Leechburg to get new restaurant at familiar location

A new restaurant is coming to Leechburg.

Frankie’s on 2nd St. will occupy the former Pappy’s restaurant, at 81-83 Second St.

Before closing, Pappy’s was a staple eatery in downtown Leechburg. Before that, it was home to another popular restaurant, Bonello’s.

“I’m thrilled,” Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos said. “It’s good to have businesses coming to town.”

Pappy’s closed in 2019, and the Trib previously reported the building was slated for an Armstrong County Tax Claim Bureau tax sale because of more than $17,000 in delinquent taxes last November.

According to online real estate records, the 7,000-square-foot commercial building was purchased two days shy of the scheduled tax sale in a $37,000 purchase by Francesco Failla. The sale price included all equipment and furnishings and an adjacent dental office.

Owner Failla said he plans to open by the end of the year, serving breakfast and lunch, with dinner hours to be added at a later date.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 14. At 18, I was the youngest professional waiter at the Park Schenley,” said Failla, 61, of Springdale Township.

His previous restaurant experience includes managing Pappans and Bennigans, and he previously owned Don Nicola’s Pizza in the South Hills.

Failla said the Leechburg community has rolled out the welcome mat.

“I fell in love with Leechburg, especially the people, who have been extremely accommodating and welcoming,” Failla said.

Failla initially planned to name his eatery 2nd Street Diner but recently changed it to Frankie’s on 2nd St.

Dobos said the building was issued an occupancy permit in December.

The annual taxes are listed at about $7,500.

“I wish them all the luck in the world and hope he has a very successful business,” Dobos said.