Progress

December 17, 2009

Bottleneck’s expanding to downtown Wilkes-Barre

The new restaurant expects to use the liquor license from the former Lowe’s.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Bottleneck’s Saloon & Eatery, a popular spot in West Hazleton, will open a second location on Public Square in the former Wendy’s restaurant space.

Bottleneck’s is known for its trademark chicken wings.

Owner Jason Misto said he has applied for the transfer of the liquor license from the former Lowe’s Bar & Restaurant on West Market Street.

“Our goal is to be open by St. Patrick’s Day,” Misto said Wednesday. “Once we have all the necessary approvals, there will be an eight- to 10-week window to get the place open.”

He said patrons can expect a carbon copy of the Bottleneck’s in West Hazleton, where the menu consists of steaks, pasta, seafood, burgers and award-winning chicken wings.

Misto first expressed interest in locating a new establishment in Wilkes-Barre back in August. At the time, he said his place in Wilkes-Barre would be a more traditional bar/restaurant, featuring a lot of wood on the interior.

Misto said he has been impressed with the city’s downtown, citing several businesses that have prospered, such as Rodano’s and Bart and Urby’s

Nick Hays, spokesman for the state Liquor Control Board, said he has not seen a formal application for the license transfer but said it could be on the way.

In West Hazleton, Bottleneck’s is open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 2 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tuesday is “Wing Nite,” Wednesday is “Steak & Ale” and Thursday is “Clam Nite.” Friday features half-price happy hour with live entertainment and Saturday is “Ladies Night.”

The kitchen at the South Broad Street location is open until midnight seven days a week.

Lowe’s closed earlier this year. Tom Williams owned Lowe’s and was a former staff member for U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski. Williams was appointed by President Barack Obama as Pennsylvania state director for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquartered in Harrisburg. Williams was not available for comment.

Ali Kazimi, owner of M. Abraham Importer on West Market, bought the Lowe’s property for $235,000 to expand his business.

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