McGinnis’ Grill is a Columbus-born food truck turned food hall favorite, serving up gourmet sandwiches—and now burgers—at Budd Dairy Food Hall. Founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo John and Katie McGinnis, the concept was born out of their shared passion for great food and bold flavors. Lifelong foodies, they love exploring new restaurants and crafting inventive eats of their own. John has been a chef in Columbus for most of his life, with a culinary journey that spans from upscale dining to flipping burgers poolside at 14. Together, they’ve poured their energy into building McGinnis’s Grill, and are thrilled to now bring their smash burgers, loaded fries, and fan-favorite braised brisket sandwich to the Budd Dairy community.
John and Katie McGinnis first crossed paths while working at a local restaurant, where their shared passion for food and the bustling restaurant scene sparked both a friendship and a future together. After getting married in 2021, they decided to channel their love for food into something new and exciting—starting a food truck. That dream became McGinnis’ Grill, a place where John’s years of culinary experience and Katie’s creative flair come together to craft gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and more.
With John’s deep roots in the Columbus food scene—cooking since he was a teenager—and Katie’s background as a local teacher, the two bring both flavor and heart to their venture. Their team is made up of family members and longtime friends, turning every shift into a lively, fulfilling experience. Today, McGinnis’ Grill has grown to include two food trucks and a permanent space at Budd Dairy Food Hall, with John, Jeff, and Patrick leading the charge. In the summers, Katie jumps in to lend a hand, keeping the spirit of fun and family at the center of it all.