What makes Mark Dascallos, principal owner of Historic Folsom’s Gaslight Co. happiest? When he hears from customers what an amazing experience they had at Gaslight, The Backroom or The Venue.
Gaslight has seen tremendous growth since first opening in 2016. Mark had a big vision for his business and has made it happen, through a lot of hard work and perseverance.
In 2022, he opened The Backroom, Folsom’s first speakeasy (well, since the Prohibition!), and now The Venue which hosts events like parties, weddings, and more.
Mark’s had a pretty awesome career, rising the ranks in the restaurant industry. From working the docks in Bodega Bay as a teen to becoming a partner in a restaurant ownership group at age 36 to now owning one of Folsom’s beloved after-hours spots, he loves what he does.
After graduating from college, Mark took a job working as a corporate trainer for a bank on the East Coast. Between the constant travel and his lack of passion for the industry, he realized his heart was in hospitality.
At age 26, he moved from his hometown of Sebastopol in Sonoma County to Folsom. He loved the small town feel and strong sense of community.
Mark raised his family here, and now his kids are grown. When he’s able to get out of town, he loves visiting his son in Los Angeles and daughter in Santa Barbara. You can also find him exploring nature in Tahoe, one of his favorite places to relax and unwind.
Mark loves Historic Folsom. He’s served on the Board for the Folsom Historic District Association, where he helped launch the Hometown Parade, and currently serves on the Historic District Commission. Visit Gaslight at 718 Sutter Street, Suite 200 in Historic Folsom.
Making History; What’s the Story of This Building?
In 1865, Hills Livery Stable was a 3-story building with horses on the first two floors, and hay on the third. Horses and carriages were rented. By 1881 Mrs. Kate Donnelly owned the Livery & Feed Stables. Dain’s Blacksmith & Carriage Making Shop forged mining and farming equipment.
In 1890 Joerger’s Bootmaker Shop was on the first floor and upstairs were rooms for rent. In 1936 “Abe” Relvas owned the Sutter Club. By 1941 “Dugout” fountain had bar stools. The Gaslight Dinner Theater provided entertaining, opening in 1962.
Thank you to the Folsom History Museum for their generous support providing research and historical photos for this At the Intersection of Past and Present series. Learn more about Folsom’s rich history and visit the museum at 823 Sutter Street and The Square at 196 Wool Street! For more information, including museum hours, special events and membership, visit FolsomHistory.org.
Megan Annis is the owner of Starflower Creative, a marketing firm based in Folsom that helps small businesses and nonprofit organizations grow through marketing that makes a big impact. She also serves on the Board of Directors as Communications Director for local nonprofit, Friends of Folsom Parkways and is a regular content contributor to Folsom Times.
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