Columbus Steakhouse Avoids Closure After Paying Back Taxes

York Steak House owner announces restaurant will remain open after settling unpaid payroll taxes

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The West Side's York Steak House in Columbus, Ohio faced potential closure after a public notice was posted on its door for unpaid payroll taxes. However, the restaurant's owner announced the same day that the taxes had been paid, and the business would remain open.

Why it matters

The York Steak House is the last remaining location of a once-popular Columbus-based steakhouse chain that grew to nearly 180 locations nationwide. Its potential closure would have been a significant loss for the local community and a symbol of the challenges small businesses face, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

The details

The public notice was posted on the restaurant's door by the Tax Commissioner for unpaid payroll taxes. The owner, Tim Burkhammer, who purchased the steakhouse in 2024, announced on Facebook that the taxes had been paid and the restaurant would not be closing. Burkhammer expressed gratitude for the supportive messages he received from customers concerned about the news.

  • On February 13, 2026, a public notice was posted on the York Steak House door for unpaid payroll taxes.
  • Also on February 13, 2026, the owner announced the taxes had been paid and the restaurant would remain open.

The players

York Steak House

A Columbus-based steakhouse chain that was founded in 1966 and at one point had nearly 180 locations nationwide. The West Side location is the last remaining York Steak House.

Tim Burkhammer

The current owner of York Steak House, who purchased the restaurant in 2024 from former longtime owner Jay Bettin.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, York Steakhouse was embarrassed today. Yes, it's true we owed back sales taxes. We have paid these taxes and will not be closing.”

— Tim Burkhammer, Owner, York Steak House (Facebook)

“Words can not express how much all of your kind and heartfelt words meant to me. In hard times you awesome individuals took the time to send words of comfort and not mean words. This was a hard time for us at York. And we will be stronger for it.”

— Tim Burkhammer, Owner, York Steak House (Facebook)

What’s next

The restaurant will continue operating at its West Side location, with the owner expressing gratitude for the community's support during this challenging time.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the financial pressures small businesses face, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and the importance of community support in helping local establishments weather difficult times and remain open.