Ampersand Shubbery, Soil, And Stones

There's a new Porsche in town

Landscapers installed shrubbery, soil, and stones along the east and west sides of Ampersand Restaurant on Friday, getting it one step closer to opening.

Ampersand Asian Supper Club is nearing its opening in Westerville, which marks an exciting culinary addition to the Uptown area. Owners Megan Ada and Joshua Cook, already known for their success with Asterisk Supper Club in Uptown and the original Ampersand in Columbus' Short North, anticipate welcoming diners to the restaurant soon.

The restaurant, which occupies the ground floor of a newly built three-story brick building at 32 West College Ave, recently began landscaping, signaling that the project's completion is near.

The Westerville Ampersand location will feature a diverse menu of Guam- and Japanese-inspired dishes, such as gourmet ramen, rice bowls, and small plates. These offerings will be accompanied by a selection of Asian cocktails, Japanese beer, and saké. Chef Joshua Cook has meticulously developed recipes that highlight house-made broth, locally sourced mushrooms, and ethically sourced pork. The restaurant's modern Asian-inspired interior promises a fresh atmosphere, setting it apart from their library-themed Asterisk Supper Club.

The new building replaces the former Book Harbor bookstore, a local landmark previously occupying a private residence. After unsuccessful efforts to sell and relocate the original structure, the city demolished it in 2022, paving the way for Ampersand's construction, which began later that year.

Ada reflected on her journey and expressed deep gratitude to build Ampersand in Westerville, saying, “Welcome Ampersand Asian Supper Club! I’m so unbelievably grateful for this opportunity. We are so excited to serve you delicious ramen and rice bowls Westerville!” This highlighted her personal and professional growth, symbolized by the restaurant's name, Ampersand.

Ted’s Latest Porsche

Ted Chaney temporarily parks his 1964 Porsche 356 C in the garage after being transported from California, where he bought it after driving it on several trips. After a road trip planned this summer, the car will join his other antique vehicles for storage on his farm.

For paid subscribers, there are more photos of Ted, his new Porsche, a Speedster in Uptown, and other antique vehicles below.

Variance Approved

Otterbein University received approval for a new generator to be placed in the parking lot behind the school’s utility building. The school requested a zoning code variance to allow equipment to be set back only 17 feet from the property line instead of the usual requirement of 50 feet. The Westerville Board of Zoning Appeals allowed the smaller distance on the west side of the lot instead of the east, noting that its proximity to the woods would create a fire hazard while in operation. The west side is adjacent to Alum Creek Park North's bike path and roadway.

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Below is a photo gallery of Ted Chaney’s new Porsche, a Speedster visit to Westerville, and other antique vehicles in the city for paid subscribers.