Two years ago, they started looking for a possible location. First, near the University of Cincinnati campus because of its diverse student body, and then in West Chester and Mason. But nothing met their requirements. They wanted a free-standing building with on-site parking that they could own.
Then they saw a listing for The Meadows, which opened in 1934 on Yankee Road in Middletown.
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Even though they live in Liberty Twp. 11 miles from The Meadows, Amy Woo thought Middletown was “some city far, far away to the north.”
When they toured the Tudor-style restaurant they fell in love with the place.
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“We knew,” she said. “It was just what we were looking for. We didn’t want to settle.”
They bought the building last year, but since The Meadows needed major renovations inside and outside, they closed it for four months and have reopened it with an Asian-American menu and wine list that eventually will be expanded to fit customer demands.
The worn-out carpet has been removed, ceiling tiles have been replaced, Tiffany lights that match the stained-glass front door have been added, and the restrooms have been remodeled.
The 86-year-old restaurant, which was built and opened by Mike Mandzak Jr., was a dining staple for executives in the city for years and featured a rustic wood-paneled interior, and historic prints from the old Sorg Mansion adorned the walls.
Only the wood interior remains.
“More beautiful,” he said. “More welcoming.”
While the building’s appearance has improved, when you spend time at The Meadows, you leave more impressed by the owners than the cosmetic changes.
Rick Woo worked as a chemical engineer for 34 years at P&G and owns more than 30 patents. Under his leadership, Febreze went from a $100 million to $1 billion brand when he retired in 2011. No wonder he’s affectionately called “Mr. Febreze.”
He doesn’t get that type of respect in the restaurant. He jokes his role is to be the “Walmart greeter,” and his son, Ben, the restaurant’s general manager, recently showed him the proper way to wrap silverware into a cloth napkin.
“Something I didn’t need to know to be a chemical engineer,” he deadpanned.
He said his wife is the “real star” at the restaurant because of the way she masters recipes. She has perfected homemade appetizers, entrees and desserts, he said.
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“Total package,” he said.
After they retired, Amy, 63, said she missed hosting large company parties where she could showcase her love of cooking. So opening a restaurant become a natural next step for the couple.
“I wanted to share her talents,” her husband said. “More people should enjoy my wife’s cooking. She’s an artist.”
His wife added: “We are having fun. I’m not here to make a lot of money. It’s all about happiness.”
They were introduced to the food industry 10 years ago when Amy took peppers out of their organic home garden and made hot sauce now named Woo La La. There are three temperatures: mild, medium and hot (or its more fitting name, “Mick Jagger” because those who eat it may experience swollen lips).
Rick Woo, 68, said to be successful in the restaurant business, he subscribes to “moments of truth” that range from curb appeal to customer experience to ambiance to taste of the food to spreading the word, either through advertising or word of mouth.
“You got to have a positive experience and feel at home here,” he said.
HOW TO GO
WHAT: The Meadows, Asian-American restaurant
ADDRESS: 2102 Yankee Road, Middletown
PHONE NUMBER: 513-649-8168
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.
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