Elizabeth and Megan Odell-McKinley, owners of Compass Bar and Grille in French Creek hope to be able to continue to grow their business next year. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

FRENCH CREEK — After opening the Compass Bar and Grille in French Creek this summer, the Odell-McKinleys have faced a few obstacles. Nonetheless, the pair said everything has been going well.

“It has been unpredictably good, unpredictably chaotic, but also fun,” Elizabeth Odell-McKinley said.

Located at 1789 Olde Road, the building that is home to Compass Bar and Grille used to house Rustic Ridge until it closed in the early 2000s.

Elizabeth and Megan Odell-McKinley both appreciate the community support and the creativity they have been afforded.

“If we think of something and can do it, there’s no one to tell us no,” Elizabeth Odell-McKinley said.

The pair added that overcoming some of the obstacles throughout the year has also been a favorite part, along with one of the biggest surprises. One of the plans since the beginning has been to be able to hold activities for all four seasons, and for the holiday season that has included a Christmas brunch with Santa and a sit down tablecloth dinner. A New Year’s Eve event is planned, along with a series of DJs and karaoke along with live music, which starts the weekend of Dec. 29 and 30 and goes until St. Patrick’s Day.

For next year, the Odell-McKinley’s hope to be able to continue to grow.

“We want to have more events,” Megan Odell-McKinley said. “We have stuff to gage the year off of.”

More than anything, the two women appreciate the support of the community in the months since opening day.

“The locals are awesome,” Megan Odell-McKinley said. “The support from family and friends has been very nice.”

“We appreciate the support,” Elizabeth Odell-McKinley added. “This community is second to none.”