#25: Chef BJ Lieberman on Opening Metsi’s, Closing Chapman's, & the State of Columbus’ Restaurants

BJ Lieberman is the chef and restaurateur who owns Metsi’s and Ginger Rabbit. He also owned Chapman’s Eat Market, which it has since closed - we talk about that in this episode too. BJ helped put Columbus on the culinary map when it made the New York Time’s restaurant list in 2021. In this episode BJ shares his story on how he became a chef and why, his thoughts on the culinary scene in Columbus and the growth of the city, and his favorite places to eat, drink, and hang out in the Columbus. 0:00 Intro0:49 How BJ came to Columbus 2:09 BJ’s restaurants 3:30 Early years and BJ’s why10:08 How BJ spots talent in the kitchen 13:33 BJ Lieberman: beer brewer? 15:19 Culinary school18:16 Opening a restaurant 23:21 Chapman’s Eat Market 29:33 How Columbus received BJ & Chapmans31:37 Ginger Rabbit 38:20 Metsi’s43:06 Closing Chapman’s Eat Market48:45 State of restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, and the nation53:29 Columbus’ growth & future59:30 Favorite places to eat, drink, and hangout 1:05:31 Closing thoughtsWelcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.