Jersey Boys ready to open at new location

A downtown fixture has shut its doors at the corner of East First Street and Spokane Avenue in Whitefish, but its delicious food and warm atmosphere are available, bigger and better, just a short drive south.

Jersey Boys Pizzeria has moved to 6155 U.S. 93 South. The new location, which shares a building with Buster’s Casino, affords more space to owners, Jelisa and Pete Byl. 

Jersey Boys’ kitchen, dining room and bathrooms at the original location totaled 1,600 square feet. The kitchen and dining room alone at the new location occupy 3,600 square feet and the seating capacity has increased from 36 to 70. 

“One of the main things I'm really looking forward to is being able to service our local community better,” Jelisa said. 

She said a lack of oven space has always caused the restaurant to have trouble keeping up with demand. The new location has two ovens. They’ve also added arcade games and two massive TV screens. 

“One side of the restaurant is more like the fun, family side and the other side is a little bit warmer with two-top seating for couples or for people wanting a more peaceful evening, even though it is all still one big room,” Jelisa said. “We built a cool little bar seating area and we’ll have a larger beer tap selection.” 

Jersey Boys’ new spot on the southern side of town has a large back patio, a big parking lot and a convenient pick-up area right through the front door. 

The centerpiece of the restaurant is a 650-pound, concrete, bar-height countertop Jelisa and her team poured for use as the 10-top tabletop.  

The hours, menu, and most important, the staff, remain the same. 

“All of our employees are coming with us,” Jelisa said. “They've all been showing up and helping and staining and we’ve carried in 5,000 pounds of ovens one day. They've just been there, though thick and thin with us.” 

THE DOWNTOWN location served as a pizzeria for about 30 years. It housed Downtown Pizzeria and Stageline before becoming Jersey Boys 15 years ago with owners Russ and Kim Sikorsky. The restaurant’s name came from Russ’ upbringing in Verona, New Jersey. 

“Pete and I used to go on dates there,” Jelisa said of the Sikorsky-owned Jersey Boys.  

She said she “went out on a limb,” purchased the business and the Byls have owned it for nearly 11 years. 

Recently, the Byls were informed their lease would not be renewed at the end of its term. 

“It’s been really incredible to see what the Whitefish community is like and brings and we’re definitely sad to leave downtown but are looking forward to the opportunities that this new location brings,” Jelisa said. “This is going to be an awesome place for people to kind of escape and feel that sense of community and local vibe again in the summer.”  

Old photos of the previous tenant, Asian food restaurant, Orient Express, show carpeting and arched, faux rock walls. Now, the space is modern and sleek, and boasts plenty of natural light. A beautiful custom bench is a welcoming touch. 

Its spacious dining area and large patio make Jersey Boys a place to gather with friends and family, hang out and enjoy a pizza and a bottle, or box, of wine. 

Dan Elder is the owner of the building and is the Byls’ new landlord. Jelisa said Elder and his friend, Kendal Slaybaugh, worked tirelessly since May to completely revamp the place. 

"They were in there, covered in drywall and paint, for months making sure it was a perfect space for us,” she said. “We are very grateful for them.” 

The new Jersey Boys is slated to open Friday, Nov. 22, and they are looking forward to hosting a big bash on Dec. 5, to celebrate both the new place and the ski hill’s opening day.

Jersey Boys Pizzeria's new location will fire up two ovens. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

    The new Jersey Boys location features a custom-built 10-top table and two large televisions. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)