Over the Counter, described as a modern American diner, opened in Worthington recently. Co-owners Molly Rice, Beth Vogt and David Creighton hope the restaurant fills a niche by providing nearby residents with familiar fare and, eventually, a late night gathering place.
“I think kind of like, if you build it they will come,” said Creighton, who also owns the Collage Salons neighboring Over the Counter.
The actual building took a year and a half and involved converting the leftover space from their salon build-outs into a 50s-style diner. A line of booths hug one wall while the large bar occupies the other. Near the front is a lounge area with chairs and a couch. The seating carries on outside with a large patio.
“It’s a place where people can go and be themselves,” said Rice. “Do what it is that they do when they go out.”
If they go out to OTC, they’ll find a diverse menu. An array of options is presented, from their appetizer offerings, like loaded chips, fried veggies and pretzel bites, to their main entrees, including the Counter Burger, a sloppy dog and a tuna melt. Apparently their menu of familiar sandwiches, soups, salads and sides was one that was missed before OTC’s opening.
“There’s not really, like, a neighborhood bar or classic burger place,” said Creighton. “So we thought there was a gap up here for that.”
Rice added, “And there is, and people have been telling us.”
“You don’t know you’re right until you’re open,” Creighton continued. “They say we needed a place — an everyday place that has familiar foods, that you don’t have to dress up to go to.”
Open for only a few weeks, OTC’s hours are still being deliberated. They currently close at 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on the weekend, but they’re looking to fill another niche eventually: a place for people to hang out into the late night hours. Nothing is off the table so far, with Rice, Creighton and Vogt considering booking groups or soloists to provide the evening entertainment.
Over the Counter is open from 2 to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and from 2 p.m. to Midnight, Friday and Saturday. They’re located at 5596 N. High St.
For more information, visit overthecounterofworthington.com.
