Former Friendly’s on Kidder Street, seen on Thursday.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes-Barre City Council at Thursday’s regular meeting approved the transfer of a liquor license for Burrito Loco WB LLC, paving the way for the Mexican restaurant to move to Kidder Street in the space formerly occupied by Friendly’s.
Burrito Loco was approved for the transfer of the license from Castros Subs n Suds in Hazleton to the building at 778 Kidder St.
Owner Jessica Tecotl said the restaurant is family-owned and operated. The family also owns Burrito Loco Mexican Grill in Dallas Township and Burrito Loco Cantina & Grill in Dickson City.
In December 2025, they expanded and opened Milan Coal Fired Pizza & Grill next door to the Dallas Township location.
At the meeting, Tecotl said renovations inside the space will begin shortly, and they are hoping to open within the next three months.
The restaurant also has plans to construct an outdoor patio in a grassy area between the building and the parking lot.
Tecotl described the restaurants as “family-oriented.”
Hours of operation are expected to be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
There will occasionally be live entertainment, Tecotl said.
Friendly’s abruptly closed its doors on Jan. 17, 2025.
Also at the meeting, council discussed possible changes to the city’s noise ordinance, portions of which have not been updated since 2002, following noise complaints from residents at a previous meeting.
Other approvals at Thursday’s meeting include:
• A resolution adopting a revised version of Hanover Township’s Act 537 Plan, which addresses the township’s sewage disposal needs.
• A resolution contracting Simply Spatial to provide a support package for GIS and data management services, including IT, AI, and cybersecurity-related support in the amount of $178,950, and will be funded by an Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant.
• A resolution authorizing the city to enter into a contract with the state Department of Health so the city will receive $35,200 to provide immunization services.
• An ordinance amending the city code to prohibit on-street parking on Carey Avenue between 32 and 56 Carey Ave and allow for the removal of a vehicle in violation. This will also set a $25 fine, which increases to $100 if not paid within 30 days.
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