Business

Grist Woodfired to open at the historic Gamble Mill in Bellefonte

BELLEFONTE -- A new chapter is about to begin at the historic Gamble Mill as Grist, an upscale casual restaurant led by longtime restaurateur Andi Heidt and chef Thomas Novosel, prepares to open in late September.

Named in honor of the building's history as a working grist mill, the restaurant will celebrate the property's past while creating a fresh dining experience for the Bellefonte community.

"A grist mill was where local farmers brought their grain to be ground into flour, and there's an old saying, 'It's all grist to the mill,' meaning every experience becomes part of who you are," Heidt said. "We loved the symbolism because we're honoring the history of the Gamble Mill while creating something new for the community."

Gamble Mill owners, brothers Jonathan and Chris Virgilio, said Heidt and Novosel are the ideal partners to bring the next phase of the property's revitalization to life.

"I've always loved the food they've created at both of their businesses. They have an understanding of what our community enjoys, and I'm excited to see them bring that vision to the Mill," Jonathan Virgilio said.

Megan Marcaurelle-Jones, co-owner and manager of The Republic bar, is thrilled to welcome Andi and Thomas to the Mill.

"With their expertise in the industry, I believe this restaurant concept is a great fit for the building and for the Bellefonte community. I am so looking forward to this next chapter," Marcaurelle-Jones said.

Grist will offer an upscale casual dining experience featuring scratch-made small plates, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal entrees, weekly chef features, classic cocktails, draft beers and wines. The restaurant will seat approximately 70 guests indoors, with an additional 30 seats on the patio.

"We want people to have an elevated dining experience without feeling like they have to go to a formal fine dining restaurant," Heidt said. "The Gamble Mill has such a unique atmosphere that it creates a place where people can celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, meet friends at the bar to watch a game or simply become regulars who stop in every week."

Grist is expected to open in late September and will serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. Reservations will be accepted, with lunch service planned for Spring of 2027.

For Heidt, Grist represents a homecoming. Before purchasing the Hublersburg Inn nearly two decades ago, she spent 18 years at the Gamble Mill, where she began as a bartender before becoming a manager.

"Coming back to the Gamble Mill feels like coming home," Heidt said.

The restaurant also reunites Heidt with Novosel, who served as a chef at the Hublersburg Inn more than 14 years ago. A Bellefonte native and owner of Happy Valley Chef, Novosel is known throughout the region for his wood-fired pizza and seasonal cuisine. Whenever possible, Grist will feature ingredients from local producers, including Blackbranch Farm, one of Novosel's longtime suppliers.

"I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring my seasonal, chef-driven cuisine to an established flour mill with such a rich history," Novosel said. "The chance to create something meaningful in an iconic and historically significant space is both inspiring and motivating."

Together, Heidt and Novosel hope Grist will become another destination in Bellefonte's growing culinary scene.

"Bellefonte has become such a diverse culinary destination, and every great restaurant brings more people into town," Heidt said. "That's good for the entire community, and it's good for the Gamble Mill."

Guests can follow Grist, Gamble Mill Inn & Suites and Speakeasy, and The Republic on social media for updates and events:

Grist: IG @grist.gamblemill; FB @GristWoodfired

Gamble Mill Inn & Suites and Speakeasy: IG @thegamblemill, FB @bftgamblemill

The Republic: IG @therepublicgamblemill; FB @therepublicgamblemill