Area's Newest Market District Store Serving Up A Twist
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Giant Eagle opened its fifth Market District store in the Pittsburgh area Thursday in the Waterworks Plaza.
But this time around there is a twist, or more accurately, a tap. The renovated store now includes a by the glass bar.
Specialty food cooked to order, a Starbucks, and beer all have become common sights in mega grocery stores, but what about beer taps?
Cindy Cider and Kim Yurchick decided to immerse themselves in the new Market District bar concept.
"We're just ordering. We had breakfast and now we're going to have a lunch," said Cider, of Glenshaw.
And along with it, a glass of wine.
"I think it's a really good idea, sometimes after you're done shopping you just need to relax and this is a very nice atmosphere," Yurchick, of Springdale, said.
It's all about retail dollars spent on food.
"Fifty percent is spent in the grocery and 50 percent in the restaurant, and we as a retailer believe we need to be in the restaurant business," Market District's Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Devries said.
So, the Waterworks Store has opened a 100-seat restaurant complete with table service, wine and micro-brewed beer by the glass or the growler.
"You can actually order it right here and it's delivered to your seat," said Devries.
Giant Eagle has this same setup in three Ohio stores, and its new store near Indianapolis will also have mixed drinks, something Pennsylvania doesn't allow.
Giant Eagle says it has already seen in its Ohio stores that people do make this a destination to come in for a drink and something to eat, even if they're not going grocery shopping.
MORE: Grand Opening On Pittsburgh Today Live:
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