G.D. Ritzy’s is poised to make a comeback in the central Ohio market.

The restaurant, once known for its burgers, shoestring fries, chili dogs and premium ice cream, has made an application with the city of Columbus to take over a former used-car lot at 4615 N. High St. in Clintonville.

Graydon D. Webb, founder of the restaurant, which made its debut in May 1980, said he hopes to open the new spot – to be called Ritzy’s – by late fall.

The site, once an A&W Restaurant, will seat around 40 and have a walk-up window for ice cream.

The last of the local G.D. Ritzy’s stores closed in 1991. Franchises still operate in Evansville, Indiana; Owensboro, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia.

Webb said he believes the restaurant is primed for a return, as demand for premium ice cream and fresh burgers has intensified in recent years.

The new Clintonville store would be five blocks from a former location that once operated at East Cooke Road and North High Street.

“First of all, it’s a great market from our experience there,” Webb said.

gseman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekGary