A new restaurant opened Wednesday in downtown Wilkes-Barre just a few doors down from where two other restaurants recently closed.
Other business owners hope the new restaurant is a sign that the growth in downtown is far from over.
There is nothing like a good lunch in the heart of Wilkes-Barre. That's what fellow business owners enjoyed at Maers Barbeque on South Main Street just off Public Square.
Behind the scenes, the three owners and the employees prepared the special lunch for other Wilkes-Barre business owners.
"They did a great job with the new facades and the redevelopment of the downtown square area. We are hoping we are a small part of what`s to come in the area," said Eric Wagner of Maers BBQ.
Maers officially opens on Saturday.
Just a few doors down from Maers boarded-up storefronts line South Main Street.
City leaders point out luxury condos at the corner of Main and Northampton streets are nearly all sold, and visitors said they notice improvements to the downtown area.
"It looks very nice. Looking very well and I wish very (good)luck because these little towns really need to revive them and bring them back," said Jo-Ann Cicale of Albrightsville.
"They need to do something to bring the people back in and I love Boscov's and I love this little community but it sort of went downhill," said Rose Gorman of Albrightsville.
The owners of Maers BBQ aren't the only ones excited about opening the restaurant. The idea is the more businesses that open, the more people will come to downtown Wilkes-Barre. That's what other business owners hope to see.
"Anytime a new business opens, it`s wonderful. It brings more people down here. There was a lot of food and drink in Wilkes-Barre. It`s definitely improved," said Paul Nardone, owner of Outrageous.
Business owners like him said they hope things will keep improving in downtown Wilkes-Barre.