Zacherl's restaurant for sale, not closing
SAXONBURG — After 54 years in the restaurant and tavern business, 81-year-old Ed Zacherl is ready to sell his business.
Zacherl opened his restaurant at 180 Butler St. in 1965.
“My brother and I had a crazy idea,” he recalled.
Less than two years later, his brother dropped out of the business, and Zacherl has been at it ever since.
While the popular local eating and drinking establishment has been for sale for some time, Zacherl stressed that there are no plans to close the bar or restaurant.
He hopes the property will remain a tavern and restaurant once it is purchased, as many locals regularly meet there for drinks, a meal and fellowship.
“That is my wish,” Zacherl said of his business' future use.
Mary Papik, Saxonburg borough manager, said locals like the longevity of Zacherl's as well as its drinks and food.
“It's just been a stable community place that you can rely on,” she said.
Mayor Bill Gillespie said Zacherl's restaurant provides a place for residents and patrons from around the area to meet and have a bite.
“I hope the business stays open,” he said. “It's very popular in the borough.”
Gillespie said he ate at Zacherl's many times when his children were young.
“The food has always been very good,” he said.
Carol Neubert, a borough council member, has been going to Zacherl's for about 50 years.
Her favorites are the onion soup and chicken wings. She dines there each Wednesday evening.
“It's handy, it's homey and I like the people who work there,” Neubert said.
The restaurant also has been popular with the borough's public works employees and shale gas workers.
“I hope it stays a restaurant,” she said. “We only have a few restaurants in Saxonburg.”
Zacherl said he appreciates all his customers over the years, but it's time for him to sell the business.
“I have mixed emotions,” he said. “It's something I did every day and it's not going to be here anymore someday. But then, neither am I.”
Zacherl's will remain a full-service bar and restaurant until it is sold.
