By Jamie Wiggan
-STOWE-
With founder R.J. Carrabbia pursuing a relocation to Butler County, Stowe breakfast-lunch spot Broadway Brunch is on course to become the West Park Diner under a new owner.
Just weeks after local television viewers named Broadway Brunch among the best diners in the region, Carrabbia said he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse on a business venture in Cranberry Township.
In fact, the hype generated by WTAE's Diner Week, which featured Broadway Brunch during a late May broadcast, helped secure financial backing from several key investors, Carrabbia said.
“It was one of those things I feel where without that news attention, it wouldn’t have happened,” Carrabbia said. “They liked the fact that we were a community-oriented business.”
Meanwhile neighboring business owners Mo Khan and Usman Khokahr, of Anytime Market, said they’re taking over the diner with plans to keep the neighborhood serviced with a family friendly eatery.
“Our main goal is to provide a service to the community,” Khan said. “We want to continue the legacy of Broadway Brunch, and expand on it.”
Khan said he plans to keep in place many of the fan favorites, while also expanding business hours and experimenting with some new menu items.
“We’re just trying to do a good job,” he said.
The business is set to change hands June 30, however Carrabbia has said he and his staff will stay on hand for several weeks to help with the transition.
Meanwhile, he will be fitting out his new space off Route 19 in Cranberry, with plans for a mid-August grand opening.
Carrabbia said leaving his childhood community will be a bittersweet process — but one that ultimately marks the best path for his family and his business. He will continue to live in McKees Rocks at least for now, he said.
“This is something I’ve wanted for a long time,” he said. “I’m not running away.”