DIANE AMEND, marketing and sales director of Yensen’s Landscaping, and Chris Yensen, owner, stand in front of the Yensen Pumpkin Patch at Fifth and Hanover streets in Martins Ferry following ribbon cutting ceremony held there Thursday. T-L Photo/SHELLEY HANSON

MARTINS FERRY — Two new businesses celebrated grand openings in Martins Ferry on Thursday — Belmont Brewerks and Yensen Landscaping’s Pumpkin Patch.

The Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce hosted the two separate ribbon cutting ceremonies at each location with several local dignitaries and city officials in attendance.

Belmont Brewerks is located on Fourth Street and offers a variety of dishes along with microbrews that are served in an outdoor covered patio and an adjoining grassy area with covered picnic tables.

While attending the Brewerks ceremony Councilman Bruce Shrodes said he was impressed with the new restaurant.

“It’s very nice and it’s something we needed in the city,” Shrodes said. “It fills a void in the city. People needed a place to congregate.”

Brewerks is located in one of the buildings that was damaged during a massive fire in the downtown in 2016. The interior has been totally remodeled and features a large bar. The covered patio area is expected to be enclosed in the future for use during colder winter months.

“They’ve done an outstanding job. It’s first class,” Shrodes said of the family restaurant.

Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce President Dorothy Powell said Belmont Brewerks was an asset to the city. With the Brewerks opening the business district is coming back to life again, she said.

“The pride is still here. It did not vanish,” Powell said.

Mayor John Davies said he was excited to have another new business open in Martins Ferry.

“The city definitely needed a new restaurant in town. We’re pleased to have them,” Davies said.

Dan Stephens, co-owner of Belmont Brewerks, said with the addition of Brewerks and Yensen’s, the city of Martins Ferry is becoming a great fall destination.

People can stop in the Deluxe Toy and Hobby, located at Fifth and Hanover streets, to shop for toys or even Christmas presents, grab a bite to eat and drink at Belmont Brewerks and then stop at Yensen’s to get their pumpkins for decorating, he said.

Yensen’s Pumpkin Patch is situated at the gazebo lot on the corner of Fifth and Hanover streets. It is selling pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, fall decorations, Ohio State University decorations and some perennial flowers as well, said owner Chris Yensen. Yensen’s main location is located in Wheeling.

The Pumpkin Patch is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

“We want more local businesses to come to town,” Stephens said. “The door is always open to new business.”