Downtown Columbus’ oldest retailer reopens after closure, move, & new ownership

And currently, it’s a new era for The Peanut Shoppe. It’s open once more, with Matt & Kate Powell as the brand-new owners. But they’re keeping the most cherished things– fresh baked peanuts, candies, chocolates, and various other deals with.

Rub and her partner Mike Rock were the owners of the epic Peanut Shoppe, taking control of in 1996 after decades of working there. Yet as Rub put it, “Now in our lives, it’s time to quit and smell the roses,” instead of the constant whiff of baked peanuts. The pair just recently retired, shut the Peanut Shoppe in August, and offered the business to brand-new proprietors that moved the Downtown staple since 1936.

“We’ve seen a lot take place Midtown, from the stress that was the 70s, then the decline in companies and people. Our little store has actually been able to jumble with globe battles, troubles, pandemics, and economic downturns. We’ve been fortunate and honored,” said Rub Rock.

“It’s coming cycle,” Pat emphasized. “The Mr. Peanut Shoppe initially began on the corner of Broad, and now he’s caddy edge to the original area.” The first-ever Mr. Peanut Shoppe opened up in 1935 at 14 N. High St., then transferred to 5 S. High St. in 1936. Then, in 1978, the Downtown staple transferred to 46 N. High St. In August of 2014, it relocated again to its existing place on E. State St., and now, it’s back on Broad St., at 4 E. Broad St.