Owner of popular 1844 Restaurant willing to wait out pandemic before reopening

A historic rural restaurant remains closed because of the pandemic.

1844 Restaurant, located at 690 Route 66, 3 miles north of Leechburg in Gilpin, closed in March. It is too early to say when it will reopen, said owner/operator Robert Gorelli.

Gorelli, 78, said he wants to see widespread covid-19 vaccine distribution happen before making a decision.

“We will reopen when it’s safe for our customers and employees,” Gorelli said.

Gorelli said several of his relatives died because of covid-19 complications, and he is not taking any chances.

He wants to assure customers the business has not closed permanently.

“We miss all of our customers,” Gorelli said, “but it needs to be the right time to open again. This wasn’t a difficult decision for me, to remain closed. I made my mind up.”

The restored 19th-century farmhouse was built around 1830 but was first assessed for taxes in 1844 — hence the name.

1844 Restaurant opened in 1974, serving classic American cuisine in an upscale setting and originally specializing in prime rib.

Nine restored dining rooms feature original fireplaces, woodwork and china closets.

The original root cellar was restored into the Keeping Room, featuring fieldstone walls and a high-ceiling fireplace and bar.

Gorelli was inspired to open the restaurant after a trip to California, where he experienced delicious prime rib and decided to bring that particular cut of meat to the forefront of the menu.

Sylvia and Ron Ravotti of Gilpin have dined occasionally at 1844 since it opened.

“The food is excellent, and it’s nice to hear they’ll reopen,” said Sylvia Ravotti, 85.

Ron said he noticed the gate is always closed at 1844, and he’s looking forward to their reopening.

“I was wondering, because I always drive by, and, as time went by, I wondered what was going on. This is good news, and it’s good for the community to have places reopen and seem like we are alive again,” he said.

Gorelli said he has added updates to the grounds and building during the closure. He refurbished outside lighting, installed new air conditioning, reconditioned the kitchen and replaced wiring at the entranceway. A new brick springhouse was built in 2019.

Gorelli said he has fielded a lot of phone calls from customers about a reopening date and recommends checking 1844restaurant.com for updates.

“We will definitely post it on our website,” Gorelli said.