Progress

May 27, 2010

Dining options growing

2 eateries to open in Wilkes-Barre

MATTHEW TODD VINE Times Leader Intern

WILKES-BARRE – A new European flavor is coming to downtown, as a father and son team prepares to open a new dining spot on Public Square.

The Euro Bistro, owned by Ivan Raynov and with his father Emil Raynov as cook, is located next to Blue Wireless. They promise to offer good food at affordable prices. For example, made-to-order gyros will start at $5.50, Ivan Raynov said.

Emil Raynov said there is no exact date for opening the restaurant, which will seat 40 to 50 patrons.

“Hopefully, if everything runs smoothly, we might open in the middle of next month,” he said.

While installing floor tile this week, Ivan Raynov said the menu would include gyros, pizza and salads.

“People are more into experiencing new things,” Raynov said.

Raynov is confident the new venture can survive the current economy, which has been tough on both local and chain restaurants.

“It’s a booming area,” he said. “It’s something new.”

Raynov had run a small European bakery in Scranton’s Steamtown Mall until December.

Located on the side of the Square that is first to get a makeover and more parking, Euro Bistro will offer outdoor seating once the construction is finished.

“The patio is for people that want to come and hang outside,” he said, “and also enjoy the beautiful trees and sidewalks.”

Two blocks away, on North Main Street, Thom Greco is planning for the June 2 opening of Heart Pizzeria-bar, in space formerly occupied by Gage and Martini Ristorante. The new restaurant will open as a luncheon pizza buffet for $7.95 said Greco, who also owns the building.

The restaurant will seat up to 100 customers, with about 70 in the main dining room and 30 in the bar area.

“The buffet will include a salad bar, seven kinds of pizzas, and dessert featuring cinnamon rolls,” Greco said.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews

Send Question or Remark to the Publisher