A Family Legacy at the Center of Pike County 

In the heart of Pike County, Sully’s in the Valley has become a gathering place built on local history, family legacy and classic comfort food. The veteran‑owned and family‑operated restaurant opened in 2023 and is co‑owned by Steve Adams, his son and daughter‑in‑law Josh and Christy Adams, and his cousin Eric Sullivan. Together, they created a diner and pizzeria that reflects their family’s deep roots in the region and their commitment to serving the community. 

The Adams family has lived in the Beaver area for more than 200 years. Sullivan notes that Adams Road is named after their family, a reminder of how long the name has been part of the local landscape. That sense of heritage shapes the restaurant’s identity. 

A Space Built on History 

Inside Sully’s, the walls are lined with photographs of Beaver’s past, including 1930s basketball teams, images of old school buildings and pictures of historic structures from the village. One of the most striking pieces is a sign from Adams Dry Goods, the family’s original business dating back to the 1800s. “Some of the family launched a dry goods store, and Adams Dry Goods has been part of the community ever since,” Sullivan says. 

The land where the restaurant now stands also carries a piece of Pike County history. Before Sully’s was built, a pre–Civil War mercantile store occupied the site. When Morgan’s Raiders passed through the county in July 1863 during the Confederate cavalry’s raid through southern Ohio, they looted the store. For more than a century afterward, the building remained unoccupied, a forgotten piece of local history. 

When the Adams and Sullivan families purchased the property with plans to give it new life, the structure had deteriorated beyond repair. “It was cheaper to demolish the old building and construct a new one than to try repairing it,” Sullivan explains. 

Opening a New Chapter 

Construction began, but progress slowed almost immediately due to contractor shortages during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Despite the setbacks, the owners remained committed to creating a space that honored the town’s past while offering something new for residents and visitors. They were finally able to open in 2023. 

The cozy interior of Sully’s in the Valley offers a warm, hometown backdrop for its cozy diner and pizzeria staples. | Photo by Emma Wilson

Today, Sully’s in the Valley is known for its inviting atmosphere and extensive menu. The restaurant sits at 5642 Beaver Pike, just off Main Street and a short drive from State Route 32. Inside, the retro décor and soft, nostalgic music create a cozy environment that feels familiar from the moment guests walk through the door. 

Comfort Food With Local Roots 

The menu is a major draw. Sully’s serves fire brick oven pizzas, smashburgers, subs, chicken sandwiches and a range of finger foods. Homemade chips, potato skins and pickle fries are among the most recommended items. The Sully Burger has become a signature dish, known for its freshly made patties and toasted buns. The restaurant leans on locally sourced ingredients, and customers often say they can taste the difference. 

Families also come for the desserts, which feature Perry’s brand of hand‑dipped ice cream. The banana split is a favorite, along with sundaes, milkshakes and the hot fudge brownie. 

Hours and Location 

Sully’s is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Monday.