OLYPHANT — A new restaurant in a familiar spot offers borough residents another dining option in the Queen City.
Robert Smith held a soft opening for Smith’s Eatery, 802 E. Lackawanna Ave., this past weekend and plans a grand opening Friday.
The Carbondale resident — who also runs New Era Pro Wrestling — now aims to serve the area in a new manner.
“We already did a lot for the community, so I figured this was a great opportunity that just kind of fell into our lap,” Smith said.
Smith appreciates the support from borough officials, and Mayor Jonathan Sedlak believes the eatery will be a valuable addition to Olyphant. The building housed several businesses throughout many decades, including Goodman’s Market, M-6 Deli and DK’s Corner.
“The best benefit is another small business opening in town in a place that’s been open in the community,” Sedlak said. “The Magdon family ran M-6 for a very long time and over the past couple years there have been a couple other owners in and out of there, so it’s nice to see somebody is in there.”
Sedlak fondly remembers stopping in M-6 for snacks after school as a child and looks forward to frequenting Smith’s Eatery.
“Growing up a couple blocks away, M-6 was a staple on the hill,” he said. “We’ll do our best to support them, and I hope the rest of the community does, too.”
Sedlak noted development in the borough — including the Amazon and Canpack warehouses — should bode well for the new eatery.
“I wish them nothing but the best,” he said. “Hopefully they’re able to draw some lunch business out of some of the surrounding businesses. It’s nice having some action on the hill.”
Smith, 25, also feels the location suits his business model and he looks forward to expanding the menu. The eatery currently serves burgers, pizza, wing bites, hot dogs, hoagies and several varieties of soft ice cream. Smith’s Eatery offers delivery and takeout options and outside seating on the patio, Smith said. He also plans to add more picnic tables outside and noted indoor seating should be available upstairs in about two weeks.
“I think it’s a good fit because the community is really getting behind us, especially the neighborhood,” Smith said. “I see a lot of potential. We have a bigger menu coming that is going to have more options like club sandwiches and breakfast items.”
Carbondale resident Robert Smith opened Smith’s Eatery at 802 E. Lackawanna Ave. in Olyphant. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)