Gatch's Food & Spirits; Great food, great price, great service

RUMFORD- On a chilly December morning, members of the River Valley Chamber of Commerce and friends and family of David and Bonnie Gatchell braved the elements and gathered outside the 137 Rumford Ave. location for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Gatch's Food & Spirits.

“It's been something I've wanted to do forever,” noted Bonnie. With her husband David sitting at the end of the bar, she laughed, “Dave just thinks of himself as the custodian, but it really is a joint effort.”

The cozy 45-seat restaurant with space for a drink at the bar has been open for business since October and is already making a name for itself.

“We're becoming famous for our burger,” noted Bonnie. “It's a whole half pound of Angus beef.”

With their half-pound burger that never leaves the menu, mill workers and passers-by alike know they can depend on Gatch's for the best and biggest burger in town. If a burger is not what you're looking for, try the baked haddock, chicken parmesan, divan or the delectable sirloin steak.

They have daily soup and sandwich special that varies from the regular menu, but Gatch's is sure to have something that will make your taste buds whistle.

While you're there, wash down your mouth-watering meal with a cocktail from the bar and relish in the full experience Gatch's has to offer.

If you don't have time to sit in and eat, call ahead and they'll have it ready for you when you arrive. “We've gotten a lot of take out orders from the mill,” noted Bonnie. “I walk across the foot bridge to deliver to them and think that I may have to invest in a Radio Flyer wagon to get it all over there. They've been really good customers.”

Locals have been in multiple times and can't stop raving about the food. “Scot Grassette comes in often,” noted Bonnie. “And then, he's on Facebook telling everyone how great it is.”

Gatch's is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.

“If there are people in here at closing time and more show up, I'll stay,” noted Bonnie. “As long as people want food and drinks and they're behaving themselves, I'll be here. Customers won't be disappointed.”

New things are already coming for 2011, such as a grand opening celebration that will be held on January 15. Gatch's will be open all day with specials, giveaways and more.

Also on the agenda for the coming year is customer of the month. The person that is chosen each month will enjoy a $25 gift certificate for dinner and drinks, have their photo taken and will reap the benefits of having their face shown for that month in the restaurant.

Bonnie hopes you'll think of Gatch's for your next holiday party or gathering. Call Bonnie at 364-2050 to make your party plans or to place your next take out order.

Gatch's Food & Spirits Photo:

David Gatchell holds the end of the ribbon as he and members of the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, family and friends observe his wife Bonnie doing the honors for their newly opened business, Gatch's Food & Spirits. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)