How much is a thriving, nearly century-old restaurant in Millcreek worth? This one is on the market
The nearly century-old Pittsburgh Inn is for sale.
It's been almost 100 years since the West Lake Road fixture was built and opened in 1924, according to co-owner Robin Weunski, 60. She and her husband, Tom Weunski, 58, have owned it for 15 of those 98 years, and have decided to retire.
"Grandkids," Robin Weunski said with a laugh when asked why they were selling the business and building. She has three children and three grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 14, with whom she'd like to spend more time.
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She said their decision to sell has nothing to do with the pandemic that is forcing difficult decisions by restaurateurs around the country battling labor shortages, price increases and a customer base that isn't going out to eat as much as it used to.
"We have community support," she said. "Our regulars have been supportive and we're a staple of the community. It’s a great business."
And they've seen no long-term drop-off of diners.
"Business is really good," she said. "We've been very fortunate. We’re staffed right now and have been lucky to keep most of our staff.
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Apartment, liquor license included
The business and building, including the liquor license, is listed at $495,000 with Agresti Real Estate.
The 3,320-square-foot restaurant, decorated outside and in by diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fans, includes a two-bedroom apartment upstairs. It's also home to what Robin Weunski calls her "Wall of Honor," including hundreds of photographs of community members who have served in the armed forces.
"(The sale) includes all of our Pittsburgh pictures and paraphernalia and military, which are near and dear to our hearts," she said.
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Their son Joshua Weunski has served four tours of duty and inspires a love for all service members in his mother.
"He's why I do what I do," she said.
She's known for sending care packages to military members, not just from Erie but to whomever else is in need.
"People bring stuff in all the time and I mail out the boxes," Robin Weunski said. "It's a big part of The Inn. We have (pictures of) several hundred soldiers in the building. I started that in 2000.
"Most are Erieites, but some are far-flung. They're from every war. Old-timers have brought in pictures, so our walls represent every war, not just today, which is kind of cool."
She said she hopes the next owner keeps the Wall.
"It is part of the Pittsburgh Inn," she said.
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Contact Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNgeisler.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Millcreek's Pittsburgh Inn for sale, including apartment, 'Wall of Honor'
