Investing in Conneautville -- a concept pointless to some, but the backbone of a local business celebrating its ten year anniversary this week. The Valley Inn was established by a three-fold partnership of Mark and Kurt Pitluga and Tammy Mead. The partnership, based on years of friendship, longevity in the Valley, and an interest in food service has been built on the past, but focuses a large amount of resources on its future success. The past includes the adaptive reuse of a near century-old building originally used for automobile repair, then Zogas dance hall, then primarily as a local bar under various names. A short tour of the building reveals evidence of its past life from abandoned equipment to signage on the beams – things a casual observer may overlook, but enlightening when looking for historical significance in a small town.

Ten years ago the partnership began a search for an opportunity to put their food service interest to work and Tammy’s mom, Sandy Artman, suggested they approach the McBride family regarding the McBride Shamrock Inn. The purchase was made and the partners established a long-range investment plan for their newly named Valley Inn. Their goal was to utilize the footprint of the building to its fullest potential in order to establish a space welcoming to families for an evening of eating, games, and socializing in a smoke free environment. Financially, the plan necessitates incremental steps to building improvement. Flooring throughout the front bar area has been installed, a new kitchen – including the removal of eight layers of flooring – was assembled, new restrooms with the required disabilities laws in mind have been installed, and storage rooms have been expanded. Although it wasn’t on the current “to do” list, during the most recent construction three double paned insulated windows were installed in the dining room, thanks to a friend’s unexpected gift to the Meads. On the slate for 2012 is a major reorganization of the entire dining, storage and office area in the back including a new ceiling, lighting, walls, building a more accessible door and ramp and refinishing the hardwood flooring. Electronic games and a pool table will remain a part of the mix along with a toy box for younger children in an effort to create a family-friendly dining room.

I asked Tammy why they were willing to invest their earnings back into the business. And why didn’t they just earn the money and spend it on themselves? Her quick enthusiastic response was, “Our customers deserve it. We have good, loyal customers and we want to give them a place where they can have an evening eating and playing games with their family and friends.” In fact, when questions arise and decisions are pending at the Valley Inn, their customer base is asked their opinion.

The bottom line with any business indicating they are “not just a bar anymore” is the menu. In July an expanded menu was introduced along with “sweet treats” for those who are dessert minded. However, their most popular items are number one, “homemade fresh dough pizza” with a variety of specialties, number two, the fresh dough wedges (originally introduced to town at Gary Bilich’s restaurant in the 80’s), and number three, wings – 25 flavors served on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Along with all of the new items and favorites are a large selection of subs, sandwiches, munchies, soups and salads. And one of my family’s personal favorites is the 5 P.M. Daily Specials. An important note regarding the old and new menus is the absence of wildly increased prices. Around the world businesses are threatened by the most recent economic crisis, but the Valley Inn’s customers have remained loyal. Additionally, doing their part to provide jobs, they now have eleven employees, up five from a few years ago. A dining room server and another cook have been added as changes have been made.

The next time you are hungry for pizza, sandwiches or wings, think about the Valley Inn and call in your order at 587-2398. They are a local business partnership investing their money in improvements for the Valley.