Former Rivertown Pub and Grill in Leechburg on way to becoming pool hall

A new business is coming to the former space where the Rivertown Pub and Grill operated on 118 Third St. in Leechburg.

In 2019, Hyde Park resident Chris Frank kicked around the idea of opening a pool hall with his friend, Kevin McKee, to provide a space for people to play pool, compete in tournaments and leagues and enjoy family-friendly fun. Frank had no previous business experience, but McKee owned a construction company.

Frank said the search to find a home for their business idea took a while since they were unable to find a building for it.

The pair looked at opening up in Apollo and Vandergrift before finding a location in Leechburg. Frank said the owner of Rivertown Pub and Grill was looking to put the place up for sale so he could retire.

Frank purchased the building June 6. McKee passed away in April before being able to see the idea come to fruition. In his memory, the bar is named SharpShooters Bar & Grill, inspired by their pool league team name “Sharpshooting.”

“The paperwork came through for this building, and I wanted to continue this in his memory to see what we can achieve,” said Frank, 31.

His wife, Ashleigh, 33, will manage the business. She brings in six years of bartending experience. She said she has an idea of how to operate a bar but is willing to figure everything out as time goes by.

”I am excited and a little nervous. I am excited to see what it brings to town,” she said.

The couple said three employees who previously worked for Rivertown Pub and Grill will be working in the new establishment.

Renovations are underway at the building to expand the main bar area, create a space for the pool hall and upgrade the kitchen space. Chris Frank said the timeframe of when the renovations will be done hinges on the supplies and equipment they receive.

“We want to keep an open mind of when we will open,” he said.

Frank said the restaurant will feature a room with six pool tables, a bar and skill game machines. The menu will feature typical bar food, including appetizers, hoagies and sandwiches; and drinks such as liquor and beer — both cans and drafts. The couple envision the place being open every day around lunchtime to provide a grab-and-go experience for customers.

“We want to give them something easy to pick up,” Ashleigh Frank said.

The couple is aiming for a soft opening in August and a grand opening a week later.

Chris Frank looks forward to serving the Leechburg community.

“This street has lots of foot traffic, and we are excited to bring something new in for people. We know a lot of people who have been here to the previous establishment who will want to see how it has improved,” he said.