Hop on down to Horts

SANDUSKY — Even though he's only 28, Kevin Thomas already achieved his retirement plan of owning a bar and restaurant. "It has always been my end goal," said Thomas, who's owned businesses in other sectors. "I love entertaining and making people laugh, alleviating real-world stress for people. And with this new bar and grill, I feel like I can do that." Thomas recently opened up Horts Bar & Grill at 1040 Camp St. Horts, a family nickname which merges the words "hobby" and sports," opens daily at 11 a.m. Many might remember the building as the former Ole Camp Street Tavern, but, "They'll notice 100% change. It's nothing like the old place," Thomas said. For starters, people don't need a membership to access Horts, an all-inclusive policy Thomas lives by. "I want this to be a drama-free place for everyone where it's just about good vibes," said Thomas, who's from New London. "We put our customers first. I also look at my employees as part owners. We're doing this together." Thomas envisions Horts hosting various theme nights and frequent special attractions, such as through bringing in live entertainment, in hopes of providing the best guest experience possible. Many other traditional bar amenities — such as a pool table, lottery and pull tabs — aim to raise interest in Horts. But the main draw, obviously for any restaurant, revolves around the food, which Thomas fully endorses. Thomas crafted a menu featuring many bar food staples, including appetizers, wings, salads, baskets, burgers and sandwiches. Among the more popular items: • Hangover Fries: homemade french fries topped with barbecue pulled pork, two fried eggs and melted cheese • Horts Sandwich: either a burger, grilled chicken or crispy chicken patty smothered in jalapeño slices, reaper cheese and fire sauce "So far, people are loving the food," said Thomas, noting he's offering discounts for veterans, first responders, health care workers and teachers. He himself is an Army veteran. "Come down and give us a try."