Fred’s Restaurant in Wheelersburg, Ohio, has been a fixture in Scioto County for decades. However, some changes are planned since the restaurant was sold recently to another local family with great aspirations for the future of the business. Tim Wolfe, who has been involved in the local restaurant scene and civic revitalization for several years, dreamed of owning this local staple. He made this dream a reality nearly two years ago.
“Fred’s is a community staple, and we want to preserve memories we had growing up here and create new memories for our kids and many others,” Wolfe said of his inspiration to take over Fred’s.
Wolfe is currently renovating the interior and exterior of the establishment, and he hopes to finish renovations this fall. However, he has no set timeline on the project. During these renovations, Fred’s will remain open, operating during usual business hours.
To ensure a family-first, full-service dining experience, Wolfe said he felt that a new makeover would enhance his customers’ dining experiences while still keeping Fred’s original charm. Wolfe has decided to remove the older greenhouse seating area, and he will be replacing it with outside seating and a play area for children.
Wolfe said that his favorite menu item has to be the pizza, and he will “always recommend the pizza as it’s the best in the tristate.” He is also currently working through the political process of adding beer sales to the restaurant, which will be an exciting addition to the restaurant’s menu.
When asked about the appeal to college students, Wolfe said, “We are a place where you can put your phone down. Enjoy a great slice of pizza and enjoy a social experience the way it was meant to be. Food and laughter. Bring your parents when they come into town.”
Wolfe and his wife are both Shawnee State alumni, so the college will always be very special to them, and they hope to see more SSU students dining with them soon.
