Upscale eatery 1844 Restaurant reopening in Gilpin

The upscale 1844 Restaurant in Gilpin is set to reopen after remaining closed for more than a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The family-owned and operated restaurant is scheduled to welcome diners again on July 9.

The pandemic forced owner Bob Gorelli, 78, to close in March 2020. He said several of his relatives died because of covid-19 complications, prompting his decision to keep the doors closed.

“I’m ready to reopen now. I’ve been anxious to do it. I miss all of my customers,” Gorelli said.

Gorelli said the opening night is already booked, and reservations are suggested.

The reopening ushers in new hours and days of operations, with dinner available from 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 1844 previously was open Thursdays.

The eatery 3 miles north of Leechburg along Route 66 opened in 1974. Gorelli serves as proprietor and bartender and said he has fielded numerous calls from customers over the past few months inquiring about when he would reopen.

“I want to make sure everyone gets good service,” Gorelli said.

The pre-pandemic staff of seven is returning, and all staffers have received covid-19 vaccinations, but Gorelli said he still is in need of a dishwasher and applicants are hard to come by.

The nine dining rooms upstairs are, for now, closed.

“The other rooms won’t be open until we can hire more staff,” he said.

Bob’s son Brandon Gorelli remains as chef and is updating the American-influenced menu that features fresh fish flown in weekly from Hawaii and prime rib.

The new menu will feature three cuts of beef: filet mignon, prime rib and strip steaks.

The wine and beer list has been updated and features locally crafted beers.

Bob Gorelli said customers may see an increase in menu prices at 1844 caused by record-­high meat and fish prices.

“I’ve never seen prices this high. I think it’s from the drought out west, and our beef is Western-supplied,” Gorelli said, noting that Black Angus filet mignon that had averaged about $19 per pound is now selling for $50 per pound.

Gorelli said he completed numerous repairs and updates on the property during the pandemic, including refinishing the hardwood floors on the upper level of the restored 19th-century farmhouse, installing two new air conditioners and furnaces and fixing a drainage issue in the parking lot.

The original root cellar houses the Keeping Room, complete with a bar, separate back dining room and a high-ceiling stone fireplace.

The restaurant sits on almost 3 acres. The building enjoyed by patrons was built around 1830, but assessed for taxes in 1844 — hence the name.

“I’m happy to hear they’re reopening, and it’s good to have this attraction in Gilpin,” said township Supervisor Charlie Stull. “I was worried they wouldn’t reopen at all, so this is great news for both 1844 and the township.