08/19/2025
“If something makes you sad when it ends, it must have been pretty wonderful when it was happening.”
A lot of you knew this post was coming; and for many, it’s new information.
Unfortunately, it’s true. Wendell’s Pub is officially closing after 24 years. Our last day of operation is Sunday, August 24th. We are fully opened all week leading up.
It’s been agonizing to try and find the right words to post. We went back and forth on what it should say, and who should post it.
We felt it should come from a member of the family, but sometimes I think the people who create the magic are too close to see how amazing it all really is. So I’m doing what I normally do, and I’ll ask forgiveness instead of permission!
So, please, humor me for a moment, and allow me to tell you a story.
As most great things do, it started with a couple of guys, a couple of drinks, and an idea.
Steve Wendell Hall (the namesake), Kenny Deltedesco, and Bob Moock were no strangers to the perks of a private club. But they wanted more. They wanted that experience for everyone they knew. A place where everyone knows your name. Sound familiar?
Sounds easy enough, right?
Not quite…
Westerville, OH, one time home of the Anti Saloon League and notoriously dry town, hadn’t granted a liquor license. But the city was growing and they knew things had to change. These three shot their shot and won. The “Whiskey Wars” were finally over and in 2001, Wendell’s was born at 925 N. State St.
This wasn’t without a great deal of heartache. Unfortunately Kenny passed before Wendell’s was completed. Rich said Bob joked that if he was still here, there would be a Wendell’s in every shopping center in America. He was a smart and tenacious man and he was and is sorely missed.
Still, they persevered.
Rich Belding was brought aboard as the bar and hiring manager. He remembers hiring from a tent in the parking lot and his eldest son Mason remembers helping plant flowers before the building was even open.
A father of three at the time, Rich was nervous about returning to the industry. He knew the hours were crazy and the workload demanding. But he recognized how special this really could be, and took the risk.
Wendell’s opened to much ado and fanfare. For the first time, spirits were being served in Westerville! It was THE place to be and remained so for many, many years. Long time regulars recall not being able to find a seat on a Friday night. Weddings, reunions, birthday parties…Wendell’s could handle it all. Many celebrations of life were held here and we love that you’ve trusted us all these years with your most special memories.
You see, Rich was right, the hours WERE demanding. But his eldest daughter Brooke looked forward to their sneaky late night desserts, and youngest daughter Elena, known affectionately as Bean, remembers taking naps in the corner booths and happily following her dad around the restaurant.
Rich and fellow employee Molli eventually fell in love and they had two more sons together, Chase and Coleton. They continued to work together in Westerville and the shorter lived OSU campus location.
Several years later, tragedy struck again. The beloved namesake, Steve Hall, was no longer with us. Wendell’s and much of the community as a whole mourned this loss. He was such a presence and his seat still seems empty without him.
Still, they persevered.
Rich eventually went on to become a partner and then sole owner.
Rich and Molli continued to work together. Each one of their children has grown up at Wendell’s. Each one has played an important role on the staff. The lessons learned are as important as any learned elsewhere.
You see, THIS is the magic of Wendell’s Pub.
Everyone does know your name, and you know theirs. We’ve all watched this family grow up and they’ve watched us. Wendell’s wasn’t just another place to eat and drink. It was home away from home for staff and patrons alike. Laughter, tears, joy and sadness. Together we’ve shared in them all.
Covid became the threat that eventually led to this end. Like everyone, restrictions and then the eventual rising costs in labor and goods caused many places to shutter for good.
But still, they persevered.
Yet again, tragedy and heartbreak stuck. This time, the eldest daughter of the Belding family, Brooke, passed away. This loss continues to echo thru the hearts of the family and their loved ones. A beautiful soul taken way too soon, she is deeply missed.
But still…. They persevered.
The difficulties remained and times were lean. The city was still growing and competition was all around. But they remained strong, regrouped and had some great years and the plans for years to come were being set in motion.
Unfortunately, the choice to close was made by an impossible to meet increase in rent. This seems to be happening all around us lately and it’s scary. Many mom and pop type establishments are being forced to close and it’s just not okay. This has been devastating to all of us, but no one as much as the family.
We’d love for you to join us as much as possible in this last week. Have some drinks, order your favorite menu items while you can, and please, share your stories. Let the family and staff know what Wendell’s has meant to you!
We will be open for regular business hours this week and will serve food and drinks while supplies last.
As of right now, there’s not a new location opening. But don’t count us out, maybe the best is yet to come.
So for now it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.
❤️
