Wolf’s Ridge Brewing opening September 27

Columbus’ latest brewery will open September 27 downtown, and unlike many of the new breweries which have launched as small operations only offering growler sales and keg distribution, Wolf’s Ridge will launch as a full brewpub.

The restaurant will serve new American style food created by chef Seth Lassak, who formerly worked as executive chef at a brewpub in Sacramento.

“He has a keen interest and understanding of what we’re doing on the brewery side of things and really wants the menu to connect with that.” said Wolf’s Ridge owner Bob Szuter.

Bob is launching the business with his father Alan, a longtime home brewer whose travel experience as a business consultant gave him the opportunity to research many brewpubs across the country.

“Part of the research we decided that we needed to have a restaurant associated with it as part of the overall business model,” said Alan. “We felt that the restaurant would be an important aspect of what we were trying to build.”

The Szuters originally planned to open their brewery in Dublin as the Dublin Brewing Company, but couldn’t find a space to accommodate their need, which is when they turned their sights to sites downtown.

“Coming back from Chicago and seeing all the work that’s been done and the growth that’s happening downtown is really excited and we wanted to be apart of that to support the community around us,” said Bob.

The name of the brewery comes from a bit of history that Alan’s wife uncovered: Before Columbus was Columbus, the area was a hunting preserve known as Wolf’s Ridge.

Alan will act as the brewsmaster for the operation until another brewer is hired. Beer fans can expect standard styles and a few seasonal creations from Wolf’s Ridge.

“We’re going to keep it really simple, at least initially,” said Alan. “We’re planning to do just a few beers… IPA, wheat beer, porter, adding 8-12 seasonals throughout the year, working with seasonal menus to complement. We’re not going to be an extreme brewery, we’re going to look for more of a broader appeal and leave the super hops to Fat Head and Dogfish and some of the others who really push that.”

Wolf’s Ridge will occupy the 6,300 square foot space at 215 N. Fourth Street. The Grand Opening is scheduled for 5pm on Friday, September 27.