Located in the heart of NEPA, Wilkes-Barre has a long history and a bright future. Recently, this city has been expanding through new businesses, restaurants, and parks, making it the perfect destination for some fun. Wondering what’s new in Wilkes-Barre? Here are some of the latest openings and additions.
AmberDonia Bakery Opens Wilkes-Barre Location
45 East Northampton Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
After 10 years of dreaming of opening a Wilkes-Barre location, owner Butch Sacipi has finally made his dream a reality. AmberDonia Bakery had a soft opening on August 6th offering scrumptious Old World style pastries, delectable brownies, coffee, hot chocolate, and Neapolitan tea. They are now open every day from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. This location joins the already successful AmberDonia Bakery at 26 E. Union in Kingston.
Beginning in September, the bakery will start selling Neapolitan-style pizza with ingredients—tomatoes, flour, and cheese— shipped directly from Naples. You don’t want to miss out on this Italian bakery. Visit New York for Italian baked goods without ever leaving Wilkes-Barre.
New Sushi Bar at City Market & Café
25 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Katana was a popular Japanese restaurant located in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Unfortunately, after 27-years of operation, the business closed on June 1st. Locals around Public Square have been left without their sushi until now. Christian Switzer and Michael Partash, owners of the City Market & Café on Public Square, saw the need to bring back the popular dish. They bought Katana’s sushi display case from the former owner Naoto Suzuki and transformed their small grocery area at the back of their store into an authentic sushi bar.
Enjoy yummy shrimp tempura rolls, fresh tuna avocado rolls, and classic California rolls. With over 80 items on the menu, you are bound to find a dish to your liking. If you’re in a rush, simply stop by their grab-and-go section. But if you have the time, we suggest staying to enjoy the experience of watching your food be prepared right in front of you. Sushi at City Market is open from Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm.
Spruce Street Park Renovated
Spruce St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Over the past three months, the Spruce Street Park has been getting a makeover (a $152,00 makeover to be exact). The outdated park has been transformed with a bright mural depicting children playing outside and brand-new equipment, including a see-saw, monkey bar, slides, and pavilion. Before any renovations were done, neighbors were asked what they’d like the park to have. A popular answer was making it handicap accessible, and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
This community improvement has positively impacted local children. They can ride their bikes, climb across the monkey-bar, or just relax under the shade in the pavilion. Come check out this spruced up Spruce Street Park! Plus, there are more renovations to come. Wilkes-Barre has plans to improve the Weissman Park on Scott Street and Parsons Park on O’Brian Drive, as well.
Coming to South Main Street: Eden-A-Vegan Café and Student Apartments
134 South Main St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Eden-A-Vegan Café will soon have a location in Wilkes-Barre. The beloved vegan café in Scranton has been doing so well that they’ve made plans to expand. Owner Christian Pilosi—a Wilkes alum—has leased the storefront and apartments for Wilkes University students will be located on the second and third floors. The entire month of August will be spent putting the finishing touches on the new location in hopes of a mid-September opening.
The café will offer the same delectable vegan-friendly options (pizza, chicken parm sub, veggie burgers, and hoagies) as their Scranton location. If you just cannot wait for the new location’s grand opening, visit their Scranton location at 344 Adams Ave!
Ocean State Job Lot Fills Void of Former Toys ‘R’ Us
620 Kidder St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
The former Toys ‘R’ Us building has been vacant since closing its doors June 2018. A year later, a new business has taken its place: Ocean State Job Lot. The store has been open since June of this year and offers a range of discounted items such as beach supplies, household goods, patio furniture, and pet supplies.
The 37,000 square-foot building is filled with must-have items at discounted prices. If you haven’t had a chance to stop in since its opening, make sure to check it out. They offer “crazy deals!” When you buy certain products, you will receive a gift card in return.
Nucleus Raw Foods Comes to the Public Square
67 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Located in the Luzerne Bank Building on Public Square, Nucleus Raw Foods offers an organic, vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free menu. It’s hard to believe that healthy foods could taste delicious, but they found a way. Nucleus has a build-your-own menu section where you can decide what you want.
Order at their walk-up window or sit down during your lunch break to enjoy fresh smoothies, crab cakes, tacos, salads, and burgers. Learn more here.
Chick-fil-A to Replace Lucky’s SportHouse
110 Schechter Dr
Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702
After ten years in business, Lucky’s SportHouse closed back in February 2019. Its replacement will be the first free-standing Chick-fil-a in the area. There are two other locations: one in the King’s on the Square building in downtown Wilkes-Barre and one on the campus of Misericordia University in Dallas.
This new restaurant will feature a drive-through. It is expected to be open by the end of September/early October.
New Residence Inn Coming Near Mohegan Sun Arena
Highland Park Blvd
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
A new hotel is coming to Highland Park Boulevard. Plans are underway to construct a four-story, 110-room hotel near the Mohegan Sun Arena. It will face Interstate 81 making it a perfect location for travelers looking to visit Wilkes-Barre.
Umami Gorilla: Grab N’ Go Deli Hosts Movie Nights
811 Scott St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Umami Gorilla has been serving delicious burgers, soups, paninis, and sandwiches (all of which are vegan) for over a year. You don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy these mouth-watering comfort foods as everything tastes amazing. What is new is there Saturday movie nights $1.99 all you can eat nachos. Each week, Umami fans can vote for what movie they want to watch. Make sure to check out this hot-spot!
