Road Worthy Hopes Food Is Worth Drive

By WILLIAM DANIEL
WHEELING — Situated just off W.Va. 88 in the college town of West Liberty is a family-owned and operated business that strives to offer quality food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Since late last year, Road Worthy Restaurant & Tavern has been a part of the West Liberty community, serving people from the Ohio Valley, Washington, Pa., and other locations. The log cabin structure houses a restaurant that seats 110 and a bar.

General Manager Eric Metz said the quality of the food is worth the drive, hence the name “Road Worthy.” Metz co-owns the business with his parents, Everett and Bernie Metz. Eric Metz said he tries to visit each table to make sure the meal is pleasing to the patrons.

According to Metz, the ribs are very popular, as is the pulled pork, which is barbecued. Fried green tomatoes and fried sweet potato chips are also ordered frequently. Individual tastes are considered and accommodated at Road Worthy.

Protecting the environment also is of great importance to the Metz family, who used to live on the land they are currently developing.

“We try to serve a lot of organic foods. Most of our produce is organic. We serve an all-organic ribeye steak, which comes from red angus in Montana. We would love to be all organic within five years. That’s our goal,” said Metz.

This includes purchasing organic crops from a farmer in Avella, Pa.

The Metz family is also going green in heating their property. Both the restaurant and some cabins there are heated by geothermal energy.

“There are 24 holes 250 feet deep. We run lines throughout the walls which make a loop. The buildings are heated to 58 degrees by the core of the Earth. This can be boosted,” Metz said.

He also mentioned that he has a certificate stating that all trees that were cut down to build the establishment have been re-planted.

Grease from the restaurant is used for biodiesel fuel to run the equipment on the property. Plastic carry-out cups are made from corn starch and carry-out plates from paper starch. Both are biodegradable.

An eclectic selection of entertainment is featured each Friday and Saturday night. A swing band was featured on New Year’s Eve, and acoustic acts are a staple.

West Liberty State College students and anyone who wishes may use a lighted, woodland walking path to the establishment.

On a hill behind the restaurant, two-bedroom cabins are being constructed. These 1,000-square-foot facilities can sleep six, and each cabin feature a kitchen area and fireplace. Some even have hottubs. Metz noted that ground already has been broken for the first two cabins, which are slated to open in March. A total of five cabins are set to be open by November, and Metz hopes to keep expanding.

“We like being a part of the community, and we like working with colleges in the area. It’s been a great experience. We’re glad we did it,” Metz said.

For more information, call 304-336-4900.