WINTERSVILLE – The Gaslite Restaurant is quickly becoming a new hotspot in Jefferson County.

The Petrella brothers recently acquired the restaurant from Frank Berardi, taking over ownership and operations a few months ago.

Mike Petrella, a recent graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University, will handle all of the day-to-day operations at the Gaslite. He also is the owner of Economy Lawn Care and co-owner of Village Sleep Center.

“The restaurant has been in business for many decades and formerly operated under the names Gumba’s, the Farm and Mike’s Steakhouse before transforming into the Gaslite,” Petrella explained. “Frank Berardi and Dee Pizzoferrato officially opened the restaurant in 1992. Pizzoferrato passed away six years ago and the Berardis became the sole owners and operators.”

The Gaslite legacy will continue, and since taking ownership, the Petrella brothers have been hard at work, initially expanding the menu.

“We’ve added seven new appetizers, four new wines, a new entree salad, two new sandwich options and an expanded cocktail menu featuring the Gaslite’s signature drink, the Yellow Monkey,” Petrella said.

Also recently added are a daily $5 lunch special, which includes a sandwich and a side; luncheons for funerals at a special cost; and happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday featuring half-off appetizers and daily drink specials. The restaurant will feature nightly dinner specials beginning at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We have also installed a new floor, purchased locally from Valerie DiMichele at Creative Carpets in Wintersville, upgraded some of the kitchen and bar equipment and plan to upgrade the exterior in the spring as well as modernize the dining room decor,” he noted.

Mike Petrella is joined by his brothers, Billy and Jay, in the venture. Jay Petrella is a local real estate agent and co-owner of Village Sleep Center, where he handles all daily operations.

Billy Petrella is president of Petrella Wealth Management, C. William Industries and a co-owner of Village Sleep Center.

All three brothers have an active role in their family’s real estate development company, Petrella Enterprises, which was founded 37 years ago by their parents, Anita and Craig. Members of the Petrella family also have previous food industry experience, as they owned and operated Dairy Queen in Hollywood Plaza and a drive-through in Mingo Junction for nine years.

Nikki Petrella handles the payroll for the Gaslite.

Mike Petrella said that the Gaslite has a great group of regular customers who are at the facility weekly.

“We have also seen a number of new companies and corporations host their holiday parties with us,” he stated. “We are very excited for the spring to offer a new wing special and a variety of spring cocktails. A late-night happy hour will also be offered Thursday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to close.”

Call ahead for reservations or to plan a party in the back dining room at (740) 264-2225.

Take-out service is available and has increased during the past two months, Mike Petrella added.

“Our take-out service is very quick as we know a number of business individuals do not have a lot of time to spend out of the office,” Petrella stated. “We ask the community to please support our new venture and bring your family and friends to enjoy our famous steaks, tender ribs, delicious pork chops, homemade ham barbeque and huge salads.”

Like the Gaslite on Facebook for menu and restaurant updates.

“We currently have 453 likes and have embraced social media to connect to our customers,” Petrella said.

The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

“We are also very fortunate that every staff member stayed on during the takeover,” Petrella added. “We are excited for what the future has to bring.”