Plans finally come together for McKeesport restaurant

Published: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, 4:56a.m. Updated 14 hours ago

The last chapters are being written in a saga that began when the Coursin Street flyover ramp was built from Lysle Boulevard into the Regional Industrial Development Corp. of Southwestern Pennsylvania's Riverplace City Center of McKeesport.

Ramp construction took out part of the parking lot at one of the Eat'n Park chain's oldest restaurants and prompted a deal to keep the diner in McKeesport, which involved investments by Homestead-based Eat'n Park Hospitality Group and county, state and federal governments.

It's really a commitment of us reinvesting back in the McKeesport community, Eat'n Park spokeswoman Becky McArdle said. We've been here for over 62 years, so we're really excited to continue to be here for another 62.

Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County approved $500,000 in December 2011 to facilitate the renovation and expansion of the restaurant's parking lot and other improvements along Lysle Boulevard.

More funding was obtained through a federal Community Development Block Grant, while Eat'n Park committed more than $1.1 million.

While Eat'n Park officials await action from the county about the outdoor renovations and expansion, interior improvements are nearing completion.

Group vice president for design and construction E. Andrew Dunmire said on Wednesday that everything was redone, from the floors to the ceiling. The soup and salad bar was expanded and moved from the right side of the entrance to the center of the dining room. A podium was placed at the entrance to help employees seat customers faster.

A few seats were removed to make more space for larger parties and families, with round conversation tables and reupholstered booths.

Other upgrades include new registers, kiosks and a bakery case. Restrooms will be renovated within a few weeks.

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Plans finally come together for McKeesport restaurant