RICHLAND TOWNSHIP -- Over the last couple of years, multiple stores and restaurants in Johnstown have been closing.
The list includes the famous Coney Island Lunch, the Yellow Jacket Café, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Ryan's and Lone Star Steakhouse.
Recently, Bon-Ton department store also announced it is closing its doors in The Johnstown Galleria.
But as some businesses close, others are opening.
Tulunes Steak & Alehouse on Lulay Street opened two weeks ago.
“For us, we’re trying to do new things. You need that. You need those entrepreneurs,” said Todd Holbay, owner of Tulunes Steak & Alehouse.
Holbay also opened Tulunes Southside in Moxham and the Southside Brew-Thru.
The steak and alehouse has a full and fresh remodel. Holbay said the restaurant has special features to set it apart.
“We have a 1,600-degree grill,” said Holbay. “The temperature sears the meat on the outside. The minute you set a steak on it, it sears the outside so the juices, even when something is well-done, is still juicy on the inside.”
Holbay also put a dish that started as a family holiday tradition on the menu.: cheese fondue.
“I didn’t want to do the same old, same old. I didn’t want to be a chain restaurant,” said Holbay.
Tulunes also has a crowler machine, for those who are beer lovers.
“It cans beer for you with a machine. It seals it in and it lasts one to three months,” said Holbay.
Just down the road, Tap 814 opened three weeks ago.
The restaurant has a modern, industrial touch with a prohibition theme.
“We feature Pennsylvania distilleries and breweries and handcrafted food for the menu,” said Rick McQuaide, co-owner of Tap 814.
“When we were designing it, I wanted it to be a place where I would want to go and get a drink and feel comfortable,” said Lorrie Mcquaide, co-owner.
The McQuaides also own Asiagos.
Inside Tap 814, Lorrie McQuaide said every piece of wood is over 100 years old. The restaurant also has custom-designed cabinets, floors and bar area.
“We have communal tables as well. They are the tables down the middle of the bar. It means you sit with other people in the community. You get to know other people,” she said. “There’s eight seats, so you may be sitting for three other couples at same table. We wanted to bring some really unique things to Johnstown."
Their menu includes burgers, gourmet grilled cheese, flatbread, wings and bacon.
“We are also pairing whiskeys with different foods,” said Lorrie McQuaide.
Both restaurants have their own theme, look and taste, hoping to keep the traffic flowing through Johnstown.
“I think the revolution of Johnstown can happen,” said Holbay. “In a town like ours, you really need to support these small businesses that do open.”
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