Bellaire’s Food Renaissance

The village of Bellaire can get a bum rap from both outsiders from the Upper Ohio Valley, and members from surrounding communities.

It’s even spawned a negative moniker which doesn’t bare repeating, but for some reason, Bellaire catches flack for negative issues that can be found in practically every town in the region in some fashion.

It seems since the Ohio Route 7 expansion project rerouted traffic, and seemingly life, around Bellaire, business started closing, population started migrating elsewhere, and negativity began to spread.

But for those who pay attention, Bellaire still has a lot to offer. Noticeably, the last few years the All-American Town is slowly transforming into a foodie haven.

Yes, those who are willing to look past the above referenced moniker and make their way down Guernsey and Belmont Street will come to find a food renaissance is taking place, with something to offer for anyone.

Bellaire resident and self-professed foodie Matt Koteles can attest. He sees it every day.

“As a foodie, I love the fact that we have so much variety—quality variety—in town,” Koteles said. “There are spots for everything from sit-down style breakfast, ethnic dishes and, of course, pizza.”

And it’s not just residents that are noticing.

Crystal Lorimor is the executive director for the Belmont County Community Improvement Council. She’s been working with the village on soliciting ideas of what residents, both from Bellaire and outside, would like to see done in town to better the overall community.

The original plan was to hold town meetings, but the pandemic put the stop to that. The plan then shifted to an online survey, which LEDE News will detail in-depth in a Monday release.

But even Lorimor, with her attention fixated on what Bellaire has to offer and could offer, noticed the growing culinary offerings in town. She took to Facebook to organize a foodie walk amongst friends.

“I just floated the idea out to see what kind of interest I’d get and thought we could try the (walk) informally,” Lorimor said. “There are so many places to eat and that are developing in Bellaire. It is turning into a food place. I think the businesses and residents are starting to see that as well.”

Numerous Options, Many Locally Owned

Bellaire gives you the double-dipping option of scratching your foodie itch AND supporting local businesses.

That’s because, while there are a few chain eateries in town, most of the restaurants and food shops you’ll find are locally owned.

From longtime mainstays and legends like Gulla’s Lunch and The Roosevelt to more recent additions like Around the World Gourmet, For the Love Pierogis, Sakura Asian Restaurant and Unique Treats by Jacquie, the locally-owned options are near limitless, and growing.

And let’s not forget about pasta night at the Sons of Italy on Thursday’s

As Koteles mentioned, like many towns in the valley, pizza is a mainstay. Bellaire is no exception. But the village does boast a large assortment and variety of Pizza.

There’s Lil’ Gerardo’s, 24/7 Pizza in downtown and Around the World out in West Bellaire. For those that prefer chain-style pizza, Domino’s is near Nelson Field.

“There are four of us in town, of course one is a chain, but there’s plenty for everyone. It just depends on what you want,” Lori Vinka, owner of Lil’ Gerardo’s said. “I always say that I’m in competition with myself to do better than I did yesterday. People like what they like. Sometimes it’s based on location and convenience, sometimes on price.

“But even through the pandemic, people in Bellaire and beyond have been really supportive of the locally-owned businesses. We have customers from everywhere—Wheeling, St. Clairsville, Shadyside, even some from Steubenville. It’s a nice variety.”

Vinka has been in business in town since 2012. Her father was for many years before her up near where the Rite Aid currently sits.

She’s seen businesses come and go through the years. But when it comes to the restaurant, they’ve mostly came to town and stayed. She welcomes all the eateries to town because she sees what Bellaire is becoming.

“We are becoming a foodie town and I love it. I love everything about it,” Vinka said. “

Capitalizing on the Momentum

Eyes are turning toward Bellaire and for positive reasons.

Around the World Gourmet made waves a few years ago when St. Jude Children’s Hospital began purchasing the gluten-free crusts produced entirely at Jennifer Kocher’s location in West Bellaire. Kocher recently obtained a grant to greatly expand her milling capabilities inside the manufacturing arm of the facility.

It has become the go-to spot for gluten-free eating in the valley as no eatery can boast anywhere near the variety of gluten-free offerings available that Kocher can.

The positive press businesses in Bellaire receive is a boon for the village as a whole.

“The attention gained by Around the World for providing pizza shells to St. Jude was awesome,” Koteles said. “I also feel that the use of social media is a big factor in spreading the news of what Bellaire has to offer.

“Unfortunately, after folks finishing eating in town, there is nothing else. They just eat and run.”

Koteles noted the town itself needs to capitalize on the increased traffic of both locals and out-of-towners frequenting the village by giving them something else to do aside from eating.

Just what that could be is up for debate. But one thing is certain.

When it comes to food, the All-American Town is getting it right. So, dig in.