EAT LOCAL MEDIA
August 02
Eldest Zadnick son, Will, talks the future of Carsonie's. (Courtesy of Eat Local Ohio)
In 1988, Frank Carsonie opened his first restaurant in Westerville. In 1997, his daughter Christy Carsonie-Zadnick and her husband, David Zadnick, bought Carsonie’s from Frank. In 2025, grandchildren Will, Davis, and Landon Zadnick are taking over the family business.
This family restaurant and sports bar lovechild has been a staple in central Ohio for nearly 40 years, and for good reason.
Love Stories & Strombolis
To say Carsonie’s began as a family affair is an understatement. Christy had played almost every role at her father’s restaurant: server, bartender, manager, you name it. David had been involved in his franchise at the time but couldn’t help that Christy caught his eye. From patron to partner, the two had fallen in love and began their reign at Carsonie’s.
The fresh pair of fiancés bought Carsonie’s in the late 90s from Frank, but they didn’t stop there. As the two began to start their family, the idea of opening another Carsonie’s location started piquing their interest.
“My dad is from (Upper Arlington), born and raised, and went to Ohio State, so they thought it would be a good idea to open another Carsonie’s where they were raising their kids,” says Will.
In 2008, David and Christy launched the Upper Arlington location of Carsonie’s, right on W. Lane Avenue. They brought the same amazing recipes, the welcoming environment, and the strombolis that everyone couldn’t seem to stop raving about.
With almost 40 years of business at their Westerville location and 16 years in Upper Arlington, the Carsonie’s clan has perfected its craft and begun the transition to the next generation.
“The beginning steps of learning the business happened probably two years ago,” says eldest son, Will Zadnick.
At only 26, Will brings a fresh perspective to his business development role alongside his brothers, Davis, 23, and Landon, 21. The three brothers have eased their way into their roles, making sure they uphold the impressive legacy of the family business.
“The last two years have been a very hands-on position. It’s been really successful so far, and we’re learning more and more every day and trying to grow the business.”
Will attributes a great deal of success to his parents, especially in gathering clientele. Both Carsonie’s locations have always been involved in their respective communities, but David and Christy are even more so. David attended Upper Arlington High School, while Christy attended Westerville North; both schools have been significant contributors to their careers.
“They planted the seed for everything we’ve been able to accomplish and the connections we’ve been able to make over the years.”
A delicious signature spread of dishes, including the famous Stromboli. (Courtesy of Eat Local Ohio)
Eat Up!
No matter if you’re in Westerville or Upper Arlington, stepping into Carsonie’s might happen to feel like a cool dad’s basement, what with all of the sports, family, and Ohio memorabilia plastered around the place. The signature Carsonie’s mantle is full of everything you can think of: sports towels, trophies, family photos, and even boxing gloves by Buster Douglas, a boxer who beat Mike Tyson back in the day.
“The mantle has very special memorabilia on it; each antique or photo symbolizes something. There’s a story behind it all.”
It is but one of the many unique attractions Carsonie’s has to offer. Between the mantle and the numerous televisions playing almost any game you can think of, Carsonie’s is a unique mix of a classic Italian restaurant and a sports bar fit for any OSU fan.
“We really emphasize hospitality and truly listening to what the customer wants.”
Carsonie’s offers a casual family dining experience that welcomes everyone, whether you’re stopping by after work for a drink or bringing the family out on a Friday. It’s special and feels like you’re dining in someone’s home, rather than in a typical bar or restaurant.
If it isn’t the atmosphere that brings guests back time and again, it’s undoubtedly the food. With stromboli, like you’ve never tasted before, being the star of their menu, it’s the right place for hearty Italian-American classics. But, of course, there’s plenty of fried goodies for the hopheads stopping in to grab a drink, too.
Editor’s Eats
Carsonie’s menu is full of all of your favorite classics, so it can be hard to nail down precisely what you’ll order. Will walked us through his perfect meal, from start to finish:
Though it might sound like a pick out of left field, you can’t pass on the chicken wings. Voted in dozens of online forums about the best wings in Central Ohio, Carsonie’s is an unlikely contender that keeps looping itself back into the conversation.
From Here on Out
To keep a longstanding family business running is no easy feat, but the brothers haven’t felt much pressure on themselves. Luckily, between the three of them, they’ve quickly caught on to their responsibilities.
“It’s a family effort, so we all need each other. We take it day by day.”
Will tells us he wouldn’t rather have it any other way. He’s happy to give his parents a rest and collaborate with his brothers on keeping Carsonie’s amazing while brainstorming new and fresh ideas for the business.
“The most rewarding part has been working with the people I love the most on a daily basis. There’s nothing like working with your family. There is no motivation like trying to better something you’re doing together with your family.”
And while Will couldn’t share too much of what’s to come in the future, his current goal is to focus on the catering side of the business. With the volume of catering orders growing rapidly, he’s set on helping that aspect of the company succeed, while always thinking of other ideas for growth. Of course, the brothers would love to open another location down the line.
“My brothers and I are all so passionate about growing the family business, so we’ve got big expectations for the future.”
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