We are excited to share that OX-B’s, a fast casual Central Ohio-born concept known for its wraps, wings, salads, sandwiches, and more will be opening a new location in the corner space of the Lydia Building at 172 South Main Street! Buildout is set to begin very soon, with an anticipated opening by spring 2026. Weather permitting, as part of this announcement, we are also exploring
dates to bring the OX-B’s food truck to downtown Marion so the community can get an early taste of what is coming!
Over the past year I’ve had the chance to get to know Joe, Andrew, and Dan, the owners of OX-B’s, and have been consistently impressed with their passion for their food, their commitment to people, and the intentional way they are growing their brand. (By the way, it’s pronounced OX-BEES.) They are carving out a strong reputation, especially in smaller markets, by delivering high-quality, approachable food in a welcoming environment. Their current locations in Newark, Pataskala, Lancaster, Buckeye Lake, Westerville, and the Short North have built an enthusiastic following, and we are thrilled to help bring that same energy and flavor to Marion. Check out their menu HERE.
OX-B’s will be a great addition to our downtown food scene. As a fast casual concept, it will be ideal for a quick lunch, a stop after a baseball or softball game, or an easy DoorDash order for families and workers nearby. If you’re looking to grab a beer to go with your wings while you enjoy a game on the big screens, you can do that to, as they will offer several options in cans and
on-tap. The new location will sit right next to Whit’s Frozen Custard, which creates a perfect pairing…great food followed by a great dessert, all in one building.
We look forward to welcoming OX-B’s to the Lydia, supporting their team throughout the buildout, and celebrating with the community when the doors officially open. More details, including food truck dates and construction updates, will be shared in future newsletters, so keep your eyes peeled right here! Be sure to also follow them on Facebook.
For a sneak peek of what they space may look like, check out these photos of their Newark location, which opened in February.
Need a space to host holiday parties? Why not treat yourself, your team, or your friends to a venue with vibrancy and nice amenities? Connect is the perfect energizing and functional space for any event! Have access to lounge space, kitchenettes, conference rooms, cafe dining area, spacious bathrooms, and an inspiring atmosphere. And because it’s such a colorful space, that means you don’t need to do a lot of decorating. Let’s get the party started- contact us today! We’d love to spend the holidays with you🎀
Pink Weekend is finally here! This boutique-forward event, November 21st and 22nd of this year, was created to help people think and shop local before Black Friday.
Pink Weekend is important because it gets ahead of Black Friday, when many people spend their budget for the Christmas Season. Whereas Small Business Saturday comes after and receives less love because people have
spent a lot of the holiday budget at big box stores. Christmas shopping is huge for local businesses. It makes up a significant amount of their sales for the year.
Also, if you haven’t seen our Barbie Pink Weekend video, check it out below! The graphic directly below it is an updated list of all the businesses participating in Pink Weekend!
As excited as I am about welcoming OX-B’s to the Lydia and the positive momentum we continue to see downtown, I also want to acknowledge the disappointment many felt, myself included as both frequent consumer as well as landlord, with last week’s announcement regarding Ray Ray’s closure. While their decision was driven by rapid expansion and unfortunate circumstances at a broader organizational level that were largely outside the control of our local
team or downtown Marion, it still serves as an important reminder of how fragile the restaurant and small business ecosystem can be.
These businesses are often operating on thin margins, navigating rising costs, staffing challenges, and shifting consumer habits, all while trying to show up with excellence for our community. If we want these places to remain part of the fabric of Marion for years to come, our support cannot be passive. It must be intentional, consistent, and wholehearted. Choosing to dine local, shop local, share their posts, attend their events, and invite others to do the same truly matters.
Downtown revitalization is not just about fixing up old buildings. It is about people…those who are risking, stepping out with courage, and advancing our community. Let’s keep showing up for the entrepreneurs who believe in Marion and are choosing to build their dreams right here alongside us.
Better Together,
Luke Henry Col 3:23
