Teamwork bringing nightlife business to St. Clairsville

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Derek Simpson, from left, retail banking executive with Unified Bank, joins Audrey Brahler, owner of Audrey’s Avenue; Cindy Voorhies, certified business advisor with Ohio Small Business Development Center; George Dolney, revolving loan specialist with Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association; and Michael Goclan, senior commercial banking executive with Unified Bank, to celebrate a new St. Clairsville business.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Local entrepreneur and business developer Audrey Brahler plans to bring nightlife back to the city of St. Clairsville when she opens Audrey’s Avenue on Main Street as early as June.

Nestled in a quaint and stylish space complete with gothic pillars, a hand-crafted walnut slab bar and an old-world atmosphere, Audrey’s Avenue will be a sit-down restaurant and bar with seating for 44 people.

Brahler is already a successful business owner in St. Clairsville with Giacinta’s Gelato & Cafe. Giacenta’s opened in October 2021 and, as the old saying goes, “Success breeds success.” But every success is backed by advice, experience and a little help. In this case, that came from a group of community leaders from Unified Bank, the Ohio Small Business Development Center, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association and the Ohio Department of Development.

“I couldn’t have done this without the help of some really wonderful advisers and financial backers,” Brahler said. “I owe much thanks to the people, businesses, and agencies who helped me along the way and continue to help.”

Michael Goclan, senior commercial banking executive Unified Bank; Derek Simpson, retail banking executive Unified Bank; Cindy Voorhies, certified business advisor Ohio Small Business Development Center; George Dolney, revolving loan specialist OMEGA; and Natalie Burley, deputy chief of Financial Programs and Incentives/Minority Business Development Division Ohio Department of Development, all worked together on the Audrey’s Avenue project.

“Putting together this group of leaders was exciting; we worked together as a team to put together the best financing for Audrey’s new business venture,” Voorhies said.

Goclan said, “I love helping businesses grow and achieve success. I take the time to understand where my customers are and where they want to go. Every so often, there is a perfect storm scenario where I can work with government agencies like the SBDC, ODD, OCAP, and OMEGA to make dreams come true.”