WILKES-BARRE -- There are some new businesses popping up in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
The latest is a name you might recognize, What the Fork. The mobile restaurant opened a permanent location near public square.
You simply cannot miss the big green trucks. Many people have seen these What the Fork trucks parked in different places throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
Now, the owners have added a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant to their growing business.
"I feel like we really accomplished a dream that we've had for almost three years now," said James Bodnar, General Manager for What the Fork. "To see how much we've expanded in such a short time is amazing."
The restaurant is located near Public Square in Downtown Wilkes-Barre. The owners say the menu items will change just as they do on the trucks.
Bryan Zayac, CFO of What the Fork, hopes this permanent space will allow What the Fork to create more food options and sell merchandise.
"A lot of work went into it. So it's a relief to finally be open and it's really exciting," said Zayac.
Shop owners near the square say they welcome restaurants like what the fork and any other business that plans to move in because more businesses means more foot traffic.
"I think it's great. I think we need more businesses in town not only restaurants but little shops too," said Ann Warnick.
Ann Warnick is a greeter at Hottle's Restaurant on South Main Street which reopened earlier this year.
Warnick tells Newswatch 16 seeing all the new growth in the city is welcoming and she hopes to see the trend continue.
"I think if we get more restaurants and businesses. Everyone will work harder and i think it's good for the area," added Warnick.
As for the guys at the helm of What the Fork, they have high hopes for the future.
"Everyone loves restaurants that are down here," said Bodner. "I want them to love us as much as they love everyone else. If not more."
Zayac added, "Get activity around here. Get the downtown buzzing again."
The What the Fork restaurant will officially open to the public on Tuesday in Wilkes-Barre.