After Multi-Year Hiatus, One of Harrison County's Most Popular Restaurants is Set to Open its Doors Again
By Jeff Toquinto on March 31, 2025
A destination restaurant and bar that closed in the winter of 2022 is looking at reopening in May, according to business owner Matt Policano.
Policano’s Food & Drink in downtown Clarksburg, which was also the location of the former Fifth Floor, is gearing up for a second launch. And barring some last-minute and unexpected maintenance issues, the reopening would have been days away instead of weeks.
“There was a setback our electrician let us know about and our entire fire suppression system had to be replaced,” said Policano. “That added about three additional weeks to our planned timeline.”
Policano took over the former Fifth Floor and rebranded it Policano’s Food & Drink in February of 2020 – one month before Covid-19 shut down just about everything with social gathering spots such as restaurants leading the list.
“That was a tough time to open, but we got it going back,” said Policano. “We had a location that offered high-end cocktails and specialty drinks along with high-end meal choices. We were going great when we had to shut down.”
The closure had nothing to do with a failed health department inspection. It had nothing to do with business going in the wrong direction. Instead, it was a mechanical issue that could not be overcome.
“We had elevator issues and being on the fifth floor, or sixth if you count the mezzanine, which is just not a problem you can ignore,” he said. “We ran out of band-aids for it and ended up getting a complete and whole new state of the art elevator. It was an expensive and very time-consuming process.”
This past Monday, inspectors with the elevator company were on hand in the building, which also houses Policano’s other venture on the first floor – Kelley’s 2.0. The inspectors were finalizing everything for operations.
“We know we had to do it, but we just wish it never had 
gone bad because business was fantastic. We had so many parties booked, I think about 30 catering events because they wanted that view,” said Policano. “We tried to stay open by using the emergency steps, but that became more of an operational problem even more so than it was for the customers.”
gone bad because business was fantastic. We had so many parties booked, I think about 30 catering events because they wanted that view,” said Policano. “We tried to stay open by using the emergency steps, but that became more of an operational problem even more so than it was for the customers.”
Policano said carrying things such 50 cases of beer or 80 pounds of chicken wings and countless other items up daily on the lengthy stairway became too much. He said it was not something “sustainable” for staff, vendors, or customers, and the decision was made to close and do the lengthy elevator replacement.
“The wait was long, but the sky is going to be the limit,” he said. “It’s all going to be higher-end concepts. We’ll have shareable plates, entrees like filet, salmon, and a food item of the day along with charcuterie boards.
“As before, you are going to get plenty of unique drinks. If you want a high-end bottle of win or a cocktail you may not see anywhere else, this is where you’ll want to come,” said Policano.
The opening date is not set but is still likely at least a month away from opening. It will be an evening establishment open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Kelley’s 2.0 will still be open, as normal, seven days a week.
“It’s a beautiful space with a beautiful view. There are a few minor changes, but we’ll keep our focus on good food and cocktails,” Policano said. “You want to do it right and do it at an affordable price as to not price yourself out of the market.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Owners Matt and Heather Policano, while the photos after the top one show a variety of food and drink choices you will be able to get once the operation is open for business. The photo below showing one of the signature drinks that will be available, also shows a bit of the amazing views you can enjoy while having a drink and a meal and Policano's Food & Drink. All photos courtesy of Matt Policano.
.jpg)
