Andover Inn is ready to dish out hospitality

Andover Borough - The Andover Inn held a tradition of serving people since the mid 1850s. And now where the former historic inn once stood are Jimmy’s Italian Tavern, promising old world charm mixed with modern amenities. “We’re here and open for business, looking to serve people in the area,” said owner Jim Freda, an Andover Township resident, who has resided in the county for 10 years. Freda’s has a family background in the restaurant industry. He believes fine dining establishment and quaint inn would flourish in the area. He enlisted the help of his partner and chef Vito Rizvani, who owns Due Amici Restaurant in Brielle, NJ. Freda said, “The county has welcomed us with open arms.” The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and from veal to seafood, the menus offer a wide range. Prices range from $14 to $30 for dinner entrees and a from $7 to $12 for lunch. The restaurant also offers a broad selection of wines to accompany the meals. Jimmy’s Italian Tavern has two sections. “This was important to us,” said Freda, who spent considerable time with architect Lou Salmone, and interior designer Cynthia Harriman to set the atmospheres. The dining room is pays homage to the inn’s history concentrating on elegance and lots of light, while the back room is a tavern with a laid-back ambience. “There are two different atmospheres but the same menu,” Freda said. Additionally, the tavern has happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., flat screen televisions and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Upstairs, there are 11 rooms to accommodate travelers, and already the inn has hosted business guests and wedding parties. The Andover Inn has partnered up with local businesses and catering facilities to help accommodate their guests, and blocks of rooms can be reserved. The Andover Inn and Jimmy’s Italian Tavern are located on 136 Main St. The restaurant is open daily for lunch from noon until 4 p.m., and dinner, 4 until 10 p.m. with extended hours on the weekend. For more information or reservations call 973-786-0050, or go to www.theandoverinn.com. Andover Inn History 1856 - The Andover Hotel was built and opened by William F. Iliff, (operated by Peter Van Ness) and later, a liquor license was purchased from Oscar Simpson. Business boomed after the liquor license was purchased, and Simpson ran the inn until his death. 1880 - Following Simpson’s death, his heirs managed the inn, and later, William Caskey bought it from them. 1901 - Joseph Rose purchased the Inn from Caskey, and it eventually wound up in the hands of his grandson Kenneth Fritts. From 1856 through 1901, the inn was a bar, boarding house and a working farm. Once the Jennings Family took it over in later years a popular restaurant was also born. 1990 - Larry Cucci bought the Inn and restaurant, and ran it through 2004. 2005 - Jeff Luisi updated the Inn, with a new name for the restaurant — The Iron Mine Grill and Tavern. 2006 - One January day, a fire devastated the Iron Mine Grill and Tavern, and although there were no serious injuries from the blaze, all that stood from the historic building was its stone fireplace. 2010 - In June, Freda unveiled a new building with a nostalgic feel, featuring the 11-room Andover Inn, a one-bedroom apartment, and Jimmy’s Italian Tavern.