Family Serves Up Great Places to Eat in Newark, Ohio

Nathan Lambrecht

Serving up great places to eat in Newark, Ohio, is a family tradition for the Athans. For Newark native and restaurant owner Alex Athan, opening 1922 on the Square was practically preordained. His great-grandfather and then grandfather owned the Natoma Restaurant, a downtown institution from 1922 to 2010, before Alex opened his first restaurant in the very same space where the Natoma was located for the majority of its 88-year run. 

“At the time, my wife Stephanie and I were partners in the Barrel and Boar Newark location,” Alex says, “but we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to carry on what was such a special family legacy.” 

After 1922 opened its doors in March 2020, the Athans’ restaurant group, Square Roots, has seen rapid expansion. It now comprises four distinct spots: steakhouse 1922 on the Square, Mariposa Mexican Cuisine, caterer Hudson Event Co. and casual eatery Shakedown Street Food. 

Livability chatted with the Athans about the ins and outs of their outstanding places to eat in Newark, Ohio.

What’s the vibe of each of your spots?
Stephanie: I would call 1922 fine dining, but a more modern fine dining, if you will. Not stuffy, not pretentious. It’s a place where casual attire is accepted, a place to bring your family, a place to celebrate special occasions and to have a good time. Being a community staple in the past, it gives off a “Cheers” vibe where everyone knows your name. 

As we started remodeling the space for Mariposa, I wanted to create a Mexican restaurant that did not exist in this area – earthy tones, but very rich colors. Mariposa is approachable, casual and unique. Our menu has evolved since we have opened, listening to feedback and learning along the way. 

We have kept some more “authentic” dishes on the menu while balancing it with some American/Mexican favorites such as a smothered burrito, loaded nachos and fajitas. 

Alex: In mid-September 2024 we opened Shakedown Street Food at DankHouse Brewing Co. We operate independently on their property out of a very colorful, fun, shipping container painted by local artists Justin Withrow and Bill Marple. 

Stephanie: We were inspired by our sous chef Aric DeAngelis and some of his ideas from back home. Chicago used to be home for him … and as we did more research, come to find out that Newark was once known as “Little Chicago.” The menu was created from all of the staples that you would get on the streets of Chicago: Chicago dogs, gyros, Italian beef, smashburgers, pastrami Reubens, pizza puffs and more. 

Nathan Lambrecht

What are some of your bestselling dishes? 
Alex: Our bestselling dish and my favorite at 1922 is definitely the baby beef filet. It’s a signature filet that’s served on a sizzler, designed for you to pick your own accompaniments and pairings. A new customer favorite cocktail featured on the fall/winter seasonal cocktail menu is the Dragonfly, made with tequila, peach slices, lime juice, triple sec and hot honey. 

At Mariposa, our most popular taco would be the shrimp taco. One of our favorites – and a customer favorite – is the Nashville hot chicken taco that we have done as a taco feature a few times. It may just need to land on the menu!

Shakedown’s customer favorite is the smashburger: American cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle and bang bang sauce. My favorite is the gyro because I have been eating them since I was a kid, and they make a pretty good one. No such thing as too much feta! 

What about Square Roots are you proudest of? 
Stephanie: As soon as we get a chance to sit back and breathe, it’s a great feeling to know that we are investing in not only the people of our community but trying to create establishments that attract people to the area. 

We both have grandparents and parents who invested in this community, and it is humbling and rewarding to be able to continue that legacy. We are grateful for the opportunity and feel a sense of accomplishment from the positive impact we have made. 

What has been the most surprising thing about owning your own restaurants? 
Stephanie: The biggest surprise to both of us is a positive one: We have been so surprised by the incredible support of this community. We can’t say enough about the love we feel. 

Just last night, I was speaking with a regular, an older gentleman who couldn’t be happier that we opened. He grew up in Natoma and shared some memorable times. He said, “This place is home, and I’m glad to be home.”