Popular anime-themed eatery returning to Columbus

After a brief hiatus, a local anime-themed food truck is making its fateful comeback.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:28pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of an anime-inspired food item such as a steaming bowl of ramen or a stack of colorful pancakes, repeated in a tight grid pattern in a neon color palette, conceptually representing the bold, playful aesthetic of the returning anime-themed eatery.The return of this beloved anime-themed eatery brings a burst of vibrant, pop art-inspired energy to the Columbus food scene.Gahanna Today

Chef Hiro, whose brick-and-mortar spot at 1297 Parsons Ave. closed in March, is returning with the 'same welcoming feel as the previous food trucks and previous brick and mortar,' Owner Jeanclaude Ba said. The newest iteration of the truck will maintain the brand's origins in the form of a truck decked out with anime artwork, acquired from Arizona-based anime food truck MoshiMoshi.

Why it matters

The reopening of this popular anime-themed eatery is a welcome return for the local community, who had grown to love the brand and its unique offerings. It also signals a shift back to the food truck model, which the owner feels is a better fit for the business.

The details

Patrons can expect many of the same dishes that 'used to have lines around the block and sell out within 4 hours,' Ba expressed, like guava tea, steak egg and cheese bagels, oxtail grilled cheese, and Senzu Beans, a dish named after the magic beans from the Dragon Ball series. Ba hopes to reopen this year on Juneteenth and also has plans to reopen his brick and mortar business next year, plus other franchise locations in Gahanna, OH, and Stonecrest, GA.

  • The food truck will reopen this year on Juneteenth (June 19, 2026).
  • The brick and mortar business is planned to reopen next year.

The players

Chef Hiro

The chef behind the popular anime-themed eatery.

Jeanclaude Ba

The owner of the anime-themed eatery, who is overseeing the return of the food truck.

MoshiMoshi

An anime food truck based in Arizona, from which the Columbus eatery acquired its anime artwork.

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What they’re saying

“It feels a lot less stressful. Like going back to something I know all too well. I know the ins and outs of the food truck way more than the brick and mortar, so I feel like it's the smartest and best move for me and the brand.”

— Jeanclaude Ba, Owner

“I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the community and customers. I feel like that connection was so genuine and exclusive with everyone we encountered. It got to the point where customers and the neighborhood became family to the brand.”

— Jeanclaude Ba, Owner

What’s next

Ba also has plans to reopen his brick and mortar business next year, plus other franchise locations in Gahanna, OH, and Stonecrest, GA.

The takeaway

The return of this beloved anime-themed eatery is a testament to the power of community connection and the resilience of small businesses. By shifting back to the food truck model, the owner hopes to recapture the genuine, family-like bond he had with his customers, while also expanding the brand's reach through new franchise locations.