Rusty Bucket’s Clintonville hopes rest with voters

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern is still finding new sites in Central Ohio, but its next restaurant is going to need the backing of voters.

The Columbus-based chain has grown to 17 restaurants, with nine in the home market. The next area Rusty Bucket in the works, however, is in the hands of Clintonville voters who will decide on two liquor options Nov. 4 for a proposed newly built Rusty Bucket at 4109 N. High St.

The Crawford Hoying Development Partners project, which at one point also included condominiums, went through the city's rezoning process, but met community opposition along the way because of its proximity to the Overlook Ravine.

Nelson Yoder, principal with Crawford Hoying, told me the condos have been eliminated and the only plan now is for the 4,750-square-foot restaurant. Community input also resulted in additions to the site including new trees, bike paths and sidewalk upgrades.

The liquor option doesn't seem to be the main concern. The restaurant would've had to go on the ballot for weekday and Sunday sales regardless of zoning issues since it wants to go into a dry district of Clintonville. The Kroger Co. store at Graceland is on the ballot too, seeking permission for Sunday sales, for example.

Founder and President Gary Callicoat told me he hopes to have the chance to change minds, should the liquor options be approved. The company will go ahead with the restaurant if voters OK the liquor sales.

"Clintonville fits for us," he said. "We're a family-friendly place."

He said he likes the site for its proximity to both Whetstone High School and Bishop Watterson High School. That's the type of connection that's helped the Rusty Bucket that opened last month in Hilliard.

Dan Eaton covers retailing and restaurants for Columbus Business First.