Etna's business boom: New brewery, shops, and community center revitalize borough

A new brewery opened in Etna earlier this year and co-owner Dominic Cincotta said he’s happy to operate in a welcoming business environment after years of shopping around for locations in and around Pittsburgh.

“We always looked for a taproom around the city and it’s very hard — and expensive,” said Cincotta of what he described as red tape and potential difficulties navigating the new business world of Allegheny County.

But the little borough of Etna, established in 1866, caught the eye of Cincotta and he opened CoStar Brewing in March at 323 Butler St. in the business district, located at the junction of Routes 28 and and 8.

“That was the main reason for choosing Etna, but we’ve been brewing out of a garage in Highland Park since 2011, and always looking for spaces,” Cincotta said.

Cincotta previously considered Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and other East End locations, but meeting Etna borough manager Mary Ellen Ramage turned out to be a game changer.

“She approached us and asked us if they sold us land would we build a new building? So we’ve been hand-in-hand with the borough and they helped to get us here,” Cincotta said.

With an emphasis on community, Cincotta described the process as lacking the usual red tape that can come with the new business process.

“The borough has been welcoming. They would never give me a straight no but were willing to look into things. They’re willing to work with local businesses — 100% proactive,” Cincotta said.

CoStar is one of several new businesses that have opened in the last year, according to newly elected Mayor Robert Tuñón, originally from Plum.

Other recently opened businesses include Etna Slice House, Monarch Studios, Rising Crust, Senza Bakeshop and Cafe, and On The Rocks Jewelry. Vandals, an exotic snack, vape and tobacco shop, is scheduled to open Friday at 374 Butler St. The largest new business in Etna is Westinghouse, which has launched a major facility.

Ramage has served in her role for 34 years and has been a borough employee for 47 years.

She fought back tears addressing those in attendance during a press event Tuesday morning hosted by U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall.

“For me to be in this moment and time when I see so much change, this is incredible for me,” Ramage said.

Deluzio was flanked by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Tuñón and other elected officials as he announced a $3 million federal investment that will help to finance a new library and community center in the historic building at 341 Butler St.

Tuñón said the building dates back to 1870 and once housed a dry goods store and a grocer and post office on the other side.

Features of the proposed community center will include a maker cafe, story market, community courtyard, greenhouse hall and library lofts.

“We hope that our community will be better connected. We are building hope for our future,” Tuñón said.

The new center and library will be the first of its kind for the borough, which lacks a library.

Etna has a population of about 3,400 and occupies one square mile along the banks of the Allegheny River.

Tuñón provided an update on Westinghouse’s expanding footprint to nuclear innovation in Etna. Last year, Westinghouse signed a lease for an 87,000-square-foot building at 51 Bridge St. to make its eVinci nuclear batteries.

“Westinghouse has started to occupy. That’s more than 100 jobs and that’s big,” Tuñón said.

Lifelong Etna resident Diane Sheridan has resided in the borough for more than 50 years and is thrilled to see more businesses coming to her hometown.

“We are so excited to walk, shop and eat. Ten years ago it was like a ghost town here. We love to visit all these little shops that are popping up,” Sheridan said.

She said she enjoys dining at Senza, a new restaurant and cafe.

Etna Slice House opened on Butler Street in May and is co-owned by Rear End Gastropub owner Massimo Vozza.

“This is like Massimo’s hometown and this was his dream to open a pizza shop here,” said employee Dominick Battaglia.

Business is great, Battaglia said, and they recently expanded hours, opening at noon Tuesdays-Saturdays.

“A lot of business is walk-in and by-the-slice because we’re a small, close town,” Battaglia said.

Just down the street from Slice House is Senza Bakeshop and Cafe.

“Their baked goods are out of this world. They are lovely,” said Sheridan, who grew up on Pine Street.

Sheridan pointed to the revitalization of nearby Lawrenceville as an example of a thriving business district.

“Hopefully more businesses keep coming in. We want everybody here,” Sheridan said. “This is our little hometown. Now I can walk around and get just about everything that I need without leaving Etna.”

“We want to have a thriving downtown and a place where everyone can thrive. We’re focused on doing development right so that when Etna rises, all the people that live here can rise with it too,” said Megan Tuñón, Mayor Tuñón’s wife.