Warren Scott MAKING THE CUT — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Wintersville officials welcomed Keene Barnett, the new owner of DeFelice Bros. Pizza’s location, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the shop at 496 Cadiz Road. With Barnett was Dominic DeFelice, president of the area pizza chain; and Barnett’s fiancee, Jessica Riggenbach, who has assisted him there.

WINTERSVILLE — Residents of the Wintersville area who missed the taste of DeFelice Bros. Pizza and its assortment of other entrees had cause to celebrate when the local shop at 496 Cadiz Road reopened recently under new owner Keene Barnett.

Members of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and village officials were on hand for a grand re-opening on April 13 that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, free samples, the DeFelice Bros. mascots and face painting for children and a chance at winning pizza for a year.

Among the many on hand was Dominic DeFelice, president of DeFelice Bros. Pizza, who noted Barnett is no stranger to the pizza chain, having operated its Shadyside location for three years. Barnett, who had managed other local pizza shops prior to that, said he has enjoyed his affiliation with the area pizza chain very much.

“I am very excited about this new adventure. I may not be a DeFelice, but Dom has treated me like family and has helped me every step of the way. I look forward to the opportunity at my newest location, which has been a staple of the Wintersville area for many years,” he said.

Barnett said when he learned Dave and Denise Liberati, former owners of the Wintersville location, were retiring, he welcomed the opportunity to take it on.

He said he’s been happy to have the assistance of his fiancee, Jessica Riggenbach, while retaining members of the hard-working staff that had worked with the Liberatis to make the Wintersville location a success.

Barnett noted it will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

He noted DeFelice Bros. offers more than a dozen varieties of pizza, including deep-dish Detroit-style, and an assortment of toppings from which customers may choose.

Barnett said the chain is known for its fresh ingredients, assorted cheeses and home-made sauce.

He added DeFelice Bros. offers pasta topped with tomato, creamy alfredo or oil and garlic sauces; several ingredient-filled salads; more than a dozen sandwiches; calzones; and chicken wings with various flavors and sauces.

Of the latter, Barnett recommends the parmesan crusted rosemary.

“When people try it, they are blown away by it,” he said.

Barnett said he and his staff are prepared to cater various events and looks forward to forming a relationship with schools in the Indian Creek Local School District.

Young visitors to the shop who complete a coloring sheet will receive a free cookie.

For information about catering or to place a daily order, call (740) 264-9702. Orders also may be placed online at eatdefelice.hungerrush.com, with DeFelice Bros. offering an app through which first-time customers receive a 20 percent discount.

Of the Wintersville area, Barnett said, “It’s a very nice community. A lot of people have said they’re really happy we’re still open, and we’re happy to serve them.”

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)