COLUMBUS — Several new restaurants and stores are opening at Polaris Fashion Place and the surrounding shopping district in 2026, including Mediterranean chain Cava and Indian vegetarian restaurant Simply South, according to mall officials.
The new additions come as Polaris prepares for the planned closure of its Saks Fifth Avenue department store, which is expected to shut down by April 2026.
Polaris Fashion Place is located at 1500 Polaris Parkway near Interstate 71 in north Columbus.
Cava: First Columbus Location
The most anticipated opening is Cava, a Mediterranean fast-casual chain known for customizable bowls, salads, and pita wraps. The Polaris location will open at 1370 Polaris Parkway near Potbelly Sandwich Shop and is expected to open during the first half of 2026.
The Polaris site is part of Cava’s first push into the Columbus market. The company has also confirmed future locations in Hilliard and Grove City. Founded in 2010, Cava now operates more than 400 restaurants across 29 states.
The expansion of the Polaris district reflects the broader economic growth in the city, recently highlighted in Columbus City Council Approves 368-Unit Apartment Complex at 5295 N. Hamilton Road
Simply South Under Construction
Simply South, an Indian vegetarian restaurant, is currently under construction in the Polaris Lifestyle Center next to Benihana. Mall officials say it is targeting a holiday-season opening in 2026.
New Stores and Renovations
Activewear brand Fabletics plans to open a new store on the mall’s lower level next to Akria during the 2026 holiday shopping season.
Offline by Aerie is also expanding and remodeling its current location on the upper level. The store is temporarily operating near Abercrombie & Fitch while construction is underway and is expected to reopen in early summer 2026.
Already Open
A dessert kiosk called Fruit Ice Cream recently opened on the lower level near Vans. The stand sells fruit-shaped ice cream that has become popular on social media.
What Mall Management Said
Polaris General Manager Tamra Bower said the additions reflect the mall’s push to expand its dining and retail options.
“We are thrilled to offer some brand new and exciting restaurants and retailers here at Polaris,” Bower said. “There is no shortage of opinions out there of brands we should offer at the mall.”
Mall officials said more restaurant and retail announcements may come later in the year.
This article is based on statements from Polaris Fashion Place management, Cava corporate communications via NBC4, City of Columbus building permits, and Grove City municipal announcements.
Published: March 14, 2026 | ColumbusFrontline.com