, the building was home to Go Go Gyro Grill, which had occupied the building since 2021.
Soul 2 Go serves a variety of Southern-inspired dishes, including fried cornbread, catfish nuggets, jerk chicken and pork chops, along with sides such as candied yams, collard greens, fried okra and baked beans.
Fried cornbread topped with chicken tenders drizzled in honey. (Photo courtesy/Soul 2 Go) 
Blackened catfish and grits. (Photo courtesy/Soul 2 Go) 
The signature soul food bowl, featuring fried buttermilk chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens and candied yams. (Photo courtesy/Soul 2 Go) 
Fried catfish nuggets. (Photo courtesy/Soul 2 Go)
“My food is primarily soul food inspired, but it’s kind of got a little fusion of other cultures,” said chef Will Hightower. “I’ve got some pasta dishes which bring in the Italian flair. I’ve got shrimp and grits and I’ve got some Cajun dishes that bring in the New Orleans flavor.”
The business partner and brother duo said they are hoping to continue expanding the concept and are looking into opening a location in Reynoldsburg.
“We’re expanding and ultimately our goal is to be able to franchise this concept and take it nationwide,” Will Hightower said. “As Columbus continues to allow us to grow, the business will grow.”
The owners of Soul 2 Go are aiming to open their new Gahanna location in early summer. They are planning to open daily for lunch and dinner.
