Many in Bridgeport, Harrison County and throughout the region may remember a little sweet spot off in Quiet Dell that was open for years that was known as Bastin’s Freezer Fresh. It opened in 1961 off of what now the Stonewood Nutter Fort exit off of Interstate 79.

 

For roughly 25 years it served the community, closing only once when the building had to be moved when Route 20 came through. Before shutting down, it was known for its ice cream and its hot dogs, including what many considered a top of the line chili recipe.

 

When it closed its doors, the building remained and more than one restaurant took a shot at making it work. While the success of those establishments varied, they all ended up closing their doors as well.

 

On August 2 of this year, the latest establishment opened its doors in the building. And there’s a better chance – at least historically – of this one sticking around.

 

In late summer, the Adventure Grill opened. This time, however, those operating the business have a familiar last name.

 

Eric Bastin is the owner. Josh Bastin is the general manager, while Erica Bastin is the co-manager. Not only is the Bastin name from the same line that operated the original business, but the Bastin name is known throughout the area.

 

“It’s based on the same principal from the original business,” said Erica Bastin, who is a 2003 Bridgeport High School graduate. “My dad (Eric) kept the full structure for all those years, even when several other restaurant were in there, and finally decided to do it himself. He wants something fresh, but he also tried to keep things as original as possible.”

 

Erica said they’re utilizing many of the same companies, including the dairy companies that put the original business on the map. They’re also using something else.

 

“We’re still using my grandma’s hot dog chili,” said Erica.

 

For those that remember the chili, they should know it is likely going to taste the same. Grandma is Priscilla Bastin, who is in her 80s now and stops by the new business.

 

“She comes in and checks on it. She’s our quality control,” Erica said with a laugh.

 

As the business nears three months being open, Erica said business is good. With the colder weather arriving, the ice cream portion of the business has slowed a bit.

 

“The food is doing well and we have a really good lunch crowd. We actually get good crowds after sporting events in the area,” said Bastin.

 

For those wondering why the place is called the “Adventure Grill,” one only needs to know Eric Bastin. For years, Bastin has had a slew of very unique animals on his property near the restaurant. Right now, among his “pets” are nine alligators and a prehistoric turtle.

 

Eventually, Erica said the hope is to have an outdoor area near the restaurant where those coming in for a bite to eat can stop and see the gators. For now, they’ll have to settle for a few on display inside the Grill such as a Komodo dragon, a mounted alligator and even a werewolf.

 

Of course, there’s one other feature. For those that might miss the location off of the I-79 exit sitting along the Route 20 roadway, there’s a 12-foot yeti that is in place. It’s also part of the logo for the company – which not surprisingly also includes an alligator and the phrase “Frozen Treats and Tasty Eats.”

 

The treats include a multitude of ice cream related products, including the “Yeti,” which is similar to the “Blizzard.” And the eats include menu items that have names such as the “Sasquatch” and the “Werewolf” and even the “Crocodile,” which are choices for favorites such as hamburgers and other choices.

 

“Everything on the menu has an exotic name,” said Erica.

 

Along with sweet treats, hamburgers and hot dogs there are plenty of other items to choose from. Erica said those visiting can get a steak sandwich, sausage sandwiches featuring their own homemade sausage, fish and chips, chicken tenders, grilled chicken wraps and many more items. She said a lot of the items are served on Abruzzino’s rolls and have Oliverio’s Peppers.

 

Eventually, there will be space to be rented out. Other services will also be added in the future, Erica said.

 

“We’d really like for people to give us a try,” said Erica.

 

The business is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday the hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

 

Take out is available. The business can be reached for orders, or other inquiries, by calling 304-844-2436.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Erica Bastin, left, with Josh Bastin and grandma Prisciall Bastin. Next three photos show some of the food choices, while the gallery below shows a few additional photos of the building and menu items.