The Town of McCandless is plating up something special, at least that’s the plan with its first Restaurant Week, running Oct. 12-16 and featuring 18 McCandless-based restaurants. And it’s all thanks to a recent Main Streets grant from Allegheny County.
The town was awarded $25,000 through the Main Streets program, an initiative by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. Eighteen businesses signed on with the town to help launch its inaugural Restaurant Week.
“When our businesses thrive, they strengthen our local economy, bring people together and help make McCandless a great place to live, work and play,” said Lizz Venanzi, community engagement manager for McCandless.
The program was open to all eligible McCandless businesses, with no limit on the number that could participate. Officials issued a public call for participation in early July through the town’s communication channels and also reached out directly to local businesses through letters delivered in person and by mail, Venanzi said.
These participating businesses created a unique TOM Special (short for Town of McCandless) for the week, ranging from discounts and complimentary items to new and limited-time menu offerings.
Patrons visiting during Oct. 12-16 can mention McCandless Restaurant Week when ordering to get that business’ TOM Special. No registration or sign-up is required, according to an Oct. 2 announcement from the town.
A McCandless Restaurant Week Passport also will be available at participating businesses during the event, featuring additional offers that can be redeemed through Nov. 30.
“We’re excited about the variety our 18 participants are bringing to the table,” said Diane Romanek, executive assistant for McCandless, who helped coordinate the event.
Romanek highlighted just a few specials, including a new pizza from Large Plain Pizza and Pints on Duncan Avenue, the chicken parm sandwich from OTB North Park on Pearce Mill Road, the salted caramel apple latte from Lucky Bug Coffee on West Ingomar Road, the roasted chicken thigh rice plate from Little Viet Kitchen on Blazier Drive and specialty burgers from Shooters Golf on Pine Creek Road.
Other participating businesses include Clark’s Restaurant, Convive Coffee, First Watch, Allusion Brewing Co., Commonplace Coffee at Northland Public Library, Texas Roadhouse, Hello Bistro, Shabu-Shabu Hotpot & Grill, Adzema Pharmacy, DiBella’s Subs at McCandless Crossing, Mark’s North Park Lounge, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of Ingomar and YOYO Panda.
The idea is to help bring in new customers during what can be a slower time of the year.
“Having great food, services and experiences close to home makes things more convenient for residents while helping support the businesses that serve our community,” Venanzi said.
As this is the town’s first Restaurant Week, the town is looking forward to building on the program, including starting outreach earlier and encouraging even more McCandless businesses to participate, she said.
McCandless was awarded another Main Street grant for $25,000 to create a 175th anniversary mural on the Harmony Short Line abutment on Pine Creek Road.
This installation will be done on a historic trolley abutment.
The project will be “a bridge between past and present, creating a piece of public art that celebrates the town of McCandless’ 175th anniversary,” according to a project description to the county.
“This project aims to transform a deteriorating structure into a meaningful piece of public art that connects residents and visitors to the community’s shared history. The mural will transform a historic Harmony Short Line trolley abutment along Pine Creek Road into a vibrant public art landmark that reflects McCandless’ history, identity and future,” said Abby Lucostic, parks and recreation director for the town.
The goal is to have the final product finished in 2027, according to the Aug. 19 meeting minutes of the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center’s Final Development and Promotional Committee.
These grants are part of the Main Streets Allegheny program, which sent $1.4 million to projects in 22 municipalities to help breathe new life into local business districts.
