The latest addition to the beer scene in Central Ohio is Restoration Brew Worx in Delaware, which celebrated their grand opening on Wednesday, June 17. The proud parents of this new born venture are Frank and Roma Barickman and their friends and neighbors Rick and Karen Martine. Frank, who is Restoration’s brewmaster, is a longtime homebrewer who has literally won hundreds of awards for his beers over the years, is a Grand Master II Beer Judge, and was formerly the beer critic for The Other Paper.

Barely one year ago, these folks made the bold decision to open a brewery and gastropub in downtown Delaware. Located in the former Beehive Bookstore in Sandusky Street, Restoration Brew Worx is just around the corner from the Staas Brewery and just down the block from Barley Hopsters, putting Delaware on the map as a favored beer destination. The brewpub seats 74, with room for 16 more on the patio.

Frank’s brewing philosophy is all about ‘drinkability’ and session-style beers. Their initial lineup consists of a dry, clean German Ale at 4.4% ABV, a malty English mild at 4.5%, a refreshing Belgian Wit at 5.5%, a robust 6.6% porter on nitro, and the first two IPA’s in their ‘Judgement’ series: The Judgement American IPA, a hoppy, but well balanced brew coming in at 6.5% and 65 IBUs; and the Big Bag of Judgement, a Belgian IPA logging in at 8.3% and 75 IBUs.

The brewery plans to keep 7-9 house beers on tap ongoing, including one on nitro. For their non-beer drinking patrons, there are locally made, hand crafted ciders and an interesting selection of wines. Food is available as well, and definitely not just an afterthought. While the beer comes first, and the food is there to support the brewery business, there will be equal care in the creation of the evolving menu to include local ingredients that compliment the beer. Everything is freshly made including their catsup and a beer cheese made with their German Ale.

Restoration’s 10bbl brewing system is located in the back, available for viewing. Look closely and you might see the names on the three fermenters: Czervik, Spackler, and Smails. Recognize the names? They are all characters from ‘Caddyshack’!

Restoration Brew Worx is located at 25 N. Sandusky Street in Delaware. Restoration Brew Worx is open Wedesdays and Thursday from 4-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 4-11pm, and Sunday from 12-6pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. More info at restorationbrewworx.com.