Restaurant, bakery expected to open in O'Hara's RIDC Park in early 2021

A new restaurant and bakery is expected to open in the former Max & Erma’s in RIDC Park in early 2021.

Periwinkle’s, an American-style eatery with burgers, soups and salads, will open at 900 Gamma Drive, O’Hara, just off the Allegheny Valley Expressway.

The building and its 2.8-acre parcel were assessed at $900,000, according to the Allegheny County real estate website.

The restaurant will add about 50 jobs to the local economy, attorney Charles Caputo said.

Caputo spoke to O’Hara council Oct. 13 on behalf of owners WLK 900 Gamma LLC during a public hearing to discuss the transfer of a liquor license from the former Bar Louis in West Homestead.

Council later approved the transfer during its regular business meeting.

The restaurant will have seating for about 110 people and include a patio for outdoor dining.

“The building has pretty much been gutted,” Caputo said.

Construction crews have put in new sidewalks and parking.

Councilman Chuck Vogel said he frequently walks through RIDC Park and has been paying attention to the work.

“You did a good job of cleaning it up,” he said. “It was starting to look a little shabby up there.”

Caputo said the eatery will be cutting-edge and in line with today’s trends, offering grab-and-go meals. Hours will be about 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be a quick-serve bakery for breakfast items and a cafe where patrons can “grab something and get out quickly.”

On the other side of the building will be an area with full-service menu with sandwiches and salads.

Council is expected to vote on approval of a conditional use permit during its Nov. 10 meeting.