Old Worthington’s landmark Worthington Inn is finally shaking off the quiet. Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is set to bring dining back to the storied spot on High Street this month, reviving a neighborhood hangout and dropping a well known Columbus restaurant name right into the center of downtown Worthington.
Wolf’s Ridge will operate the restaurant space at the Worthington Inn and expects to begin service in April, as reported by Columbus Business First. The outlet notes that the brewery is leading a renovation intended to get the historic dining rooms and bars back into regular use.
What Wolf’s Ridge Will Serve
Wolf’s Ridge says it plans to “honor the legacy and history of Worthington Inn” while offering high quality food, craft beer and a relaxed, comfortable setting, according to Wolf's Ridge Brewing. The team describes a layout aimed at both everyday meals and private events, with tavern style dishes sitting alongside the brewery’s rotating seasonal menu.
Owners, Partners And The Timeline
The property is owned by local investors operating as 1831 Ventures, a group that includes Worthington resident and O.A.R. musician Jerry DePizzo, who partnered with Wolf’s Ridge on the Inn’s revival, The Columbus Dispatch reports. According to the paper, the restaurant will span about 8,300 square feet across the ground floor and basement, with executive chef Kristopher Ludwig leading the kitchen. Wolf's Ridge co owner Bob Szuter told the outlet, “If it’s past the end of April, then I’ll be upset” about the planned opening window, a clear sign he wants lights on and taps flowing sooner rather than later.
A Home With Deep Roots
The Worthington Inn building dates back to the 1830s, and its restaurant had been closed since December 2018, leaving what many locals felt was a sizable hole in Old Worthington’s dining scene. Local reporting and property records list the address as 649 High Street, and residents have welcomed word that the Inn’s dining rooms will return under a locally based operator, according to 614Now.
What Comes Next
Renovations are already underway, and the owners say they will share details on reservations, menus and the exact opening date as the project nears the finish line. The Worthington Area Chamber hosted a briefing about the plans last fall, where Wolf’s Ridge leaders outlined their preservation forward approach to the Inn, according to the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce. For now, Old Worthington waits to see its historic corner come back to life, this time with a serious craft beer lineup on deck.
