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ELKINS – The highly anticipated purchase of a longtime Elkins restaurant and theater by a community church has fallen through, officials said.
Owners of the Steer Steakhouse and Gandy Dancer Theater told The Inter-Mountain this week the two facilities will not be sold in December, as had been announced previously. The Inter-Mountain confirmed the news with officials from the Refinery Church, which had previously planned to buy the facilities.
In August 2025, Refinery Church Pastor Roy Schneider announced the church’s intentions to purchase the 20,000 square-feet facilities. An agreement was made between the two sides for the church to purchase and close on the property by December of this year.
The decision not to sell was made when the representatives from the two sides met on July 14, officials said.
“The Steer Steakhouse and the Gandy Dancer Theater will continue business as usual,” owner Jerry Metheny said in a press statement to The Inter-Mountain this week. Metheny wished the Refinery Church well in their future endeavors and said, “The Gandy Dancer has already begun to book buses for next year and their show schedule is set for this year and next, ensuring stability for our community and customers.”
The Steer Steakhouse opened for business in 1982, and the Gandy Dancer Theatre has been in operation since 2011.
“We have had so many calls coming in about the sale of the theater and the Steer Steakhouse,” G'na Stephens, the CEO. of the Gandy Dancer Theater, told The Inter-Mountain. "We had to be prepared for where the future would take us, while still continuing our planning.
“Rest assured, our focus remains on maintaining quality service and planning for future events and activities… Unfortunately, too many had cast rumors that we were already closed, but the bus communities were thrilled to hear we are still here and going strong.”
The Inter-Mountain contacted Schneider to report his perspective on the situation.
“After much prayer, reflection and planning, our Refinery leadership team has made the tough decision to transition away from the Steer & Gandy Dancer project,” Schneider told The Inter-Mountain. “While this was a difficult choice, the overall scope of the project, including facility renovations, would ultimately inhibit us from being able to effectively continue the day-to-day ministries we are already called to do in this season.
“Our heart remains steadfastly focused on reaching one more person, equipping one more family, and empowering our community. As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that we focus our time, talents, and resources on doing that well.”
Schneider thanked the community for its support and said he is excited about what lies ahead for the Refinery Church.
“We want to express gratitude to everyone who has prayed for and supported our vision,” Schneider said. “We continue to see God do so many amazing things and we trust that God will continue to direct our steps. We are excited to see how he continues to use our congregation to minister those around us. I want to thank everyone for continued grace, prayers, and partnership. We love you all.”
The Refinery Church is currently located at 110 Third Street in the Seneca Mall in Elkins.