New businesses add life to downtown Struthers

STRUTHERS — With at least two new businesses set to open in May, and with the construction of a 17-space, off-street parking area beginning not long afterward, city officials said they believe downtown Struthers is showing signs of revitalization.

“We’re hoping for a chain reaction,” said Mayor Terry Stocker. “We’ve done a pretty good job of building the downtown from what it was to what it is now.”

Both he and Tony Fire, the city’s 1st Ward councilman, aren’t discouraged by the number of storefronts along State Street and South Bridge Street that remain empty. Any activity in the downtown means progress, Fire said, especially that which brings employment opportunities into the city and helps its tax base.

The 2 Bisous Studio at 2 State St. is tentatively set to open May 2, while Dell’s Cafe d’Italia at 14 State St. will open sometime in early to mid-May.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com