May 10, 2025 By Rick Shrum 4 min read

Andrew Andronas readily admits he is not on the level of Walt Disney. But he is pushing to provide a popular entertainment destination along Canonsburg’s main thoroughfare.

“I’m doing my best to provide a poor man’s version of Disney World,” he said, chuckling, during a recent interview about the Midtown Market project he is overseeing at 48 W. Pike St.

Andronas, owner and developer of the market, said he hopes to have a soft opening, at the least, by July 4. He said he has leases for four of five businesses planned for the site – a two-story building with 20,000 square feet of space, where he also plans to erect an events center or the upper level.

He is actively seeking a fifth tenant for a 600-square-foot area.

This is a sturdy structure with a history. For decades, beginning in 1939, this was home to McCrory’s department store, a big-box chain on a par with Macy’s of today. Now the building is undergoing renovation. Andronas’ AJA Co. is the developer and Cuccaro Plumbing of Pittsburgh is servicing it. He also works in the oil and gas industry.

Tenants on board run the gamut from dogs, ducks, ice cream floats and beers.

MP Coney Island, a 102-year-old business specializing in hot dogs, was the first to sign on. Canonsburg will be the fifth location for the New Castle-based company, which co-sponsored the hot dog-eating contest that kicked off the borough’s July 4 festival last year.

Coney Island’s signature item is the chili dog, but the restaurant also serves hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. Canonsburg is the farthest south the company has ventured.

Visitors also can have a ball testing their skills at a retro sport – duckpin bowling, which was once a popular diversion from the standard 10-pin game, but has largely disappeared.

Major Mallard’s Duckpin Bowl will encompass four lanes, on which a bowler will aim at the smallish duckpins with a smallish ball, and sometimes end up with taking out only the head pin and the one directly behind it.

“Mallard” was a code name used by the British military during World War II, usually for strategic operations. “It gives us a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ vibe,” Andronas said.

Bowling will be the centerpiece of that space, but he added that it could be reserved for events, including children’s parties, corporate parties and other events. “We have room to expand there, but we’ll start with four lanes.” Andronas said.

Sweet times also should be ahead for dessert-seeking patrons. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – a confectionery shop a short distance away – will have a presence in Midtown Market as well, along with its ice cream floats.

Grandpa Joe’s, which has three locations in the Pittsburgh area – the city’s Strip District, Canonsburg and Mt. Lebanon – does not yet have a name for its future space in Midtown Market.

It said in a statement: “The masterminds behind Grandpa Joe’s are introducing a fun ‘grab-and-go’ concept that will complement the excitement and energy of the Midtown Market. An official name, logo and color scheme to follow.”

Spouses Angela and John Burgess will occupy a spot inside the market with one of the briefest names possible – 1802. It is a salute to the date Canonsburg was incorporated.

The Burgesses are planning to have an old tavern-style bar, where they will serve draft beers and cocktails. The couple own Washington Brewing Co. and Burgess & Burgess Distillery in Washington.

Andronas’ hometown roots run deep. Years ago, his father and grandfather relocated from Greece to Canonsburg, where Andrew grew up. He graduated from Canon-McMillan High School in 2005, and now – through the process of this project – his roots are lengthening.

He is not Walt Disney, but he is eagerly anticipating a celebratory Fourth.