Meet The Team
OWNER
Megan Ada Megan grew up in Marietta, OH and graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, PreMed. She went to Medical School for 3 months then decided to be in the restaurant industry. She attended Johnson and Wales Culinary School in FL. Growing up she was envious of kids who worked at their parent’s restaurants. Megan’s first job was at McDonald’s when she was 16 and loved it. Megan’s goal was to learn as much as she could about the restaurant world. At the age of 25, she bought Sunny Street Cafe (644 N State St, Westerville). Breakfast is definitely Megan’s favorite meal of the day. Five years later, Megan was ready to open her own concept. She fell in love with Uptown and wanted to be a part of the community. She opened Asterisk Supper Club in 2016. It was 9 months of complete renovation. In 2019 Megan opened Ampersand Asian Supper Club (working side by side with her fiancé, Executive Chef Joshua Cook), featuring ramen and rice bowls in the Short North. Megan is also a mommy to her daughter, Ada. Megan could not have done this without the amazing support of her parents. Her father, Jesse Ada, believing in her and her work ethic (he always taught her, no matter what you do in life, you do it 100%) and her mother’s true talents. Laurie Ada designed both Asterisk and Ampersand. Megan truly appreciates your support of her small businesses and loves to genuinely serve.
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Desmond Reid Jr. As a transplant from New Haven, Connecticut, Desmond has searched 13 years for a place to call home. In 2021 he found it here at Asterisk! From attending Hocking College’s Culinary Arts program to training under numerous chefs all over Ohio and Connecticut, he hopes to bring a reminiscent but special twist to the classics and our childhood favorites with his dishes. Unlike most chefs, you may encounter Desmond was quite the quiet one, but through his time here he has become quite the life of the party and has acclaimed the title of “Chef Daddy”! When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with the family he has here in Columbus (parents, sister and dogs), Facetiming his family back in Connecticut or watching reality TV. In the kitchen, he cooks with passion and while it is a serious job, you’ll be sure to hear him laughing from time to time. One thing you might be surprised to know is that he loves to spend time in the front of the house mingling and talking to the guests. Next time you’re in, stop him, say hello and he’ll be sure to make your experience that much better.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Brandi Madden After many years of working in the restaurant and hospitality industry, and holding many different positions along the way, Brandi found herself returning to her roots in Westerville, where she is a graduate of Westerville North High School. Brandi joined the first of Megan Ada’s Restaurants in 2008 as the General Manager of Sunny Street Cafe. Today, Brandi can be found splitting her time between the three restaurants which are located in the 614 location. Two of her many talents are an impeccable memory for names and service orientated personality. Brandi credits her strong worth ethic to her mother who continues to inspire her daily. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and of course her beloved rescue dogs. Brandi has a love for all things 80s.
EXECUTIVE MANAGER
Kathrine Dixon After graduating with her culinary arts degree, Kathrine had an immediate interest in cakes and pastries with her first internship at a bakery in the Short North. After, she expanded her knowledge and experience by working in catering, doing events and becoming a sous chef at 22. Kathrine found her forever home at Asterisk where she stepped out of her comfort zone and started her first front of house position. She then worked her way up to a business partner with the help of Megan, Brandi and a lot of caffeine. Kathrine has a genuine passion and appreciation for every aspect of the industry as well as all guests that walk through the door. When she is not working you can find her playing Tetris or watching SpongeBob.
Asterisk Supper Club
14 N. State Street, Westerville OH, 43081
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday: CLOSED
Tue – Thu: 12:00pm – 9pm
Fri-Sat: 12:00pm – 10:00pm