Sprankle's adds sushi, brewpub to market in Saxonburg

The sole rural supermarket in Saxonburg has introduced urban shopping amenities to its customers.

Sprankle’s Market recently added two cafes — Conny Creek Brew Cafe and Ace Sushi — both offering take-out or dine-in options, inside the store.

Owner Doug Sprankle said customers want more variety with their shopping choices.

With a global economy, customers want more than just “meat and potatoes,” Sprankle said. “We want to capture their imagination and take them to places to taste food without them leaving the store.”

Ace Sushi

Sushi chef Lung Uk, 28, leads the five-person sushi team at Ace Sushi.

“I’m here seven days a week,” Uk said.

Uk and his team package hundreds of fresh sushi rolls daily for in-house sales and deliver to two other locations of Sprankle’s in Kittanning and Leechburg.

Daily deliveries usually arrive by 10 a.m. and include more than 30 raw or cooked sushi rolls, priced $6.50 to $13.

Uk said the Golden Dragon Roll is a top seller. Donburi bowls, ramen and Asian salads are available.

Michelina Stickney of Cabot is the only one in her family of four who likes sushi.

“I’m happy it’s now offered here because it’s easy for me to get sushi, and there is a delicious variety,” Stickney said.

Randy Sprankle, owner of the Leechburg store, said he was hesitant at first when his sons mentioned adding a sushi line.

“We’re the only grocery store in the Alle-Kiski Valley offering in-house fresh sushi,” Randy Sprankle said. “We have had to double our orders on Wednesdays to meet demand.”

Sushi Wednesdays have proved popular, with $5 sushi offerings.

Doug Sprankle noted sales are hitting projections, and customer feedback has been positive.

Conny Creek Brew Cafe

Lee Layton, co-owner and head brewer at Conny Creek Brewing Co. in Lower Burrell, said he decided to open a second restaurant after Doug Sprankle pitched the idea to him.

“It just made sense to open and expand,” Layton said. “It’s a unique concept, and the Saxonburg area is kind of untapped.”

Conny Creek Brewing Co. opened three years ago and serves as the anchor brew hub, with head brewer Layton supplying the brew cafe with beer.

At a full-service cafe, chef and co-owner Erin Layton offers daily specials and regular cafe items such as freshly made salads, pizzas, quesadillas and specialty sandwiches.

The cafe has six craft beers on tap and offers growlers (gallon jugs) to go.

Sprankle’s shopper David Becker, 61, of Clinton Township said at first he was confused by the brew cafe concept.

“I’m a frequent shopper here, and I like to get the gyro sandwich,” Becker said.

Brian Bartley, 35, of Clinton Township enjoyed a beer break during a recent shopping trip. “It’s convenient and cool,” Bartley said.

For Sprankle’s, introducing two cafes has created a lot of local buzz.

“It’s a new concept, and people are discovering it daily,” Sprankle said. “Shopping with a beer is a fun concept.”

Layton said future cafe plans include adding a Sunday brunch.

“It’s a work in progress, and right now the bar seating is closed because of covid-19,” Layton said. “But the feedback has been good, and everyone seems to be happy about it.”