Millcreek Sees Big Surge in New Restaurants

Chopstix sashimi platter

There are more places to spend your dining dollar in Millcreek. At least eleven new restaurants have opened or started construction plans in the township over the past year.

Business is flourishing at the new Asian-fusion restaurant, "Chopstix," at 3444 West Lake Road. Since their doors opened in August, Chopstix co-owner Jenny Lin says they've exceeded expectations.

"This is new, for Asian cuisine to be in Millcreek. We don't have many dine in (options), and everyone is so happy that I put it here," Lin said. "Its been really really good. We have very, very good customers, and everything went so well," she said.

Another restaurant still considered "new" to town: "Public House." U Pick 6/ Tap House owner, John Melody opened the popular pub in January at 4575 West Ridge Road, and also says sales are strong.

Not only are new restaurants opening up shop in Millcreek, familiar, well-known eateries like "Odis 12" have also made the move. In August, the decades old bar and grill relocated from Erie to 3702 West 12th Street, right next to Harley Davidson.

"We were just growing out of our spot on W. 26th Street. When this opened up and became available, it seemed like the right thing to do," said Stephen Stanbro, a manager at Odis 12. "Business is great. It's actually more than we could've expected, ever," he said.

Odis 12's new location was selected in part because of its close proximity to the peninsula and also the Erie Airport.

More franchises are also arriving in Millcreek. Jimmy John's joined the West Erie Plaza last November. Starbucks Coffee recently opened on W. 12th Street next to Wendy's.

A few streets down on W. 12th, construction for a new "Moe's Southwest Grille" nears completion, while a Dunkin' Donuts "coming soon" banner waves near another construction plot.

Scott Enterprises, opening the new Dunkin location, says the coffee shop's open date is slotted for late December. The location was picked due to the heavy morning commuting traffic on W. 12th Street.

"Businesses want to be close to other businesses where there's energy. We're seeing that happen here, and that's exciting for people of this community," said Nick Scott Jr, vice president of Scott Enterprises.

The new restaurant trend is one that the township welcomes.

"We love to have development like that here in the community. It's all about the type of climate we are here now," said John Groh, a Millcreek Township supervisor. "The door's open. We've got the 'open' sign on, and we hope they continue to do that," he said.

Despite all the new venues to eat and drink, owners are not concerned about competition.

"People enjoy options and want to try new things. I think there's room for all of us," Scott said.

"We're unique in our own way," Stanbro said. "It (the growth) is going to benefit everybody. People will go to Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast, and Odis 12 for lunch. There's room, and I think everybody will do fine," he said.

Chopstix co-owner, Lin, says each new business serves a niche consumer market.

"It's competitors, but everybody's doing their own business. Asian cuisine is different," she said. "I've see a lot of people have moved in and it's getting better and better."

A Sheetz convenience store at W. 8th and Peninsula Drive plans to open by the end of October.

New restaurants are also popping up by the Millcreek Mall - "Primanti Bros" just opened on October 11th. "Mad Mex" is in the final stages of construction and plans to open in November.

Back to Home