Officials ‘Ring’ in a new establishment

Adam Huening

A new restaurant stampeded into Greensburg Monday evening and local officials are hoping it will be the first of many to take flight in the city.

Buffalo Wings & Rings opened its doors for a V.I.P night with free food and libations as an introduction to all they has to offer. The restaurant is located in the old Prime Time building next to Wolf Theatres, and many officials are glad to see it but back into good use.

“It’s nice to see this went right back to being a restaurant, which is what we needed,” At-Large Councilwoman Helen Gardner said.

Mayor Frank Manus was on-hand for an official ribbon cutting with the owners and corporate executives. He applauded the use of the building as well as the employment opportunities Buffalo Wings & Rings has brought to the city.

“This is 45 jobs they’re bringing to Greensburg and it filled an empty building. There aren’t many of those left, and that’s what I like to see,” Manus said in a speech to the packed restaurant.

Jennifer Sturges, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said the city’s newest eatery adds variety to the dining landscape of the city, which is a top request from its citizens.

“We’re excited to have another eating establishment. It’s something people having been asking for since I joined the Chamber three years ago,” Sturges noted.

The capacity crowd, and those lined-up out the door, seemed to echo Sturges’ thoughts. Manus encouraged everyone to support the business well into the future.

“I’m glad to see so many of you here. Of course, it’s free tonight. I want to see this crowd out here Wednesday night and every night after that,” Manus said.

He, as well as many others, feels this is just the beginning and the restaurant’s success will speak to others that Greensburg is a profitable place to be.

“We’re hoping that this will bring many more businesses,” Gardner said.

Mayor-elect, and current District 4 Councilman, Gary Herbert said the restaurant was more than just wings.

“What’s going to happen is for the better; more housing developments, retail, fast food restaurants and dining restaurants,” Herbert said. “There are a lot of good things on the horizon.”

While Greensburg officials offered support for the new business, and appreciation for what they hope is the first of many ribbon cutting ceremonies, Buffalo Wings & Rings reps said they have affection for the city as well.

“The love of Greensburg (brings us here),” Phil Schram, president and CEO of the restaurant chain, said. “We are a family-based restaurant. We like to be where families are welcome.”

Schram said the opportunity and the efforts of Terry Powell, owner of the local Buffalo Wings & Rings, have made this a reality and hopefully a success.

Powell added, with Honda and the closing of Prime Time, things seem destined for success.

“Greensburg was full of opportunity with Honda and then the building became available at the right time, so it all just seemed to fall into place,” Powell said.

He said Monday’s party was a celebration for the people of Greensburg as well as a test-run for his staff. He and his son Mark, the general manager, mentioned all of this was made possible by Betsey Hammond, the kitchen manager.

“She’s been here from sun up to sun down. All of this is because of her and she deserves the credit,” the younger Powell said.

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