City DORA Expanded to 7 Days A Week

Hilliard City Council voted unanimously Monday night to extend the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) to seven days a week this summer and expand the boundaries to include more businesses.

For 2021, the City will operate the DORA from noon to 9 p.m. daily from June 1 through Oct. 31. Council’s action also adds Franklin Street and five new participating establishments to the DORA boundaries. “The goal is to encourage growth and economic development in Old Hilliard,” said City Manager Michelle Crandall. “By expanding the DORA, we hope to see even more people enjoying our downtown area and safely enjoying meals and beverages outside.”

The Ohio Revised Code allows municipalities to create DORAs, establishing specific guidelines, times and boundaries in which the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages are permitted outdoors in public rights of way.

The Hilliard DORA began on Main Street in summer 2017 allowing patrons of participating Old Hilliard restaurants and bars to enjoy alcoholic beverages within specific boundaries outdoors at the Thursday night “Celebration at the Station” concerts.

To support businesses that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 in 2020, the City closed a portion of Center Street, installed temporary tables and chairs, and expanded the DORA to four days a week to create a safe and socially distanced area for families to dine and enjoy adult beverages outdoors.

Council’s decision came after the City polled residents on whether they would support a seven-day-a-week DORA. Results showed that over 93 percent of those who participated were in favor of the daily DORA.

The expanded boundaries will add Yabo’s Tacos, Makoy Center, Benito’s, Hillgarten, and the planned Junction by Westwood to participating businesses. The DORA also includes Otie’s Tavern and Grill, the Old Bag of Nails Pub, Local Cantina, Starliner Diner, Legacy Smokehouse, Abner’s Casual Dining, and Crooked Can Brewing.

“Hilliard is an amazing community, and expanding the DORA will encourage people to come out and experience it for themselves,” Crandall said. The DORA will begin on June 1. Patrons must buy alcohol from one of the 13 participating establishments and drink in a designated DORA cup.

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April 11, 2025

The state-of-the-art Hilliard Athletic Complex is now open at 3680 Cosgray Road.

This week, the City hosted a grand opening event for the new outdoor facility on the southern end of the Hilliard Recreation and Wellness Campus.

The celebration featured guest speakers, a demo of our Turf Tank robot field liner, and music from the Bradley High School Pep Band.

The Hilliard Athletic Complex includes two state-of-the-art turf fields, 20 natural grass fields, lighting for after-sunset play, and over three miles of multipurpose paths around the complex. The fields can host soccer, lacrosse, rugby, field hockey, and more.

The Well facility is set to open this fall.

For more information, visit https://recandparks.hilliardohio.gov/, and to reserve field space, please email sports1@hilliardohio.gov.

March 4, 2025

“Fresh Roasted Coffee. All About the People.”

Coffee Connections of Hilliard lives out its motto every day, as a staple in the heart of Downtown Hilliard at 4004 Main St.

Nate and Sharon Grenier started the popular local coffee shop in the fall of 2017, taking an intentional approach to relationships and service to the community. The couple lives out their mission by collaborating with more than 16 local businesses.

Behind the coffee shop and patio area sits an annex building that serves as a free family-friendly space, which includes an interactive kids play area on the second floor. This building is also available for rent.

Coffee Connections recently launched a new website, which includes its new online ordering platform at this link.

February 26, 2025

Have you heard about Hilliard City Lab, the City’s innovative technology platform?

This growing initiative supports businesses and entrepreneurs with resources and grants to transform ideas into business growth. To better inform residents and the Hilliard business community about this Citywide initiative, we’re launching a new podcast called “Hilliard City Lab Connect,” starting today!

To better inform residents and the Hilliard business community about this growing initiative, we're launching a new podcast called "Hilliard City Lab Connect."

The first episode features City of Hilliard IT Director Duane Powell, who was influential in bringing this concept to Hilliard.

The monthly podcast will dive deeper into the background and mission of Hilliard City Lab, highlighting success stories from its partners and companies, many of which are located at the Hilliard City Lab Tech Incubator on Lyman Drive.

Future episodes of “Hilliard City Lab Connect” will release on the third Wednesday of the month.

Have a question about Hilliard City Lab or want to share your idea? Please email citylab@hilliardohio.gov.

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