Best of Both Worlds
Antilogy Restaurant Merges Two Culinary Ideas Into a Single Concept
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography / Provided
Are you an early bird or a night owl? An extrovert or introvert?
Regardless of where you see yourself, the owners of Greenwoods new Antilogy restaurant hope to satisfy everyone.
Bob Sendelbach and Willie Roegner have known each other for a decade. These long-time Center Grove residents enjoy being members of the community and are excited to be part of its growth. Supporting other local businesses and community organizations is a core value shared by both.
When they met at a small group gathering through their church, the two learned they both had a history in food service and things just clicked. After many dreams and discussions, Sendelbach and Roegner decided to take a leap into the independent restaurant industry.
Antilogy offers a unique dining experience. Brunch is served in the morning and into the afternoon, and at night the restaurant transforms into a bourbon and wine bar with a speakeasy vibe.
The definition of antilogy is contradicting ideas, Sendelbach says. We have two totally different thoughts happening at the restaurant.
The idea is unique but has taken some extra planning for the full experience.
Id say the biggest struggle was creating two different environments, says Sendelbach. We want a bright breakfast vibe with the lights up in the morning, and then switch to a warm, comfortable lounge-like feeling in the evening.
Though Roegner has been part of opening restaurants in the past, with Antilogy there was a lot of thought and additional planning in order to create a space perfect for both concepts.
As a co-owner, this has been a totally different experience, Roegner says.
Roegner has been in the food service industry since 1996 and fell in love with creating unique and delicious plates.
Aside from impeccable service and polished presentation, well offer traditional brunch options with additional signature dishes that I have enjoyed creating, says Roegner.
The brunch menu includes Antilogys signature Beef Tenderloin Benedict tender beef served on a croissant, topped with arugula, hollandaise and an over-easy egg.
The evening menu is a variety of sharable plates such as the Crispy Burrata, which includes fresh Italian cheese covered in panko with basil pesto and balsamic reduction, paired with marinated tomato and arugula salad.
We want to bring different options to the community, Roegner says. Close attention will be paid to quality of food, presentation and service.
The men are hoping to bring unique items to the menu, along with some favorites, and an atmosphere primed for conversations and connecting.
Weve been involved in a small group of men on Saturday mornings so we also considered a place that we could do more of that, to create an environment for groups to get together, Sendelbach says. Well have four-top dining tables, but also lounge furniture such as easy chairs and couches. We wont have televisions. A bar without a television is unique, but we hope to drive guests to interact with each other in conversation.
They also plan to offer events that bring the community together, such as tastings.
Bourbon is such a big thing right now, says Sendelbach. A lot of people enjoy the experience. Weve lined up vendors and distilleries for both bourbon and wine education.
As everything falls into place, the partners are excited to welcome the community and receive their feedback.
Its been exciting to see the end goal, Sendelbach says. I like that we are independent and dont have anyone to answer to except our guests. We can make changes on the menu and the wine list based on what we find that people really enjoy, and we can make that call without additional oversight.
With the rise in privately owned restaurants and the communitys interest in unique dining experiences, Sendelbach and Roegner have even started looking to the future.
We could replicate this in a different community, says Sendelbach. That might be interesting and compelling. We believe in the plan weve put together for this concept. We could also focus on the Center Grove and Greenwood area and open a different concept. We believe in our growing and thriving community, and we want to pour into it and invest in this area.
Like the Antilogy Facebook page @antilogycg for updated information and details on upcoming events.
