COLO Market & Oyster Bar
About COLO:
After delivering seafood part time for a local distributor Ian Holmes was looking for a better way to provide the freshest seafood Columbus could get. He started his own delivery service and one of his clients was the previous seafood merchant at the North Market. Ian also always wanted to be the fish monger at the North Market and when chance handed him the opportunity, he didn’t hesitate to open COLO and now boasts some of the freshest seafood (most delivered within 12 hours out of the ocean) and mouthwatering menu! With options like stuffed lobster rolls, the cajun shrimp po boy, fish & chips, lobster mac & cheese, blackened mahi mahi sandwich, lobster fries, and fresh soups (lobster bisque & New England clam chowder) this piece of North Market history has become the Columbus destination for the catch of the day. COLO also has a plethora of fresh seafood options to take home and prepare yourself.
How Did The Idea Come About?
Being a Columbus native and after delivering seafood part time for local businesses, Ian wanted to find a better way as sometimes he was pulling out older seafood. Around 2012, he started his delivery service sourcing most seafood from Boston. This allowed him to secure freshness by having all seafood from the ocean to him within 12 hours. Ian will turn seafood away if it doesn’t meet the A+ standard as he will not sacrifice quality in the slightest. If for some reason the product isn’t perfect for him, Ian will sell it to local restaurants that will cook it that day during peak freshness.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
Ian is not really a cook per say. If you ask him what to do with the seafood you buy from him, he’ll probably tell you to Google it. He does however LOVE when customers come back in and share with them pictures and stories of what they made and how it contributed to a special meal for their family! He will often come into the market early before it opens and just take in everything that it is and stands for. COLO loves to service the community that has supported them for so long. A wide array of friendships and relationships blossomed as the merchants will help each other out without even thinking twice. COLO makes a point to utilize fellow merchants’ products for many items on his menu.
What are Must Orders on the Menu?
- Lobster Bisque (Ian’s favorite)
- Fish & Chips
- Cajun Shrimp Po Boy
- Fish Tacos
Story of COLO and Ian Holmes:
Ian was quickly recognized as the guy who brought the best seafood to local businesses. In the beginning he would be at the back doors of local restaurants presenting his product while a guy in a suit was also trying to sell seafood. Ian always had the better product and would always win the deals which really gave him that push to keep going. While most seafood is from the Boston area, COLO also brings seafood in from the gulf, some specialties from the west coast and even lake fish from Lake Erie. When the previous merchant left, it was on a Friday and to make sure the North Market visitors and regulars didn’t go without or somewhere else, Ian made a point to open COLO almost immediately by being ready that following Tuesday. This all falls in line with the vision Ian had to provide the freshest seafood to Columbus. Whether you want to take it home and cook it or have one of their delectable menu items, this is a must visit when in Columbus.
Special thanks to videographer Matchbox Ltd!
Email:
Phone:
614-683-8782
Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
BRIDGE PARK:
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Hours