Green Dog Cafe to open in historic Columbia Tusculum

East side residents and workers will soon be treated to a new “green” restaurant called Green Dog Café which comes from the same people who started Brown Dog Café in Blue Ash and Tinks Café in Clifton.

Restaurant owners are working on interior finishes at this point with an opening expected in the near future.  The space is located along Columbia Parkway in the heart of Columbia Tusculum’s neighborhood business district.  Green Dog Café will occupy 3,200 square feet of space within the new Columbia Square development by Al Neyer, Inc. and seat approximately 120 guests inside with another 40 outside.

Columbia Square also includes a 48,000 square-foot office building, and three retail buildings that have a total of 25,000 square feet of retail space within the $19 million development.  Other retail tenants include Anytime Fitness, Gymboree and Bruegger’s Bagels.

The new restaurant will feature an outdoor dining space, local ingredients, the use of sustainable materials and renewable resources in a “stylish environment.”  Chef and owner Mary Swortwood says that she is excited to open a restaurant that aligns itself with green thinking.

“Our children are now old enough to be part of this new restaurant, and they care a lot about the green steps we’re taking to reduce energy and produce healthier food,” says Swortwood who states that everything at Green Dog Café will be made fresh, in-house and in an open-kitchen concept.

Business partner Mark Swortwood says that the menu will appeal to vegans, vegetarians and those who do not tolerate wheat and dairy.  She also says that there will be something for everyone as “we won’t forget folks who like the basics and no man will leave hungry.”

The restaurant will feature walk-up service with full table service which is a unique ordering process that was inspired by the Swortwood’s extensive travels.  “It saves the patron time and money, without giving up quality,” says Mark who goes on to say that tipping is not required – place your order, take a seat and they will take it from there.

“Green Dog Café is an exciting addition to Columbia Square and complements  the eclectic Columbia Tusculum business district with an upscale, fresh dining option,” according to Molly Paquette, director of real estate development for Al Neyer.


Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler