Vegan soul food merchant leaves North Market, has plans for the future

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A family-owned vendor serving vegan soul food has closed its North Market shop, but the owner said his business is not going away.

After three years, Willowbeez Soulveg left the Downtown location Monday. In a social media post announcing its departure, owner Carnell Willoughby said the change was not "a sad moment" but a transition.

"We've been here three beautiful years; it went by crazy fast," Willoughby said.

Willoughby did not give a reason for the move but said Willowbeez Soulveg will remain a part of the food scene in Columbus. He said the vegan food and catering company will continue to serve its dishes through pop-up shops, and he encouraged fans to keep an eye out for dates on social media. Originally started in 2012, the business began as a pop-up and catering company. Now, Willowbeez will return to its roots.

Items on Willowbeez's North Market menu included a spin on the traditional BLT with mushroom bacun, wilted kale and roma tomato called the "BKT" sandwich, and a breaded banana blossom called the "No Fish Fry." The soul food shop emphasized a plant-based lifestyle, which Willowbeez said is proven to contribute to healthier outcomes.

Willoughby said the community shared by the North Market's many vendors is what makes it special.

"Whenever you step into a space with intentions to build community, you become a part of that community," Willoughby said. "That community I mean is the merchants that I share the space with, we have built a community here. There is a sense of home here."

Currently undergoing construction, the market is set to be expanded, and a 32-story tower with a 206-room hotel and residential and office space is also being built on the site.