Hotel Saxonburg owners welcomed to business community during event
For the new owners of Hotel Saxonburg, it’s all about tradition.
After some renovation, Annette Gervais and Lee Uncapher plan to see the nearly 200-year-old “Grand Lady” carry on as before.
The duo purchased the establishment in August and are in the process of fixing up the historic building, with the hope to still bring back the nostalgia of the 1800s for visitors.
One aspect of the renovations is complete at this time, Gervais said, a room called “Annette’s Fine Dining,” which is centered in the middle of the main floor of the restaurant.
“When we got here the room did not look like this,” said Arianna Afshari, general manager and the daughter of Gervais. “It kinda looked like the inside of a barn. You now feel like you're in a different time. Our food matches that.”
To show off the new room and to introduce the new owners to the local business community, about 80 people gathered at Hotel Saxonburg, 220 W. Main St., on Thursday, Feb. 1, for a “White Rose Welcome Event,” organized by Scott Docherty, president of CID Buildings.
Docherty said the new ownership would not have been possible without help from state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and Melanie Brewer with U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s office, who helped secure the a loan for the purchase and remodel of the business.
“The Hotel Saxonburg is the glue that keeps the town together,” Docherty said.
The bar area of the restaurant is going to be titled “Tilted Tavern” Afshari said, and they hope to have a bourbon bar on the other side of the building with a glass garage door that can serve as a walk up bar in the summer.
“As the building settled, you can see it's tilting a little,” Afshari said. “We have had everything reinforced and it's safe.”
Their first day of business as owners was Oct. 20, and they said the change of ownership was as smooth as could be.
“The very first night that we were in business everything went off without a hitch,” Uncapher said. “That's a testament to our chef and his team. We were just sitting back and watching it happen.”
Afshari said the menu has a few new items, such as mini pie deserts, while keeping some of the staple items, such as lobster bisque.
Gervais said previous owner Judy Ferree set the couple up for success by creating the staff they inherited.
“Without this team, I don't think the experience would be the same,” Gervais said.
Aside from inheriting employees, the new owners said they have inherited some residents who might have been around for generations.
“This place has been known to host some spirits and there is a little girl that is very happy we are here,” Afshari said. “You can hear her laughing in the hallway. Guests have heard it over the years and if you are here late at night you might hear it.”
Uncapher said they plan to uphold some party traditions, such as their Mardi Gras party, while introducing new ones, such as a tomahawk steak night, which will be held on Valentine’s Day this year.
The business is not currently open Sundays, but Afshari said that will change soon, as they are looking to introduce Sunday brunches.
“We will have bottomless mimosas, bloody Marys and have the fun stuff you would typically have to drive down to Pittsburgh to experience,” Afshari said.
