AJ News

Gerard Hetman Abington Journal Correspondent

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. - Just hours after his new establishment opened for business, Ed Mozdziock was greeting incoming customers and checking in with restaurant staff carrying plates of food. In the meantime, patrons of all ages kept coming through the door.

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Named after a pet Scottish Terrier, Charlie’s displays the theme with the dog’s image throughout the restaurant.

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Grilled pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

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Located at 821 Northern Boulevard in Clarks Summit, Charlie’s Pub & Eatery officially opened on Tuesday, Dec.8, operating in the same building that formerly housed Bennigan’s Irish-American Grill & Tavern. Mozdziock bought the property in spring of 2009, with the intent of opening a restaurant that provided quality service and healthy eating choices, along with a family-owned feeling. Named after Mozdziock’s son’s pet Scottish Terrier, Charlie’s displays the theme with the dog’s image throughout the restaurant. While the layout remains similar to that of Bennigan’s, patrons may immediately take note of more TV sets in the bar area, as well as the restaurant’s signature red and black trim.

“We’re excited for the first day. This is something we have been working toward for a long time,” Mozdziock said of the first day of operations for Charlie’s. “It’s a busy and exciting time in the neighborhood.”

In opening a menu at Charlie’s for the first time, patrons will find that many dishes follow a healthy and nutritious trend, with appetizers such as mini meatballs, chicken pinwheels and various quesadillas. French onion and wild mushroom bisque soups are offered, along with chili and a soup of the day. A full range of salads are available, along with a list of 16 entrees that cover everything from baked red peppers or vodka primavera to fish and chips. Completing the offerings is a list of sandwiches that range from chicken ciabattas to burgers and wraps.

“There’s something for everyone in our menu,” Mozdziock said of the offerings. “We try to do our best to include variety in there as much as we can.”

A visit to Charlie’s begins with being seated by a hostess and diving into the menu. Upon ordering entrees, customers receive a basket of breads and a side salad to dig into. A full selection of beverages is available, ranging from wine and various bottled and draft beers, to soda, coffee and hot tea.

While the cold weather may be keeping things indoors at Charlie’s for now, patrons will get to see the full side of the establishment in warmer days, when Mozdziock is planning to open a patio with seating in the rear of the restaurant. In the meantime, seating is available at booths, tables and the renovated bar area that offers multiple flat screen TV sets and a standing cooler.

Charlie’s Pub and Eatery opens at 11 a.m. every day, with a special late night menu offered from 10 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, and from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the restaurant at 570.586.1223.