Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant in the Works for Cranberry

Another new restaurant is in the works for Cranberry Township.

At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, officials approved a liquor license transfer for Emiliano’s, a Mexican restaurant with three other locations in the Pittsburgh area.

Ron Henshaw, Cranberry's director of community development, said the restaurant is proposed for the former CiCi’s Pizza located off Freedom Road in the Cranberry Mall.

The 5,000 square foot restaurant closed about a year ago and has been empty ever since.

Henshaw said the liquor license is being transferred from an establishment in Butler

According to owner Benny Ulloa, Emiliano’s offers authentic Mexican dishes without the expensive prices. On its menu are appetizers, fajitas, quesadillas, vegetarian options and much more. There also are a variety of margaritas, mojitos, beer and sangria, as well as daily drink specials.  

Ulloa said a lack of authentic Mexican restaurants in area is what led him to consider opening an Emiliano's in Cranberry.

"I think we can fill that gap," he said. "I think we'll be a great addition to Cranberry."

Ulloa said he hopes to start construction on the restaurant in January and be open for business by March 2013.

Up next, Henshaw said Emiliano’s will need to apply for building permits to remodel the interior of the space.

Because there is no changes to the outside of the building, the owners do not need to submit a land development application or have the Planning Advisory Commission or the township’s Board of Supervisors review the plans for approval.

Emiliano’s also has locations in McIntyre Square in McCandless, East Carson Street in the South Side and on William Flynn Highway in Richland Township

(Check out our Patch restaurant review of Emiliano’s by clicking here).

What do you think of plans for the Mexican restaurant in Cranberry? Have you ever dined at Emiliano’s other locations? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.