In 2000 Phi Chen and his wife Jamie gave birth to their first son. Two years later they would start new careers together in the food industry, opening a restaurant with their son's name as the inspiration.

Today, Austyn's, located just a block from the Ohio River, serves customers in historical downtown Marietta.

“Their goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere with cuisine from around the world,” Matthew Rader, manager of Austyn's and staffer of six years, says.

Chen, a native of China who moved to the United States while he was in high school, has gathered inspiration from around the world for their menu. The restaurant hosts regular, themed specials such as “Wild Game Night” and “Sushi Night,” which keep customers returning. “Our wide variety of food we offer is what makes Austyn's unique,” Austyn’s hostess and waitress Kelly O'Brien says.

“Wild Game Night” features items such as kangaroo, ostrich, and buffalo, while “Sushi Night” often includes seafood delicacies such as rainbow trout, bigeye tuna and octopus. But one doesn't have to schedule for “Sushi Night,” as much of their fish, imported fresh from Hawaii, is offered year-round.

Austyn’s also benefits from its close proximity to the Ohio River. “There's a lot of tourism on Front Street from the river boats,” Matthew says. Austyn’s location coupled with vacationing riverboat tourists provide customers an upscale eating choice as they walk from the docks into Southeast Ohio. “It's usually a nice surprise for them,” Matthew says. “They get a big-city feel in a small-town setting.”

Offering catering and banquet facilities, as well as a diverse group of people working at Austyn's, it's no wonder why their distinct flavors keep people coming back.

Find Austyn's at 130 Front Street in Marietta.

Photos Taken by ItinerantFoodies.com.