COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Waffle House at 1712 N. High St., near Ohio State University’s campus, will close by 2026, according to landlord Schiff Real Estate Co.
Schiff Real Estate confirmed the closure to Columbus Business First. The Georgia-based chain operates 10 locations in Columbus, including the campus restaurant, which remains open for now.
The campus Waffle House is the only carryout- and delivery-only location in Columbus. It operates 24 hours a day, like the other nine Waffle House locations in the area, and is one of six Columbus stores offering delivery.
Waffle House introduced delivery service in April 2025 and later shifted some locations to limited or no dine-in service. For example, the Reynoldsburg Brice Road Waffle House offers 24-hour takeout, but its dining room closes at 11 p.m. and reopens at 6 a.m.
Waffle House has not responded to questions about the decision to close the campus location or restrict its dine-in service. The company did not provide a reason for the changes.
The High Street Waffle House drew attention in April 2024 after a fatal shooting outside the restaurant. On April 29, a fight involving up to 20 people started in the lobby and continued onto High Street. Ronald Diggs, 28, died from a gunshot wound. Police arrested Jaquan Curry, 20, four months later and charged him with murder. Police have not linked the closure to the shooting.
Waffle House opened its first restaurant in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955. Founders Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner started the chain, which now has more than 2,000 locations in 25 states.
Schiff Real Estate and Waffle House have not given a closing date for the North High Street restaurant. Schiff said the lease runs through at least October and has not been renewed.