Beer, Bratwurst, and Some Boos -Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant

One of the proud communities in Columbus, Ohio is the German Village. Many people frequent there on a nice sunny day visiting quaint shops and their popular restaurant  Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant is not only home to its signature sausage platters but some ghosts as well. 

History of Schmidt’s Sausage

In 1886, a German Immigrant named J. Fred Schmidt started a meat packing business in Columbus. Schmidt's Meat Packing House became not only the pillar of the German community, but the whole central Ohio industry. As he sought success with his meat packing business, he also wanted to dabble in hospitality. 

So in 1914, at the Ohio’s State Fair, Schmidt opened a concession stand which became popular. It is still there annually at the Ohio’s State Fair and remains popular among fairgoers.

In 1967, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant would be opened by J. Fred’s grandson near the meat packing plant. To this day, it still operates as a restaurant serving guests with the taste of traditional German cuisine. Aside from that, people have also gotten a little flavor of ghost stories. 

Don’t Worry It’s Just Mr. Schmidt Checking In

Over the years, people would feel an unusual presence in the restaurant as if someone is watching them. Unusual drafts are felt. Footsteps are reported to be heard from the second floor. Some have reported seeing an apparition of a man in his 70s wearing an apron and waving to witnesses. Many people including the staff believed that the spectre being seen is the ghost of J. Fred Schmidt. 

Is there a ghost?

Whether or not it's a local legend, people seem to treat it as a fond quirk to German Village. If there is a ghost perhaps he just wants to see how business is going. People viewed J. Fred Schdmit as a prominent figure in the German community. Maybe people are not ready to say Auf Wiedersehen to him yet.