By March 18, 2023 8:44 a.m.
CRESTLINE—Abi and Jeff Martin are proud to announce the soft opening of their latest project, Joey’s Pub & Cafe, located at 222 North Seltzer Street in Crestline. The restaurant will create five full-time jobs in addition to five part-time jobs.
During the soft launch from March 17-26, Joey’s will operate from 3 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday, with a limited menu. On March 29, the restaurant will open during its regular hours, from 11 a.m. to midnight, with its full menu available. The full menu will include heavy appetizers, flatbreads, salads, wraps, paninis, and more.
Abi Martin shared his excitement for the new restaurant, a spin-off of Joe’s Pub & Grill, saying, “What makes Joey’s in Crestline special is that it’s a creation of mine from what is offered to interior design. The Crestline location could serve as a flagship location as Joey’s continues to grow.
Originally built in 1911, the JM Geiger Building was purchased in 2021 by FRK Ventures LLC, a team of developers led by Paul Rockwell, Justin Fox and Kevin Ramsey, who are investing over $250,000 in the project. Rockwell owns over a hundred buildings in small communities across Ohio. Joe Dzugan, a local realtor, connected with Rockwell and introduced him to Crestline and the potential project at 222 N. Seltzer St. After some delays due to COVID, Rockwell purchased the building and brought in Abi Martin. Martin owns and operates three Joe’s Pubs & Grills in Delaware, Powell and Westerville.
“I immediately fell in love with Crestline. I could tell it was a great community,” Rockwell commented. “My company’s appetite for buildings is in small, ‘all-American’ communities. Once
I find an apartment building, I work to renovate the building and secure an end user,” he shared when talking about his investment portfolio.
Renovations include a 58ft bar, private reception room and updated interior retaining the building’s unique character and features. Joey’s Cafe & Pub offers a variety of services, from coffee to packed lunches and dinners that can be reheated at home. The venue will also welcome dining guests, sports fans, private events and live music.
Mayor Linda Horning-Pitt is thrilled to see downtown Crestline continue to grow and shared, “Many of our storefronts are filled at Crestline, creating a vibrant community.” She continued: “Our town center is walkable, with easy parking and a great mix of local shops and restaurants. I am delighted to welcome Joey’s to the community.