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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Monday’s grand opening of Miller’s Ale House was all about the numbers — 48 beers on tap, 65 big-screen televisions and, most significantly, 93 new employees.
As customers filed in, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to welcome Miller’s to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Miller’s is located at 2310 Wilkes-Barre Township Blvd., in the space formerly occupied by Logan’s Roadhouse.
Miller’s Ale House is a casual sports themed restaurant and bar with freshly made food, known for its signature hand-breaded, boneless chicken Zingers, tossed in a choice of more than 15 sauces. The menu also features a wide variety of appetizers, burgers and entrees, including steaks and seafood.
Ray Holden, president and chief operating officer of Miller’s Ale House, Inc., that operates restaurants in 13 states. The Wilkes-Barre Township Miller’s is the 90th for the chain and its eighth in Pennsylvania.
Holden said Jack and Claire Miller opened the first Miller’s Ale House in 1988, in Jupiter, Fla., as a local place to be enjoyed by all walks of life. He said the Millers sold the business to Roark Capital of Atlanta, Ga.
“We’re expanding our footprint from the Philadelphia area across the state,” Holden said. “We searched for a good spot to open in Northeastern Pennsylvania and we believe we found the right place in the right community.”
Holden said Miller’s likes to be a part of the community it serves and he said, “We will earn our stripes by providing great food and service.”
Holden and his employees showed customers and guests around the remodeled space.
“We’ve made a few changes,” We hope you like what we’ve done with the place.”
Holden urged everyone to spread the word about the new place in town.
“Tell your family and friends and tell them to pass it along,” he said. “We want to earn your business.”
Holden said he’s been with Miller’s for 25 years and said the company is all about people.
“From our team members and managers to our customers,” Holden said. “If we have happy employees who provide great service, we will have happy guests.”
Frank and Carole Long of Wyoming were sitting in a booth about to try Miller’s meatloaf that was recommended by their server.
“I was hoping to cut the ribbon,” Frank Long joked as he waited for his meal. “But looking around, I love the environment here — the TVs, the variety of beers on tap and a nice, friendly staff. Plus, I love sports.”
Sitting in another booth nearby, Leigh Lahr of Hanover Township was enjoying her fish and chips.
“It’s really good,” she said. “I’ve seen Miller’s in Orlando, but never went there. I decided to come over and give it a try for lunch. I’m glad I did.”
Wilkes-Barre Township Mayor Carl Kuren and several township employees were in attendance to welcome the newest business to town.
“It’s great that they decided to come to our town,” Kuren said. “They will be asset for us and they will do good here — it’s a great location.”
Anthony Rovet, regional vice president for Miller’s, said the hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m,.; and Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Ahmad Ali, representing the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, provided the large pair of scissors to cut the ribbon.
“It’s always great to welcome a new business to the area,” he said.
