The former First National Bank in Burrell Plaza in Lower Burrell is getting a much-needed facelift with a colorful Dunkin’ façade previewing the opening of the popular coffee, doughnut and snack shop.
The Lower Burrell Dunkin’ likely will open in March, said Chelsea Halker, marketing manager of Heartland Restaurant Group, the largest Dunkin’ franchisee in Western Pennsylvania.
Dunkin’ will release more details on the opening soon, including the need for 30 to 40 full- and part-time employees, she said.
“It is great to see so many people excited for the Dunkin’ opening,” Lower Burrell Councilman Chris Fabry said.
“This is a great restaurant option for our residents and will help continue the momentum we have.”
The new doughnut shop and the renovation of the former JCPenney site by electrical supply company Schaedler Yesco are changing the face of the old, largely vacant plaza.
“That plaza’s transition from an empty lot to an almost full plaza is great for our area,” Fabry said.
Schaedler Yesco is renovating its building and is planning to open in the fall, said Kimberley Downs, company spokeswoman.
The Lower Burrell site will add to the company’s 22 locations in Pennsylvania, including RIDC Park in O’Hara and Youngwood.
Other stores in Burrell Plaza include U-Haul and Dollar Tree.
Youngwood location
Heartland also is developing the new Dunkin’ in Youngwood between Third and Fourth streets, which are part of Route 119.
The restaurant could open as early as this summer, Borough Manager Diane Schaefer said. Demolition and site preparation started this week, according to Scott Palmquist, Youngwood Borough Council president.
“The residents and the people who pass through are excited about Dunkin’ coming to Youngwood,” he said.
The new Youngwood Dunkin’ can tap the traffic on Route 119, which brings about 50,000 cars a day through the borough, Palmquist said.
“There’s a lot of action there. Hopefully, they can take advantage of that and be successful,” he said.
Although there are similar restaurants in the borough, Palmquist said there is “enough business to go around.”
Dunkin’ has more than 11,300 locations worldwide with more than 8,500 Dunkin’ sites in 41 U.S. states.
