Columbus' biggest and most popular LGBTQ+ bars have been sold back to gay owners.
The deal for Union Cafe and Axis Nightclub, which were bought by Old Bag of Nails founder Michael Purdum in 2022, was announced by the new owners Aug. 19. They include Michael Smithson, founder and CEO of Columbus-based On Air Communications Inc., a wireless consulting company; and Tom Grote, CEO of Agape Automation, a food technology business in Gahanna.
Union and Axis, on opposite sides of High Street in the Short North, opened in 1996 and 1998, respectively, and have been pillars of the neighborhood's identity as the hub of Columbus' LGBTQ+ community. Union operates as a restaurant serving daily lunch and dinner, weekend brunch and nightly drag shows and events.
Axis is a dance club and show venue that's open Thursdays through Sundays.
"For decades, these spaces have been much more than just a bar, restaurant and nightclub," the new owners posted on social media sites for both businesses. "They are places where friendships have been formed, milestones celebrated and countless memories have been made. They have played an important role in the story of our community, and we're honored to help write their next chapter."
Smithson, a former board member at Stonewall Columbus and the Human Rights Campaign, told The Dispatch that the opportunity to purchase the businesses was brought to his attention about six weeks ago. He was celebrating its completion Aug. 19 over dinner at Union with friends.
"I've always loved these spaces," he said.
Union and Axis have drawn scorn over the past few years, though, from former employees and LGBTQ+ customers critical of Purdum for past political donations to Republican officials such as former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Yost was one of 20 GOP attorneys general who sued to overturn anti-discrimination protections established by former President Joe Biden in 2021. President Donald Trump rescinded the executive order soon after taking office in January 2025.
Purdum apologized in 2023 to the two businesses' employees for "negative comments" that his donations generated.
Follow Dispatch dining reporter Bob Vitale on Instagram at @dispatchdining. You can reach him directly at rvitale@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: LGBTQ+ bars Axis and Union sold to new owners
