Worthington's Ground Round is sold
Aug. 23—WORTHINGTON — A new, upscale dining experience is coming to Worthington, serving a variety of steak and fish options to tantalize the taste buds.
Arond and Shaila Peil, owners of Hickory Lodge Bar & Grill, are preparing to open their second restaurant in the community. They purchased the former Ground Round building and are in the process of renovating it. There will be new paint inside and out, updated flooring, a renovated bar minus the old liquor cabinet and an overall fresh, new look.
Newly named The Mav Grill, the restaurant is tentatively slated to open Oct. 1, according to the Peils.
The Peils had been working with Bob and Judy Rieckhoff since
it was announced in May that the Ground Round was closing
for reasons related to the owners' health.
"We had been looking (to expand), and had another restaurant in the works in a different town," Shaila Peil said on Monday. "When this came up for sale, we changed our thought process. It's closer, and if it runs into complications, it's two blocks (from the Hickory) and not an hour."
Shaila and her husband are very hands-on at the Hickory, which is located on North Humiston Avenue, inside the Travelodge, and that will remain the case with their second restaurant.
"I like to be able to help out our employees," Peil said. "With staffing issues, it will be a lot easier to pull from a location down the road."
Opening a second restaurant will be good for Hickory, she added.
"We need another place that complements us," Peil said. "The town needs more than two restaurants, and we thought this would be the best fit."
The Peils will keep the seating similar to what it was in the Ground Round, with dining on one side and bar seating on the other. The outdoor patio will also remain, and there will be TVs in the bar area to maintain the Game Day vibe.
"The Mav will offer an exciting new atmosphere and menu," said the Piels. "We will continue to serve you at the Hickory Lodge Bar & Grill as well, in its current location, and are looking forward to serving you at The Mav Grill."
The Rieckhoffs are excited about the transition. They opened the Ground Round in Worthington in December 2003.
"For over 18 years, your loyal patronage and your friendship has made serving you a joy," they shared in a press release to The Globe. "We leave you with full hearts and many 'thanks for the memories.'"
The Rieckhoffs said their Ground Round journey was amazing, and offered thanks to the many customers who made it so. They also wished the Peils well in the new business.
The Peils are in the process of hiring for all positions at The Mav Grill.
