FACTORYVILLE, Pa. — A popular eatery near Factoryville that was destroyed by a fire in May 2023 is getting closer to reopening. In the meantime, a commercial kitchen was built at the restaurant's owner's home to give customers a sample while they wait.
At this point, the secret recipe is second nature. Sandy Kostick is whipping up pizza dough every Friday, as her family has for generations.
"It established with my grandparents back in 1955," explains Kostick.
Kostick is now the third-generation owner of her family's restaurant, Gin's Tavern, in Factoryville. During its peak, the local gathering spot served more than 200 pizzas a night. But the magic didn't start in a stainless steel kitchen. Instead, the space was originally her family's garage. Now, it's transformed into a pizza haven right inside her home in Wyoming County.
"I actually cooked dinner last night in my normal kitchen, and it actually felt out of sorts. I'd rather cook out here. It's easier to clean up, actually," she laughed.
This space has become a safe haven for Kostick, as well, after Gin's Tavern burned to the ground last year.
"When you saw the building in flames, your whole life flashes right before your eyes," Kostick explained.
Her family is currently rebuilding, but the new restaurant won't be open until the end of summer. She says the new space will have a modern take and will be enjoyable for people of all ages.
"A few weeks ago was the first time I saw the walls, and it was just breathtaking," she explained, showing pictures of the current construction.
In the meantime, Kostick is working to give the community "A Taste of Gins." The name is a nod to those who miss that secret family recipe.
"Everyone kept telling us they miss the taste of Gin's," she explained. "This, well, It just keeps the love alive, you know. It just keeps it in your heart."
The catering business offers a scaled-down version of its original menu, which includes wings, rice balls, and, of course, those pizza pies you can't find anywhere else.
"It's really nice to see the familiar faces and the customers, and they're excited about everything, so we just decided let's keep it going like this," Kostick added.
Even when the new building of Gin's Tavern reopens, Kostick will still be keeping 'A Taste of Gin's' up and running.
"Something that we're proud of and that we'd like to continue for years to come. I now have grandchildren, so hopefully it'll pass through the generations and keep it going.," she explained.
Carrying on that family recipe in a new way for generations to come.
Customers can use the restaurant's old number, 570-945-3617, to pre-order from 'A Taste of Gin's'.