|
Pete and Gladys DeBalli |
Marcella's Tavern was a road stop in 1950 when Pete and Gladys DeBalli bought it and changed the name to The Cottage Restaurant. During the fifties, Gladys' fine touch in the kitchen and Pete's humor around the bar changed the once dilapidated road stop into a restaurant known for the good food and friendly company. |
|
In 1958, Route 22 widened to a four-lane highway and the existing Cottage was moved back 300 yards. The restaurant underwent renovations as extensive as the highway and after a year of hard work, Pete and Gladys proudly opened the doors of the new Cottage. A side dining room and main dining room had been added to the original building. It was at this time they adopted the slogan, "Refresh yourself, my friend and rest, and feel you are a welcome guest." During the years that followed, the Cottage did truly become a home away from home for many because of Pete and Gladys' hospitality. Another major change occurred in 1963. Pete, Sr. personally built his Inn. As the years passed, many travelers to Ebensburg stayed in the Inn. It was not unusual to find Pete, Sr. in the lobby engaged in lively conversation with the guests. Many regulars looked forward to a visit to the Cottage as more of a visit with the DeBalli family rather than just a stay in a motel. When Pete, Sr. died in 1973, his son, Pete, Jr., assumed control of the family business. Gladys continued her fine work in the kitchen before going into semi-retirement. She passed away in 1984. In the 80's, Pete, Jr. completely remodeled the restaurant and gave the Inn a room-by-room facelift. Midway through the 90's, another facelift occurred. With a lot of imagination the geometric look of the sixties was converted to a New England Inn look, complete with landscaping and blooming flower boxes. The main dining room was completely gutted and transformed into a much cozier comfortable room. All of the Tiffany shades were removed and taken to the side dining room, hence its name...the Tiffany Room. All of these changes have been done with the hope that the quality of the Cottage will continue to grow. What we hope has not changed is the feeling of warmth and hospitality that has always been synonymous with the Cottage. As the new owners of the Cottage, Admiral Peary Hospitality, LLC will continue to use the motto adopted by Pete DeBalli, Sr. so many years ago: "Refresh yourself, my friend and rest, And feel you are a welcome guest."
|
|
