Building the Valley: Couple opens Portage Inn at site of former Jim's Pub 66 in Gilpin

A Gilpin couple is making its way through the food industry by opening a second restaurant in the Alle-Kiski Valley area, the Portage Inn.

Jeremy and Ashley Smail have taken over the space of Jim’s Pub 66 in Gilpin along Route 66, closing on the deal in January. In six days, they were able to renovate the place in time for a soft opening Feb. 5, followed by a full opening Feb. 9.

“We thought it would be nice to get something out here because of the lack of restaurants,” Ashley Smail said.

Their other venture is Goat Donut Co., a craft doughnut shop and cafe, slated to open in Leechburg later this month.

The name of their new Gilpin restaurant is a nod to the active water life on the nearby Kiski River, “portage” being the term for carrying a canoe or other boat over land.

Portage Inn’s soft opening featured a small menu, previewing the coming attractions. The full menu includes Italian and American cuisines, sandwiches, desserts, pizzas and appetizers. Ashley Smail said a “special Lenten menu, not just fish” is in the works for March.

The place was bustling with more than 30 friends and family members coming to show their support, with seating in the dining room and bar.

Apollo resident Bruce Yard thought the restaurant was great.

“It has a great family atmosphere, and the food is tremendous,” he said.

West Leechburg resident Erin Ridenour never had been to Jim’s Pub 66 and did not know what to expect with the new restaurant.

“My experience has been good. We thought the food was really good,” she said.

Justin Hilty of Gilpin quipped the place felt like “a family dive bar.”

“I like it. It’s nice to see something in Gilpin,” he said.

The Smails are confident in their progress over a short time.

“We are happy with how things are going. We have great people working for us,” Jeremy Smail said.

The couple will have a busy month ahead as Goat Donut Co. opens. Ashley Smail said they hired management to help them continue to oversee operations of both restaurants.

“If I was super involved with all the details, I wouldn’t be able to see the bigger picture,” she said.

Portage Inn is open daily from 4 p.m. The Smails plan to expand the space to allow for more activities, such as cornhole and horseshoes, and outdoor seating in warmer weather.