Businesses continue to increase in Wilkes-Barre

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The growing cuisine scene in Wilkes-Barre is going international.

In the last few months, we have seen an increase in new restaurants and shops in the area, and on Friday afternoon one more was added to the list.

This is one of the many new businesses in the Wyoming Valley Area of Luzerne County. Villa Atlixco on 811 Scott Street in Wilkes-Barre had its grand opening Friday afternoon. The new restaurant is family-owned and serves authentic Mexican food.

The executive director of the Diamond City Partnership says that business has been booming in the Diamond City.

“What we’ve seen so far since the beginning of 2024 is a noticeable uptick and it’s the first time that we have seen some truly sustained positive momentum since the pandemic began in March of 2020,” said Larry Newman the executive director of Diamond City Partnership.

This new restaurant is just one of the menu ways this area continues to grow.

“I think we’re the past two years of done next 80 different cutting, which is exciting because you see these business owners opening up you welcoming the community providing their services to the community and really being there in integrated into the community they’re a part of,” says Ahmad Ali the director Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Along with local businesses such as Villa Atlixco several well-known franchises are also making their way to the area like Playa Bowls on Mundy Street.

“It is exciting seeing these new bigger companies moving into the area to again offer different opportunities for experience, different cuisines or shopping,” stated Ali.

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Brown was also among those who attended the and says there are many benefits to welcoming a new business into the community.

“Brings a lot of jobs some of the businesses are large businesses some of our small mom-and-pop businesses but it’s a business that’s now in the City of Wilkes-Barre,” added Mayor Brown.

The Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce also noted that the small business sustainability grant program is back .

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