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 Intro

0:49 How BJ came to Columbus 

2:09 BJ’s restaurants 

3:30 Early years and BJ’s why

10:08 How BJ spots talent in the kitchen 

13:33 BJ Lieberman: beer brewer? 

15:19 Culinary school

18:16 Opening a restaurant 

23:21 Chapman’s Eat Market 

29:33 How Columbus received BJ & Chapmans

31:37 Ginger Rabbit 

38:20 Metsi’s

43:06 Closing Chapman’s Eat Market

48:45 State of restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, and the nation

53:29 Columbus’ growth & future

59:30 Favorite places to eat, drink, and hangout 

1:05:31 Closing thoughts

Welcome 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.