A lifelong dream has become a reality for Andrew and Bethany Ridenour, who have officially taken over as the principal owners and operators of Oak + Ash Restaurant in downtown Dowagiac. “This has always been a dream of ours—to return to the place where we both started, working side by side in our hometown, serving the community that has supported us our whole lives,” said Andrew Ridenour.
Both Andrew and Bethany are graduates of Dowagiac High School. Their journey in the restaurant industry began at Zeke’s Restaurant—the very same building that now houses Oak and Ash. Andrew, a tribal citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, went on to hone his culinary skills at Four Winds Casino, working his way into the kitchens of its upscale dining venues before returning home to Dowagiac to fulfill this dream.
Oak + Ash will continue to serve its signature smoked meats, now paired with a fresh Tex-Mex twist and surrounded by a completely redesigned interior. The new décor embraces a Tex-Mex western theme featuring classic cowboys and cowgirls, vintage western movie posters, record albums, famous western art prints, and a showcase of Dowagiac’s iconic Round Oak memorabilia.
In addition to the updated menu and atmosphere, Oak + Ash is introducing weekly food and drink specials, including:
- Margarita Mondays
- Wing Wednesdays
- Thirsty Thursdays
- All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry Fridays
The Ridenours invite the community to stop by, experience the new look, enjoy their expanded offerings, and share in the celebration of this new chapter for Oak + Ash.
Follow Oak+Ash on Facebook for daily specials and promotions: https://www.facebook.com/OAKASHBBQ/
