CLINTON TOWNSHIP, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A popular local restaurant is back in business and is welcoming customers to its new location.
Gin's Tavern near Factoryville was under construction for a year and a half after a devastating fire.
"Welcome to Gin's," a greeting that was given Saturday for the first time in a very long time. The new, popular, and traditional Gin's Tavern near Factoryville officially reopened.
"Here we are, we did we did it," said Kostick.
Restaurant owner Sandy Kostick expressed relief after a long and difficult 18 months in bringing back the business.
The original restaurant built in 1955 used to be located across the street before fire destroyed it in May 2023.
The Kostick family lost the building and everything inside it.
"But it's nice to have a clean slate. Start fresh and do things right," says Kostick.
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The owner made her way around the new restaurant all afternoon and checked in on her customers who were overjoyed to see the new place.
James McGowan has been a customer of Gin's since the 1980s. He even helped get the family business back on its feet by assisting in anyone he could.
"I said I'm here if you need me, call me, and if they did I'd come over," stated McGowan.
When you first take a step back into Gin's Tavern, you'll notice the family business never looked newer, but it still carries plenty of old memories, pieces, and company.
The siding from the old building is now hung on the wall in the new one.
A replica of an original sign is hung in the hallway to the restrooms.
Shuffleboard, a gaming area, and a sports bar are included in the new design are intended for a modernized feel welcoming to everyone.
Going to work every day was something Sandy's daughter Kassidy says she took for granted at times, but not anymore.
"As a teenager, I used to be like ugh, I have to go to work and it's so hard working with family, but over the last 18 months that's all I've been thinking about," mentioned Kassidy.
Sandy says the fire was a blessing in disguise and a new location right across the street is a reminder of what's to come and what's never going to change.
"And be the same welcoming Gin's we've always been so that's our light, I'm grateful for that," said Sandy.
The menu even still features a fan favorite Tex-Mex soup and some new gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The Kostick's say sales were tremendous for opening day.
