The Sports Grille at Cranberry Gets Liquor License Approval, New Opening Date

When celebrates its opening at the former Uno Chicago Grill on Freedom Road next week, it will be with beer, and wine—and liquor.

“The staff is excited,” said owner Sean Pregibon.

At Thursday’s meeting, officials unanimously approved an inter-municipal liquor license transfer from Management Development Corporation of Cranberry to the new eatery.

“We’re very humbled to be on this platform and be in Cranberry,” Pregibon said.

A franchise of Pregibon’s Youngstown Sports Grille, which had been open for about a decade in Ohio before closing in March, The Sports Grille at Cranberry originally was set to open Saturday, Sept. 1, just in time for the University of Pittsburgh home opener football games versus Youngstown State, Pregibon's hometown team.

Due to continued construction at the former Uno’s, which closed July 2, that no longer is the case.

Instead, Pregibon said the restaurant would be open by Sunday, Sept. 9, a.k.a the first football game of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pregibon said a 1,400-square foot outdoor patio—which will feature live, acoustic entertainment five out of seven nights a week—has been added to the building. The kid-friendly, sports-themed restaurant also is home to 34 high-definition, flat-screen televisions that make premium sports viewing easy, he said.

There also will be an enclosed play area for children that will house a ball pit, slides and games.

As for the food, Pregibon, of Youngstown, has said The Sports Grille at Cranberry would feature traditional American fare ranging from wings and fries to baby-back ribs and specialty salads. About 70 people have been hired to work in the restaurant, he said.

The sports grille also will place a heavy emphasis on athletics, both local and professional. Pregibon said he has set up a meeting with University of Pittsburgh officials to collect blue and gold items for the restaurant. He also has expressed a desire for The Sports Grille at Cranberry to become a local destination for little league players and their families after games.

“We’re looking forward to gathering local memorabilia,” he said.

Are you looking forward to opening of the Sports Grille at Cranberry? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.