New South Strabane businesses preparing to open
Work is continuing on multiple businesses at the Old Mill and Strabane Square shopping centers.
Nearing completion is Panda Express, a fast-food restaurant serving American-style Chinese food. Crews this week were continuing to work on the interior of the building, which is located next door to the recently opened 7 Brew Coffee on Old Mill Boulevard.
Jordan Cramer, South Strabane Township fire chief and interim township manager, said Panda Express has not yet been issued its occupancy permit, but that it likely would soon.
“They’re very close to getting their final occupancy permit,” Cramer said.
Michael Kern, a representative of Panda Express, was in the restaurant’s parking lot Wednesday and said the restaurant was aiming to open later this month. Panda Express has 2,300 locations across the country, according to its website.
Over in nearby Strabane Square, construction workers were inside the former Dick’s Sporting Goods at 347 Washington Road, which is being converted into a Marshalls store.
Marshalls, which is owned by TJX companies and a sister store to TJ Maxx, also has a store at Franklin Crossroads Park in North Franklin Township.
Catrina Boncaldo, a spokesperson for Marshalls, did not comment on the future of the North Franklin location.
“Marshalls has not announced any store changes in Washington, PA at this time,” Boncaldo wrote in an email.
Cramer said Marshalls has not yet received its occupancy permit.
“They are actively working on the renovations and fire alarm systems,” Cramer said.
Strabane Square will also be the site of Industry Public House’s third location. The restaurant and bar is locating at the former TGI Fridays at 315 Washington Road.
Cramer confirmed the restaurant and bar received its building permit, but no work was being done at the building this week. Industry’s operations director Adam Garcia previously said they did not have a “firm range” for an opening date.
During a public hearing for a liquor license transfer in July, owner David Viszlay said the business would have six salaried employees and about 40 full-time and part-time employees.