Source: Eagle Staff Writer

Written by: Joe Genco

Published: February 29, 2016

CRANBERRY TWP — The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex has been open for more than six months and now plans are moving forward for restaurants and other developments on the property.
The township supervisors saw a presentation Thursday for projects in the next phase of development of Cranberry Springs.
The developer, Sippel Enterprises of Sewickley, is proposing three new buildings on two parcels.
One would be a 6,500 square-foot Firebirds Wood Fired Grill restaurant, and the other an unspecified restaurant in a 7,500 square-foot building with a shared parking lot with 300 spaces, said engineer Jim Venture of PVE Sheffler.
An 18,000 square-foot building also is proposed that would include a bakery with a drive-through, office space, a restaurant and two retail outlets.
Firebirds is described as a “polished casual” restaurant chain based in Charlotte, N.C.
It is known for its steak, seafood and large wine selection, said Joseph Daniels, the company’s director of real estate.
It has 38 locations in 14 states, but none are in Western Pennsylvania.
These proposals are part of the first phase of development of the land, which is 90 acres adjacent to Interstate 79 and accessible from Cranberry Springs Drive.
The master plan calls for four restaurants to be built.
A Marriott Towneplace Suites hotel already is under construction on the property.