Emiliano's Restaurant Opening Soon in Cranberry

Emiliano's owner Benny Ulloa said his latest Mexican restaurant could be open in Cranberry by month's end.

The grand opening of the new location, located at the former CiCi's Pizza in the Cranberry Mall off Route 19, will coincide with the closing of the McIntyre Square Emiliano's Resturant in Ross Township, Ulloa said.

"For the most part, the people working in the North Hills will come up to Cranberry," he said. "There should not be a big time lapse between the closing and opening."

Ulloa said he is closing the McIntyre Square location because he was unable to reach an agreement on a new lease with the building's owner.

"I want to thank the people in the North Hills for their six years of patronage," he said. "We are looking for a new location, hopefully along McKnight Road, we just haven't found the right opportunity yet."

Emiliano's also has restaurants on Pittsburgh's South Side at 2557 East Carson Street and in Gibsonia at 5375 William Flynn Highway.

Ulloa said closing the North Hills restaurant is tough.

"The restaurant is named after my son, who is now six years old. He grew up at the North Hills restaurant," he said. "I'm really sad to leave."

He also is excited for the restaurant's new opening in Cranberry.

In November, Cranberry's Board of Supervisors approved a liquor license transfer for the Emiliano’s restaurant under construction at the former CiCi's Pizza, which closed more than a year ago. 

At the time, Ulloa said he decided to open a branch of Emiliano's in the 5,000-square-foot space because of a lack of "authentic Mexican" restaurants in the Cranberry area.

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

Emiliano’s offers Mexican dishes without the expensive prices, Ulloa said. On its menu are appetizers, fajitas, quesadillas, vegetarian options and much. The restaurant also offers a variety of margaritas, mojitos, beer and sangria, as well as daily drink specials.  

Have you eaten at Emiliano's? Are you excited about the restaurant's opening in Cranberry? Tell us in the comments box below.

Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter

Check out some of today's other top stories here.