restaurant Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Central Penn Business Journal

Lancaster’s Pressroom restaurant to reopen under new ownership

Pressroom bartender Brenton Sollenberger manages the spirits and cocktail offerings at the downtown Lancaster restaurant before it closed due to the pandemic – PHOTO/PROVIDED. – Amy Spangler

The Pressroom restaurant on West King Street in downtown Lancaster will reopen this summer under new ownership.

York-based O.N.E. Hospitality announced this week that it is taking over the longtime eatery, which has been closed since April.

The newspaper-themed bar and restaurant debuted in 1995 and underwent a renovation and expansion in 2016. The original owners decided to close it this spring after a difficult pandemic and focus on their core business: operating Lancaster Newspapers and its affiliates.

This location will be a new service area for O.N.E. Hospitality, the umbrella restaurant group behind more than a dozen brands across the region. After opening its flagship farm-to-table restaurant Tutoni’s in York in 2014, the group has produced several more eateries and food trucks. Most recent was Presto Fast Italian, a quick-service restaurant with five locations in Lancaster and York.

Earlier this year, O.N.E announced plans to open Andonia’s Chophouse, an Italian seafood and steakhouse in The Crossings at Conestoga Creek off Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster.

 “When we saw that The Pressroom was going to close its doors, we didn’t want to see this institution go by the wayside,” owner Toni Calderone said in a release. “We’re excited to breathe some new life into the space while honoring the history and customer base that was developed over time. We’ll keep the menu an approachable American bistro style with a few new refreshing twists. We’ll have plenty of light and healthy options making it perfect for lunch meetings.”

Other plans for the space include a jazz music series called “The Beat” and a rebranding of the outdoor dining area in neighboring Steinman Park to be called the “Park Bar,” featuring oysters and prosecco on tap. The restaurant will be open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The historic building that houses The Pressroom was originally Steinman Hardware Store, which opened in the 1740s and shut down in 1965.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Glen Rock Mill Inn gets $40,000 historic restaurant grant

York County’s Glen Rock Mill Inn is one of 25 independent restaurants nationwide that will receive $40,000 from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation through the “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grant program.

The money will help improve the eateries’ physical space – such as create outdoor seating and address deferred maintenance – and provide critical operating costs to help them better serve their customers and grow their businesses.

“Backing Historic Small Restaurants” is part of American Express’ wider Backing Small initiative.

A sawmill was built on the site of what is now Glen Rock Mill Inn in the 1830s, according to the inn’s website. In the 1980s, the mill was purchased and restored into the establishment it is today, keeping many original features.

“Backing small businesses is central to who we are, and we are proud to support these historically significant restaurants in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation,” Madge Thomas, president of the American Express Foundation and head of corporate sustainability, said in a release.

The 25 grantees were selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from a diverse group of historic and culturally significant restaurants that have been in business for at least 25 years and operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods.

Katherine Malone-France, chief preservation officer, National Trust for Historic Preservation, added that these restaurants “reflect not just the histories of their neighborhoods but also their futures. They represent the dynamic and vibrant nature of preservation today, relevant to customers while deeply rooted in legacies of gathering around good food.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

National franchise Blaze Pizza opens restaurant in Harrisburg

Los Angeles-based franchise Blaze Pizza has opened a location in Harrisburg, its second restaurant in central Pennsylvania and 11th overall in the state.

The eatery at 4401 Jonestown Road, Suite 102, Lower Paxton Township, offers artisanal pizzas and a made-to-order-in-180-seconds menu with fresh, natural ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Customers can combine more than 45 options, with ingredients ranging from plant-based chorizo to pepperoni. There are five crusts available, among them cauliflower, ketogenic, and one with dough made from scratch, the company said.

The Harrisburg restaurant, open seven days a week, will offer dine-in; carry out via pick-up or curbside service; and contactless delivery through its website, mobile app and third-party delivery partners.

It’s managed by industry veteran Trey Starleper, who also oversees the Camp Hill Blaze Pizza.

In a release, Starleper said, “Blaze Pizza’s core value is to provide consumers, no matter their dietary preference, the freedom to be themselves. We’re excited to be doing just that by providing Harrisburg locals with an array of real, good and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that satisfy the cravings of each individual in that exact moment, without compromising on taste.”

Founded in 2011, Blaze Pizza has more than 340 restaurants in 38 states and six countries.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Bonito Sushi + Ramen coming to Continental Square in York

Bonito Sushi + Ramen to open in Continental Square, York late summer or early fall – PHOTO/PROVIDED

Bonito Sushi + Ramen, owned by O.N.E. Hospitality, plans to open in Continental Square in downtown York late this summer or early fall.

Bonito has held several pop-up events over the last 2 years during the pandemic and most recently during Restaurant Week York. The restaurant will be opening permanently on the first floor of the ONE South Boutique Hotel and Venue at 1 South George Street, the company said.

This is a new concept from York based O.N.E. Hospitality, the umbrella restaurant group behind more than a dozen food and restaurant brands across York and Lancaster. After opening their flagship farm-to-table restaurant Tutoni’s in York in 2014, the group has gone on to produce several more restaurants and food trucks (The Cantina, Aviano’s Trattoria, The Rig-a-toni Truck) and has most recently introduced a line of quick service restaurants called Presto Fast Italian.

“Our group originally found its niche in the farm to table movement. We’re looking forward to sharing our same passion for scratch cooking and great service in a new location with new flavors,” said Toni Calderone, co-owner.

“While most of what ONE Hospitality manages are Italian restaurants, we have a few talented chefs that have great experience in well-known Asian restaurants across the Mid-Atlantic region. We’re planning to showcase Japanese flavors in an approachable way and fill a hole in the downtown dining scene,” said Bryan Busch, co-owner.

Bonito’s menu will feature many of the dishes that diners have enjoyed during the pop-up events: ramen, sushi, sashimi, dumplings, and more. The location will be BYOB to start with beer and wine available for purchase within walking distance.

Construction on the project has already started. In collaboration with Warehaus York and Revolution Contracting, O.N.E. Hospitality Group hopes to welcome guests by the end of summer or early fall. Meanwhile, rooms at the new ONE South Boutique Hotel & Venue upstairs on the third floor are almost complete and the hotel plans to start taking reservations by late summer.

“We’re hoping that the multiple floors of ONE South can work in conjunction with one another for rehearsal dinners, weddings, and other special events. Guests can stay right where the action is,” said Calderone.

Isaac’s opens first restaurant in Lebanon County

The newly opened Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery in North Cornwall Township is marking the occasion Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting.

At 119 Springwood Lane in North Cornwall Commons, the restaurant is Isaac’s first in Lebanon County.

The Camp Hill-based company also has seven eateries in Lancaster County, three in York County, two in Cumberland County and one in Berks County.

North Cornwall Commons is mixed-use, livable community featuring 160 townhomes, 220 apartments, a 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, restaurants and more. A second eatery there is Mick’s All American Pub.

At the intersection of Rocherty and Cornwall roads, the development is across from the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer.

Shake Shack is coming to central Pennsylvania

Shake Shack is set to be built this year at The Crossings at Conestoga Creek. PHOTO/PROVIDED

Fast-food chain Shake Shack will open its first store in central Pennsylvania late this year.

The announcement was made in a release by High Real Estate Group LLC, the developer of The Crossings at Conestoga Creek, a $120 million mixed-use development in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, where Shake Shack will be located.

The Crossings features 90,000 square feet of retail (Main Street component); 258 upscale apartments; and a Residence Inn by Marriott.

Other tenants include Wegmans, Reel Cinemas, Miller’s Ale House, MassageLuXe Spas, Starbucks, Andonia’s Chophouse and Pure Barre.

The Lancaster Shake Shack, at 1100 Christopher Place, Building G, will feature an indoor dining room, approximately 700 square feet of outside space and a drive-thru window.

As of the fourth quarter of 2021, Shake Shack had 369 stores in 15 countries, according to a report posted on the company’s website.

Pizzeria Luca, a casual, pizza-focused extension of Luca, a popular restaurant on West James Street in Lancaster, also will open at The Crossings late in 2022, occupying a 3,500-square-foot space.

Restaurateurs Taylor and Leeann Mason said in the release that Pizzeria Luca “celebrates all things pizza – the culture, the fun, and the deliciousness you have to come to expect from us.”

Powell Arms, senior vice president – retail division for High Real Estate Group, added: “We’re thrilled to have these new tenants joining The Crossings at Conestoga Creek. Each retailer fills one of the key features of the shopping, dining, fitness and personal service experiences of The Crossings. These restaurants will offer high quality food and beverage experiences, making them a perfect fit with our vision.”

New Freedom mixed-use property to include microbrewery

Burkentine Builder’s new mixed-use property in New Freedom is planed to be completed later this summer. PHOTO/PROVIDED

A mixed-use property planned to be finished this summer will include a new microbrewery upon completion.

Hanover-based Burkentine Builders raised the final beam on a new residential and commercial rental space in New Freedom on Monday.

Vortex Brewing Company, a microbrewery tap room and kitchen is set to be the cornerstone commercial tenant of the new space.

The new mixed-use property, located at 1 E. Franklin Street, will include 10,000 square feet of commercial/retail space for lease, along with 20 residential loft apartments and a rooftop terrace.

The property is near Burkentine’s Franklin Square community of 134 townhomes and apartments and is expected to be completed later this year.

“This vision blends the best of neighborhood and downtown living. For those who have families and pets and cherish their own outdoor space, our Franklin Square townhome and garden-style apartment community offers a neighborhood feel,” said Bryan Burkentine, vice president of construction and asset management. And for those who prefer to be in the action, this new mixed-used property gives them the opportunity to live above restaurants, entertainment, and retail. “

Duck Donuts opens second location in Puerto Rico

Duck Donuts opened its second Puerto Rican location in Plaza Escorial, Carolina on April 22. PHOTO/PROVIDED

Duck Donuts opened its second Puerto Rico franchise location last week in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

The Mechanicsburg-based donut chain has grown quickly after it began franchising in 2013 and has since expanded to over 110 locations.

The Puerto Rican franchise marks the third international location for the company, joining franchises in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

Both Puerto Rico locations are owned by Jorge Ramos, Juan Carlos Piñero, and Delmarie Ayala. The Bayamón location opened in 2020.

“We are happy to open our second location in Plaza Escorial, Carolina, and continue with our growth plan of Duck Donuts brand in Puerto Rico,” said Ayala. “When we opened our first store in Plaza Rio Hondo, Bayamón, we had major setbacks due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. As we prepared to open our second store, we faced other COVID-19 related challenges such as labor shortage, construction materials and equipment price increases, amongst others. But our team continued to persevere, and we are thrilled to finally announce the opening of Plaza Escorial shop.”

The new Carolina store covers 1,800 square feet and features Duck Donuts’ beach theme prevalent across its US stores.

Duck Donuts plans to open 300 franchises by 2025.

Last year the company announced franchise agreements with companies in Egypt and Canda. Those partners plan to open a Duck Donuts location in Burlington, Canada this summer and two in Egypt this August.

The Original Hot Dog Factory now in Harrisburg

The Original Hot Dog Factory has opened its first location in central Pennsylvania.

At 317 Market St. in Harrisburg, the restaurant is owned by Hoson Green and Latoya Williams.

Based in Smyrna, Georgia, the Original Hot Dog Factory features a menu with specialty hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, french fries, onion rings, milkshakes and related foods and beverages.

An example is the Boston Dog: a steamed, beef frankfurter topped with baked beans, bacon bits and chopped onions.

“At the Original Hot Dog Factory, we offer a wide variety of mouthwatering hot dogs that will make you ask for more,” Dennis McKinley, founder and owner of the company, said in a release. “We are looking forward to sharing this deliciousness all over the country.”

The restaurant franchise, which debuted in 2010, currently has 24 eateries, most in the South, with locations underway in Miami; Cleveland; Augusta and Athens, Georgia; Pittsburgh; Dallas; Detroit; and Phoenix.

Dunkin’ opens new “next generation” restaurant in Mechanicsburg

Dunkin’, formerly Dunkin’ Donuts, has opened a new, “next generation” restaurant at 1423 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg.

The 2,000-square-foot eatery employs 20 and features a modern look with “a fresh, friendly, vibrant and engaging environment,” a release noted.

That includes a warm interior color palette; atmospheric lighting; a convenient, contactless drive-thru; a front-facing bakery case; complimentary Wi-Fi; and an innovative tap system for cold beverages, such Nitro-Infused Cold Brew, a next-gen exclusive.

Dunkin’s next-gen restaurants are also designed to meet DD Green Achievement specifications and feature LED lighting, high-efficiency mechanical equipment, low-flow faucets and more. On average, DD Green Achievement eateries are 33% more energy efficient compared with conventional Dunkin’ restaurants, the release said.

The South Market Street location is one of 10 Dunkin’ franchises in Pennsylvania owned and operated by BJ Patel.

Part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, Dunkin’ has more than 12,600 eateries in 40 countries worldwide.

Senate bill looks to make cocktails-to-go permanent

A bill introduced in the state Senate last week would permanently allow the sale of cocktails-to-go in Pennsylvania after they were temporarily allowed for sale during the pandemic.

Senators Daniel Laughlin, R-Erie and John Yudichak, I-Carbon and Luzerne, introduced Senate Bill 1138 last Friday, which would allow taverns, bars and licensed restaurants to permanently sell cocktails-to-go.

The bill was written by Tom Tyler, president of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PLBTA) and could provide a needed boost in revenue for Pennsylvania businesses, according to the PLBTA.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed a temporary cocktails-to-go bill into law in May 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdown. The bill allowed businesses with valid R licenses from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to sell cocktails-to-go if they lost at least 25% of their revenue because of the pandemic.

Under the law, bars and restaurants could sell mixed drinks to-go in a sealed container no greater than 64 fluid ounces, including alcohol and mixers in a single transaction. Businesses lost the authority to sell to-go cocktails when Wolf’s pandemic disaster emergency declaration ended last June.

“While cocktails-to-go served as a lifeline during the COVID-19 emergency declaration, it also provided a way for family-owned establishments to expand their product offerings and increase customer convenience,” the PLBTA wrote in a statement on Monday. “Unfortunately, the end of the emergency declaration also meant the end to these products. This was a loss to both our industry and our patrons.”

SB 1138 would help restaurants and bars maintain cash flow and expand their offerings, Laughlin and Yudichak wrote in a memo to Senate members in January.

The memo goes on to say that 33 states adopted alcohol-to-go programs in the early days of the pandemic. Fifteen of those states have extended approval of those programs and 16 have passed laws to make the programs permanent.

“New York Governor Kathy Hochul just called to make drinks-to-go permanent, and New Jersey passed legislation last year allowing local governments to authorize cocktails to go.,” the senators wrote in the memo. “We need to continue to support our businesses in Pennsylvania with this type of legislation. It will create revenue for businesses that continue to struggle and aid in their recovery.”

The Pressroom Restaurant + Bar will close after service March 5

In order to focus on its flagship business, Steinman Communications has decided to close The Pressroom Restaurant + Bar, a downtown Lancaster institution for 27 years, after service on March 5.

The successor to Windows on Steinman Park, The Pressroom was part of the Steinman family’s efforts to keep downtown Lancaster alive at a time when its institutions were abandoning the city.

It opened just four months after Bon-Ton Stores Inc. moved to Park City Center, closing the former Watt & Shand department store on Penn Square in 1995. Other downtown businesses followed the migration to the shopping mall, the company said.

Lancaster Newspapers, the predecessor of LNP Media Group Inc., sought to keep downtown alive and The Pressroom was but part of that effort.

Shane Zimmerman, president, Steinman Park Restaurant Inc. PHOTO/PROVIDED

The company built a then state-of-the-art press facility on the site that will soon become Mosaic, Willow Valley’s transformational residential tower; created Steinman Park as a community amenity; and converted previously unused space into apartments for students at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

“Downtown Lancaster has undergone a renaissance in the last decade and The Pressroom was at the forefront” said Shane Zimmerman, president of Steinman Park Restaurant Inc. “It has been the host of many significant moments for the community, including a VIP reception prior to the 2017 Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Pennsylvania and the 225th Anniversary celebration of our community newspaper. It has also been the site for many cycle of life events, including birthday parties, wedding receptions and anniversary celebrations.

“It has been an honor to be an essential part of the community and the lives of its residents. We are also grateful for the extraordinary dedication of the Pressroom staff in making it the premier dining spot in the region,” he said.

“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the restaurant industry and The Pressroom has not been immune. However, the opening of Southern Market and the other activity taking place or planned for downtown has affirmed that the efforts over the last few decades have provided the bridge to a vibrant future for downtown Lancaster,” Bob Krasne, chairman of Steinman Communications, said.

“Our decision will enable our organization to focus on what is its core mission: providing meaningful local journalism for Lancaster County,” he said.

Although the restaurant is scheduled to close on March 5, its banquet facilities will remain open until April 2.

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Tag: restaurant

Isaac’s opens first restaurant in Lebanon County

Shake Shack is coming to central Pennsylvania

New Freedom mixed-use property to include microbrewery

Duck Donuts opens second location in Puerto Rico

The Original Hot Dog Factory now in Harrisburg

Dunkin’ opens new “next generation” restaurant in Mechanicsburg

Senate bill looks to make cocktails-to-go permanent

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