Here are updates on Local Cantina, Aladdin’s, Giorgio and Graffiti Burger

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Janet Adams

George Tanchevski is the man behind the growing Local Cantina and Aladdin’s chains in Central Ohio.

Dan Eaton

Staff reporter- Columbus Business First

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Local Cantina slings tacos, mixed drinks and craft beer, but its owner points to a simpler offering for its success.

"Every Mexican place has free chips and salsa," George Tanchevski told me. "I just think there is something cooler about having self-serve chips and salsa. I think it's a nice touch."

The tub of chips and accompanying bowl of salsa does fit the growing chain's laid-back atmosphere, but the food and drink probably play some role.

Clintonville residents will get to judge for themselves as the brand's third restaurant is set to open Friday.

"It's been really well-received," Tanchevski said of his two-year-old chain, which has cantinas near Grandview Heights and at Creekside in Gahanna.

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No radical changes are coming to the Clintonville version. The taco menu will shift with the seasons, as is the case elsewhere, but otherwise its the same grub and drinks and atmosphere that has been established at its predecessors. Tanchevski credited the drink program, especially its varied craft beer choices on tap, in cans and in bomber bottles to operations manager Frankie Heath.

So, that's three in two years – any more in the works?

"I get approached by developers a lot," he said. "I'm a sucker for a great location."

Still, a fourth taco and margarita shop isn't in the plans yet, Tanchevski told me.

Aladdin's, Graffiti Burger, Giorgio updates

He's got a few other projects on his plate though. Tanchevski is the local franchisee for Lakewood-based Aladdin's Eatery and plans to open his fifth local Aladdin's early in 2015 at the Shops at Worthington Place. That almost 3,500-square-foot restaurant is between First Watch and Kenneth's Hair Salon and will have both an entrance inside the mall and an outside entrance with a sizable patio.

Dan Eaton covers retailing and restaurants for Columbus Business First.