Wendell's Pub Closing This Sunday. Parks and Recreation Projects Public Meeting. Yellow Rose Ceremony At North.
Wendell’s Pub to Close After 24 Years in Westerville
On Wednesday night, owner Rich Belding carefully pulled framed photos and memorabilia from the walls of Wendell’s Pub, handing them to longtime patrons who wanted to carry a piece of the place home. He was met with handshakes, hugs, and stories—including from a couple who first met inside the restaurant.
After 24 years, Wendell’s Pub will close its doors on Sunday, August 24. The decision marks the end of a Westerville landmark that opened in 2001, just before the city issued its first liquor license after decades of Prohibition-era dry laws.
Founded by Bob Moock and the late Steven Wendell Hall, Wendell’s quickly became a gathering spot for weddings, reunions, and milestone celebrations. Its British-style fish and chips became the signature dish, followed closely by prime rib and marinated pork chops. In a 2022 Columbus Dispatch interview, Belding said the pub’s success came down to “family, friendly staff, and fish and chips.”
Belding began as the bar manager before Wendell’s opened, later becoming general manager and then sole owner in 2017. He and his wife, Molli, raised their children in the restaurant, making it a true family-run operation.
The pub weathered challenges that included the deaths of founders and Belding’s eldest daughter, Brooke, as well as the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. But a steep rent increase made it impossible to continue. “Many mom-and-pop type establishments are being forced to close, and it’s just not okay,” the family said in announcing the decision.
The closure comes just months after nearby Antonio’s Pizza shut its doors, also citing the inability to secure a new lease because of rising costs. Together, the losses underscore how higher rents are squeezing out independent restaurants that once defined the community.
Comments from Wendell’s Fans
“Westerville will miss Wendell’s! Here’s to many years of memories (& maybe a reopening?).”
— Julie Plantz Hedrick“Many great memories meeting friends there for drinks and dinner. We always knew service and food would be great. You elevated the dining experience in Westerville.”
— Amy Fischer Albu“They accepted each of my students with loving and understanding arms. On a personal note, they became family to me and even helped me through my divorce. The Belding family are so special to me in so many ways.”
— Kim Young“You rescued us when we needed a meeting home and have been an extraordinary community partner. Thank you for the kindness, laughs, swag, and generosity.”
— Westerville Public Library ‘Read Between the Wines’ Book Clubs“I have come to Wendell’s since its very beginning and it has become a part of my life every week. Like the story goes, I always called it my Cheers.”
— Charney Lohr“In our world, Wendell’s has always been a big part of the Westerville experience. We celebrated milestone birthdays along with the birth of grandchildren there. Every March Madness over the last 20 years started at Wendell’s.”
— Tim Maloney
In its final week, Wendell’s has been filled with regulars eager for one more fish and chips dinner, one more toast with friends. Whether or not the pub resurfaces in another location, many say its role as a community gathering place will not be forgotten.
Parks & Recreation Community Meeting
Discussing Upcoming Projects
This evening offers two key opportunities to engage with the future of our city's green spaces. The Westerville Parks and Recreation department invites all community members to a Community Meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the historic Everal Barn and Homestead. Administrators will be on hand to discuss exciting upcoming projects, including the new Millstone Creek playground, the Alkire Run Wetland, the shelter replacement at Highlands Park Aquatic Center, and the restoration plan for the Everal Barn itself.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Westerville Community Center.
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Westerville North’s Yellow Rose Ceremony
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