Business News Briefs Including Fox in Snow, West House, Stone & Sparrow, and Birdie Books
Fox in the Snow Announces October Opening for Westerville Location
Fox in the Snow, the popular bakery and coffee shop known for its rustic-style baked goods and hand-poured drinks, is officially opening its fifth Central Ohio location in Uptown Westerville this October.
In a recent Instagram video, co-owner Jeff Excell confirmed that the café will open in early October at 79 South State Street, in the former Fusian and Cucinova space. Excell said the team is putting finishing touches on the interior and will soon begin staff training.
“We’re beyond excited to bring Fox in the Snow to this neighborhood,” Excell said in the video. “We’re trying to grow in a way that still feels personal and true to our roots.”
As part of the exterior renovation approved by the Westerville Uptown Review Board earlier this year, the building is being updated with two full-height windows on the south side and a pair of hand-painted fox murals — one facing State Street and another along the parking lot side of the building. The remaining signage and awnings from previous tenants have been removed.
Fox in the Snow’s Westerville café will be managed by a longtime barista from the brand’s 4th Street location, a move Excell says will help preserve the shop’s signature welcoming atmosphere. “He knows how to make everyone feel at home and create that neighborhood vibe we care so much about,” Excell said.
The shop joins a growing cluster of local food spots on the block, including neighboring Fattey Beer, Northstar Café, and Dairy Queen across the street.
Fox in the Snow currently operates locations in Italian Village, German Village, Dublin, and New Albany.
Hiring is currently underway for the Westerville team.
West House to Replace Abbey Rose
Talip Kucuker stands in front of the empty Abbey Rose storefront, which he will soon transform into West House, a new concept promising “the finest matcha and chocolate experience, crafted with the same passion and quality you love from Espresso Air.”
The departure of Abbey Rose from its longtime location on Main Street opened the door for Kucuker—best known as the owner of Espresso Air—to reimagine the space. Located at the busy corner of Main and State, Espresso Air is a local favorite thanks to its creative drinks and unbeatable location just three steps off the sidewalk.
Kucuker says the progress has been slow, especially as he spent the summer renovating Espresso Air with a new kitchen and brewing space.
An accomplished filmmaker, Kucuker brings a creative flair to all his ventures, including the Espresso Air YouTube channel, Talip at Espresso Air, where he shares humor-laced video shorts and behind-the-scenes looks at his coffee business.
"From inspiration to reality," the sign reads in the window of the future West House, signaling that something fresh—and flavorful—is coming soon to Uptown.
Stone & Sparrow’s New Home Closer To Ready
Stone & Sparrow has completed demolition work at its future home in Uptown Westerville, revealing original red brick walls and historic transom windows that will be incorporated into the final design. The former Morgan’s Treasure space is now in the build-out phase, with construction underway on a new interior for the women’s clothing store.
The 1870 structure, built by P.E. Guitner, has housed a string of dry goods and grocery stores throughout the early 20th century and is reportedly the first location of Kroger in Westerville. Architecturally, it’s recognized for its arcaded front façade, slate roof, and raised piers that continue along the south-facing wall. The storefront has seen significant changes over time, including the removal of the original, taller display windows and prism-glass transoms.
Owner Amy Cabilovski has not announced an opening date but previously indicated the move would take place sometime in spring or summer 2025. That time frame was delayed as the contractors discovered problems with the building, requiring more time to bring it up to code and to make repairs.
Once the store relocates, the current Stone & Sparrow storefront will be transformed into a new, undisclosed concept. The new location places Stone & Sparrow next to Cabilovski’s home décor shop, Edwin Loy Home.
Birdie Books Nears Reopening in Renovated Uptown Storefront
Birdie Books' new look includes gooseneck lamps illuminating its bold new sign, and a custom mosaic at the threshold invites shoppers into Uptown’s latest bookstore, café, and community space. While an official opening date hasn’t been announced, the final touch, a restored antique wooden door, is expected to replace the temporary glass one soon.
The store, which began as a pop-up behind The Gathering Place in 2021, is now renovating the former Culver Art and Frame building at 74 North State Street. The Uptown Review Board approved its new signage, including a hanging sign modeled after one that once hung in front of Culver. Rear window replacements and patio painting have also been approved and completed.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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