After 45 years, Fireside is under new ownership. What it means for the Feasterville staple

The keys to Fireside have been handed over.

Ready for retirement after working hard for 45 years, Dottie Sentner, who first opened the longtime Feasterville establishment in 1978 with her husband, John, sold Fireside Smokehouse Inn to a new couple who will continue what the Sentner family started.

Jenn Capobianco, who for the past eight years worked as a bartender there, said she and her husband, Michael, are excited to carry the torch.

“They left their family legacy with us,” she said.

“We’ve made some changes to the menu, but as far as the atmosphere and the family neighborhood vibe, that is something that will never change.”

With a combined 40 years industry experience for the couple, and the fifth bar Michael has owned, purchasing Fireside was the chance to put their skills to good use for a dedicated staff and loyal customers who already felt like family to them.

“We were super excited that she asked us. There was no saying no to it. They’re just a great family and we’re very happy we get to take over their family business, their treasure,” she said.

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What will Fireside Inn’s new menu look like?

Many of the barbecue favorites Fireside has always been known for will remain on the menu, said Jenn, such as the popular Barbecue Mac Sandwich made with brisket covered in mac and cheese topped with cheddar and served on thick-cut brioche.

But their offerings are expanding to include seafood, steak and pasta dishes, as well, which is why the business will be dropping “Smokehouse” from its name and becoming Fireside Inn.

The menu will feature unique additions, like their spicy shrimp appetizer, which comes with six large Gulf shrimps in a spicy Maryland-style sauce; and their Daytona Wings, that are deep fried, sauced and finished on the char broiler.

Popem Pastalaya is another must-try signature entrée. The jambalaya-inspired pasta dish, named after Mike’s father, is made with chicken, shrimp and andouille sausage with a Cajun spice sauce over penne.

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How about Fireside’s drink menu?

Customers can expect to find the same craft beers on tap, but more creative cocktails will also be added to the list.

Has Fireside changed its hours?

Yes, Fireside is now open seven days a week and has changed its hours, opening earlier for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and closing later at 2 a.m.

Will Fireside still feel like the same bar?

Some improvements are in the works, including the new larger TVs they’ve already installed throughout. They also plan to enlarge the patio and turn it into a year-round space with garage door enclosures that can open up in the warmer months.

But overall, Fireside will remain a family-owned bar with the same farmhouse look, dedicated to its locals, or regulars, who they prefer to call friends.

“It’s a like a hidden gem,” she said. “But once you find it, you feel like you’re home. Everyone knows each other in the bar. It’s just a great vibe . . . and so close knit, it’s awesome.”

Go: 237 Elmwood Ave., Feasterville-Trevose; 215-357-9874; Fireside on Facebook

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Fireside Inn in Feasterville get new owners, added menu