Libby

Libby Gregory was a beader, an animal and human rights activist, and an unusual person who brightened the lives of the many friends she made. In 1985 she founded Byzantium and the King Avenue Coffeehouse, Columbus’ oldest vegetarian restaurant coffeehouse. She was an ethical businesswoman, striving to build an enjoyable and creative working environment for people, and build successful businesses without compromising her strong sense of personal morality. She succeeded in both of these endeavors.

Unfortunately, she and another Byzantium employee, Shelly Stambaugh, were killed in an airplane crash in 1991, while on a business trip. Libby’s businesses continue in her blueprint, and we fondly remember her ability to empower us to do things we didn’t know we could do. We feel her presence with us; her photo hangs in the store, and her altar shelf still remains.