On Valentine’s Day, the Douds family celebrated their labor of love. It marked the seventh year of Bowstring Bar and Grill serving the Caledonia community. Located at 109 North Water Street, Chef and General Manager Matt Douds grills steaks, tosses pizza dough and creates specials, such as a pickle bacon pizza and a bison sweet potato chili.
“It’s great food at a great price,” said Leigh Landon of Galion, a regular. “It’s down home, friendly, not pretentious, and family-oriented. We love it.”
Matt Finds Affordable Education in Marion
Matt grew up in Marengo with his parents, Dennis and Cindy Douds. Through the College Credit Plus program, Matt earned his associate’s degree in telecommunications at Marion Technical College at no cost while in high school.
After graduation from Marion Tech and Highland High School, Matt transferred to The Ohio State University at Marion. He studied small business and entrepreneurship before earning a degree in marketing and sales.
“I’ve always wanted to start my own business,” Matt said. “I had a passion for restaurants.”
Retirement Opens Doors
As Dennis was nearing retirement after 47 years in maintenance at PPG Industries, the Douds decided to take the plunge and open Bowstring.
“It’s a little retirement project,” Cindy said.
Cindy retired from providing drug and alcohol prevention programs in schools.
The family spent a year remodeling a biker bar called the Wet Spot to turn it into a family-friendly restaurant. They named it after the Bowstring Bridge, a local historic landmark.
Restaurant – A Family Tradition
They are the third and fourth generations of Cindy’s family to own restaurants.
“This was Cindy’s dream,” Dennis said.
“I’d always wanted a restaurant. I’d pictured it happening sooner than it did. The funny thing is, Matt never lets me cook!” Cindy said with a chuckle. “Matt is an excellent cook. He cares about every dish.”
Dennis handles maintenance while Cindy manages the books. Including Matt’s daughter, Brooklyn, three generations work to make Bowstring a success.
“My parents have been with me every step of the way,” Matt said. “We’ve been working hard and digging deep this whole time!”
Bowstring Serves Local Fare
Fridays are the busiest nights at Bowstring as they serve steak.
“Every week, someone tells me that is the best steak around,” Matt said.
They buy beef locally from Center Street Meats. When Eblin’s Circle E Buffalo Longhorn Ranch in Caledonia butchers meat, Bowstring serves buffalo burgers. They also offer the Beast, a patty with mixture of elk, wild boar, bison and Wagyu beef.
Regulars Recommend Bowstring
Leigh and Jason Landon are among the first ones into Bowstring on Tuesdays when it opens at 4 p.m. and sit in their favorite bar stools.
“It’s been a good experience from day one,” Jason said. “We’ve been coming here for six years. It always feels like home. I don’t even sit down and the bartender has my beer ready.”
“These folks are like family,” Leigh said. “One time, we were away for three weeks and the bartender ran up to hug us and ask if we were okay. Now we tell her whenever we are going to be out of town.”
Leigh is partial to the chicken tenders, while Jason said his favorite thing is “the menu.”
“They have great specials, like the Nashville hot chicken,” Jason said. “It’s a good place with good people.”
Bowstring catered Jason’s son’s wedding and with excellent results.
Caledonia Welcomes Douds to Community
The Douds also built relationships in the community and support many charities and community groups.
“Matt is all about community and helps the Friends of Caledonia wherever he can with coupons for our Easter Egg Hunt, a Festival breakfast benefit with bingo, the Halloween Block party and allowing the Dance Factory dancers take the big stage at Bowstring for our Christmas in the Village,” said Sharon Johnson, president of nonprofit. “Friends of Caledonia loves Bowstring!”
The appreciation runs both ways.
“Caledonia’s been very supportive,” said Cindy.
“I have the best customers. They come every week. They are just the nicest people you ever met,” Matt said. “I’m glad they have accepted me into their little community!”
Special Events on Tap
The restaurant also hosts class reunions, bachelorette parties, karaoke nights, poker runs, live music and microwrestling.
For more info:
Follow the Bowstring Facebook page
Visit the Bowstring webpage
Browse the menu
Address: 109 North Water Street, Caledonia, Ohio
Phone: (419) 845-4100
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
