The idea didn’t start in a boardroom. It started as a simple conversation.
Kat DePizzo, a longtime Worthington resident, couldn’t stop thinking about the Inn—its history, its role in the community, and what it could become again. What began as a passing thought quickly gained traction among neighbors and partners who shared the same belief: Worthington isn’t just growing—it’s worth preserving.
From that shared mindset, 1831 Ventures was born.
More than a one-time investment group, 1831 represents a collection of local residents committed to thoughtful, community-driven development. Their goal isn’t simply to build or restore—it’s to protect what makes Worthington special while ensuring it continues to evolve.
Their first major project, the Worthington Inn, carries both emotional weight and community significance.
For years, the building sat vacant—filled with memories of celebrations, dinners, and gatherings, yet no longer part of daily life. For many, it was more than just a restaurant. It was a cornerstone of the community.
For Sullivan Builders, part of the 1831 partnership and responsible for the renovation, the opportunity was rare—and urgent.
“They’re not making any more old Worthington,” says Matthew Sullivan. “When a property like this becomes available, you don’t get another chance.”
That understanding shaped every decision. The team approached the project with a balance of respect and realism—preserving what mattered while adapting the space for modern use. Historic integrity was never treated as a constraint, but as a guide.
The original layout remains largely intact, allowing returning guests to recognize the space while experiencing something refreshed. Architectural details were carefully protected, while updates ensure the building can support today’s level of hospitality and volume.
Throughout the process, the team collaborated with local architects, designers, and historians, taking a thoughtful approach to both visible and behind-the-scenes elements. The goal was never to recreate the past, but to honor it; appreciate the old while making room for something new.
That “something new” comes in the form of Wolf’s Ridge.
To bring the next chapter of the Worthington Inn to life, 1831 Ventures partnered with Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, a Central Ohio brand known for creating layered, experience-driven spaces. For co-founder Bob Szuter, the project offered a rare opportunity to connect history with modern hospitality.
Rather than reinventing the Inn, the vision was to reinterpret it.
“We want people to feel the history when they walk in,” Szuter explains, “but also feel like it belongs in 2026.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout the experience.
The main floor features multiple distinct environments, allowing guests to choose how they engage with the space. From a lively bar setting to intimate dining rooms and a relaxed lounge for cocktails and small plates, each area offers its own energy while remaining cohesive.
The design leans into warmth and texture—inviting rather than intimidating—so whether guests are stopping in for lunch or celebrating a special occasion, the experience feels accessible.
A private dining room offers space for gatherings, while a thoughtfully designed patio expands the experience outdoors, creating another layer of connection to the community.
Later this year, the lower level will introduce the “Wolf Den,” a more intimate cocktail lounge with a distinct personality. Designed to feel slightly removed from the main dining experience, it will offer a moodier environment—complete with the potential for live music and late-night energy.
The menu follows the same philosophy: familiar, but elevated. Expect modern interpretations of classic dishes, a strong emphasis on shareable plates, and an experience designed to feel approachable without sacrificing quality.
But beyond the design, the menu, and the experience, what sets this project apart is its origin.
This wasn’t driven by outside developers or national brands. It was initiated, funded, and guided by people who live here—people who understand the emotional connection this building holds.
It’s an investment not just in a property, but in the identity of Worthington itself.
And now, just weeks after opening, the Worthington Inn is alive again—reintroduced as Wolf’s Ridge.
Not as a replica of what it once was, but as a thoughtful continuation.
A place where history is still felt, but the experience is entirely new.
And perhaps most importantly, a place built not just for the community—but by it.
“We didn’t want to see it disappear. This building matters to Worthington—and we felt a responsibility to bring it back to life.”