Northfield Native Brings The Iconic Rustic Restaurant Back to Life
The revamped space is designed to cater to all, from Norwich University students to lifelong locals and families, and a long legacy of attracting folks from out of town.
NORTHFIELD FALLS, Vt. — After shuttering its doors in October 2021, the beloved Rustic Restaurant, affectionately known as Ace’s, the Rustic, and The Stic, and a Northfield institution for 65 years, is set to reopen on June 11 as The Stic Kitchen and Bar, thanks to the vision of local native Matt Goslant.
The revival of this community hub promises to blend nostalgia with fresh innovation, offering a diverse dining experience for residents, college students, and visitors alike.
The Rustic, long known for its welcoming atmosphere and role as a social cornerstone, closed amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its absence left a void in Northfield, where dining options have at times been limited. Enter Goslant, a 2003 Northfield High School graduate with a colorful career in college hockey and NASCAR, who saw an opportunity to restore the restaurant’s legacy while elevating the town’s culinary scene.
“I felt there was something attainable here,” Goslant said in a recent interview. “We wanted to preserve a legacy in town and make it an asset to the community.” Initially purchasing the property for its apartments, Goslant was spurred by community enthusiasm to reimagine the restaurant space, which had sat dormant for nearly a year and a half.
The Stic Kitchen and Bar, managed by Libby Miles, will feature an “all-American menu on steroids,” with offerings ranging from Italian dishes and steak tips to burgers. Many items will be gluten-free, and portions are promised to be generous, with a focus on quality and freshness.
“If you’re craving any type of cuisine, you can come here and not have to leave town,” Goslant said, addressing the 20- to 25-minute drive residents often face for diverse dining.
The revamped space is designed to cater to all, from Norwich University students to lifelong locals and families, and a long legacy of attracting folks from out of town. It includes a flexible indoor layout and a full-service outdoor seating area with 20 to 20 seats, capitalizing on post-COVID demand for open-air dining. The restaurant will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays to streamline operations.
Goslant’s journey from Northfield to working in NASCAR’s career development for driver Cole Custer, and later at Loudoun, underscores his deep ties to the area. “The community’s connection to this place is special,” he said. “We want to draw people into Northfield’s safe, small community.”
The Stic Kitchen and Bar is poised to reinvigorate Northfield Falls, offering a modern yet familiar gathering spot that honors the Rustic’s storied past. As Goslant puts it, it’s about giving “everybody a little taste of everything” while keeping the heart of Northfield alive.