what's new

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Our New Winter Menu Items

There’s a chill in the air! Warm up at your local Eat’n Park with our winter menu, featuring returning classics as well as some new menu items destined to become “future classics”!  



Fried Pickles 

They're back! Fried pickles served with our homemade ranch for dipping.  


The Italiano 
A sandwich you can’t refuse! Grilled Italian capicola, salami, and pepperoni topped with melted provolone and crisp lettuce, plus crunchy banana peppers and zesty balsamic mayo for some added bada bing!, all served on a grilled hoagie bun. Get it with your choice of one or two sides! 


Caramel Brownie Cheesecake 
Decadent white chocolate cheesecake swirled with salted dulce de leche caramel and chocolate brownie bites, all baked into a graham cracker crust and topped with buttery caramel fudge, more brownie bites, and finished with milk chocolate ganache drizzle. 



Banana Crème Pie 

Creamy vanilla filling and fresh bananas folded into a graham cracker crust, finished with whipped topping and graham cracker crumbs.




 

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Thursday, November 24, 2022

We’re Celebrating 40 Years of the Christmas Star Commercial!

The holidays are the most wonderful time of year, and for many people, the season unofficially begins with our long-running Christmas Star commercial! Every year, we are moved by the comments we hear about this classic spot. Many of you have told us that it is what gets you in the holiday spirit, and that it reminds you of what the holidays are all about. We’ve even heard that the commercial has been referenced in Christmas Eve sermons! 

This year is extra special because it marks the 40th anniversary of the commercial! Retelling the story of the “Christmas Star” has become an annual tradition for us, kind of like reading “The Night Before Christmas” for many families. So just how did this classic come to be? 

It all started in early 1982. Eat’n Park was just beginning to blossom into the family restaurant chain that you’re now familiar with, and the company was prospering. Our CEO at the time, Jim Broadhurst, wanted to create a holiday card on video to thank the city of Pittsburgh for their support of Eat’n Park and our Caring for Kids campaign for local children’s hospitals, which at the time, was just a few years old. 

So, Jim tasked Ketchum, our ad agency at the time, with creating a message that would “last for 20 years.” Easy, right? Craig Otto, then a young art director, and Cathy Bowen, a fledgling copywriter at the time, led the project. The pair worked for 3 weeks to generate over 30 ideas, none of which were met with approval. Eventually, they hit upon the idea of an animated commercial, but they still weren’t sure where they were going with it. 

One Sunday shortly thereafter, Craig decided to come into the office. He sketched out a star, a traditional holiday image, and then stopped. “How does the star get to the top of the tree?” He played around with a few ideas until deciding that, of course, the star would need some help from the tree itself. In a fateful coincidence, Cathy had also decided to come into the office that Sunday. So, while Craig worked out the illustrations, Cathy devised a simple, yet perfect sentiment to wrap up the commercial. 

Jim immediately loved the spot, and a timeless classic was born. Even better, the commercial has outlasted his original expectations. The idea of the relationship between the tree and the star illustrates an enduring holiday lesson – by helping one another, you’re making the world a brighter place. 

So, from everyone here at Eat’n Park, here’s hoping the special lift you get this holiday season lasts all year long! 


Craving even more Christmas Star magic? Check out our other featured blogs:
2022 Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial TV Air Dates
Christmas Star Shop at SmileyCookie.com
All The Ways to Celebrate 40 Years of the Christmas Star


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All The Ways to Celebrate 40 Years of the Christmas Star


Can you believe our Christmas Star commercial is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year? If you’re a big fan of this timeless classic (and who isn’t!), here are all the ways to honor this beloved holiday tradition during this very special milestone year.  

Christmas Star Phone Background 
Download our Christmas Star Cell Phone Background for your mobile device. Click here to download.*   

Christmas Star Zoom Background 
Add some magic to your daily Zoom calls with our Christmas Star Background. Click here to download.*

Don Your Christmas Star Apparel 
Stop in at your local Eat’n Park to browse our Christmas Star mugs and merchandise or order them online for pickup! We also have Steel City Christmas Star shirts available to order at shopsteelcity.com!  

Add our Christmas Star to Your Instagram or Facebook
Use our Virtual Instagram Filter to bring the Christmas Star Tree everywhere you go!
Try it on Facebook!
Try it on Instagram!

Christmas Star Coloring Pages 
Create some homemade artwork with our printable Christmas Star Coloring Pages, fun for people of all ages! Click here to download.*

*If you’re on a desktop, right click the image and then click, “Save As.”

Craving even more Christmas Star magic? Check out our other featured blogs:
The Story of the Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial
2022 Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial TV Air Dates
Christmas Star Shop at SmileyCookie.com


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Visit the Christmas Star Shop at SmileyCookie.com


Eat’n Park is celebrating a very special milestone this year: It’s the 40th Anniversary of our beloved Christmas Star commercial! If you or someone you love is a fan of this timeless classic, then you’ll want to head over to our Christmas Star Shop at SmileyCookie.com, where we have our 40th Anniversary Christmas Star mug, shirt, and more! We also have Christmas Star cookies that honor the story of our special little star! Give someone a special lift—and a gift!—to last all season long!  

BROWSE THE CHRISTMAS STAR SHOP AT SMILEYCOOKIE.COM!

Craving even more Christmas Star magic? Check out our other featured blogs:
The Story of the Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial
2022 Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial TV Air Dates
All The Ways to Celebrate 40 Years of the Christmas Star

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Monday, November 21, 2022

2022 Christmas Star Commercial Air Dates


This year, our Christmas Star commercial, a beloved favorite for all ages every holiday season, celebrates its 40th anniversary! Its simple, timeless message is one of the reasons the Christmas Star has far exceeded its original goal “to last for 20 years.” Read on to see when it will be airing on TV in the Pittsburgh area!

WPXI
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Nov. 24, 9 a.m.
Christmas at Rockefeller Center – Nov. 30, 8 p.m.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors – Dec. 23, 9 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life – Dec. 24, 8 p.m. 

KDKA
Frosty & Frosty Returns – Nov. 25, 8 p.m.
A Christmas Proposal – Nov. 25, 9 p.m.
Rudolph – Dec. 10, 8 p.m.
National Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 11, 8 p.m.

WTAE
Love Actually – Nov. 29, 8 p.m.
The Great Christmas Light Fight – Dec. 5, 8 p.m.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
A Very Backstreet Holiday – Dec. 20, 10 p.m.
Home Alone – Dec. 24, 8 p.m. 

FOX
The Masked Singer Christmas Special – Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Lego Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular – Dec. 19 & 20, 8 p.m.

WQED
WQED Holiday Sessions – Dec. 11, 1 p.m.
A Christmas Cookie – Dec. 11, 1:30 p.m.
Holy Night: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir – Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
B.E. Taylor – Dec. 15, 8 p.m.
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker – Dec. 19, 10 p.m.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas – Dec. 19, 4 p.m.
Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Family Christmas Show – Dec. 20, 10 p.m.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – Dec. 23, 9 p.m.
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas with Vanessa Williams – Dec. 24, 7 p.m.
WQED Presents: Live from Studio A – Holiday Jam 2007 – Dec. 25, 1 p.m.
Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh – Dec. 25, 2 p.m.
All Creatures Great and Small on Masterpiece: The Perfect Christmas – Dec. 25, 8 p.m.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Order Your Thanksgiving Pie From Eat'n Park

Are you in charge of dessert for Thanksgiving? Never fear—Eat’n Park is here! We have a wide selection of freshly baked pies to make your holiday the sweetest one ever!  

Choose from: 

  • Pumpkin – on sale for $9.99! 
  • Apple 
  • Dutch Apple 
  • Blackberry 
  • Pecan 
  • Banana Crème  
  • Cookies and Cream 
  • Coconut Crème 
  • Chocolate Crème 
  • Lemon Meringue 

Want to pre-order your pie in advance? Use our pre-order form here! The last day to pre-order is November 21, with pickup set for November 22 or November 23. We are closed for Thanksgiving on November 24 so our team members can enjoy time with their families. 

PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDER NOW! 

Rather not pre-order? We have a variety of whole pies available to order online for immediate pickup while our daily supplies last! Click here to place your order online for pickup today!


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Friday, November 4, 2022

Our 44th Annual Caring For Kids Campaign

Since 1979, Eat'n Park guests and team members have come together to do some serious fundraising every November and December for kids in need of medical care. You know what time it is—it's time for Caring for Kids! Through the Caring for Kids campaign, we’ve raised over $11 million for our local children’s hospitals, and we don’t plan to stop any time soon!  

Here’s what we’ve got up our sleeves for our 44th Annual Caring for Kids campaign in 2022! 


$2 Raffle Tickets – 2022 Ford Bronco
Our generous partner, Neighborhood Ford Store, has donated a 2022 Ford Bronco to our campaign—so one lucky guest is getting a pretty sweet holiday gift this year! 

To enter to win this car, raffle tickets are available for just $2 each now through December 3 at your local Eat'n Park (excluding West Virginia). Just ask your server for one (or 10!) for your chance to win. 100% of the proceeds from the raffle go directly to the campaign. 

For full details and raffle restrictions, click here


Holiday Merchandise 
10% of proceeds from all Eat’n Park holiday merchandise will go to our Caring for Kids campaign. This year, you'll find 40th Anniversary Christmas Star mugs and shirts available for purchase as well as other holiday apparel at your local Eat’n Park! Stop in to pick yours up today or order a mug online! 


Add a Donation onto Your Check
Whether you’re joining us in our dining room or placing your order online, you can add a $1, $3, or $5 Caring for Kids donation right to your check! Also, make sure to keep an eye out for the water jug on our counter and help us fill it up with your spare cash or coins!

Restaurant Activities
Each year, our team members pour their hearts into Caring for Kids. This campaign was started by a group of passionate team members over four decades ago and continues that way to this day! When you stop by your Eat’n Park during the campaign, be sure to take a peek at the fundraising activities that team members have planned.  


Thank you in advance for supporting our campaign!


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Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Let’s Play! We’re on the Pittsburgh Monopoly Board!


Earlier this year, Pittsburghers rejoiced when we found out we were getting our own city edition of the Monopoly board game and that city residents could help decide who makes it on the board.  

Well... Eat’n Park is thrilled to have a spot on the Pittsburgh Monopoly board! We’re honored to join  other iconic venues like the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the Byham Theater, and more in representing our hometown! 

Pittsburgh is only the thirteenth city in the United States to receive its own official Monopoly board game. In these localized editions, city landmarks and local brands replace the original’s Atlantic City squares, like Boardwalk and Park Place. It also swaps the perennial “Community Chest” and “Chance” playing cards with decks that pay homage to the Steel City (look for our personalized Chance cards, sure to make you Smile!). 

Pittsburgh Monopoly is available for purchase for $39.99 at the following Eat’n Park restaurants or at SmileyCookie.com:

  • Waterfront  
  • Avalon  
  • Mcknight  
  • Dormont  
  • Mckeesport  
  • Whitehall  
  • Bridgeville  
  • Mcknight Road  
  • Banksville  
  • Monongahela  
  • Clearview  
  • Bethel Park  
  • Franklin Park  
  • Peters Township  
  • Shaler  
  • Natrona Heights  
  • Chippewa  
  • Uniontown  
  • Edgeworth  
  • Greensburg  
  • Penn Hills  
  • Butler  
  • New Kensington  
  • South Hills  
  • Franklin  
  • New Stanton  
  • Monroeville  
  • Pittsburgh Mills 
  • Airport  
  • Hampton Twp.  
  • Murrysville  
  • Robinson  
  • Somerset 
  • Marshall Twp.  
  • Washington  
  • Latrobe  
  • Indiana  
  • Center Twp.  
  • Grove City 
  • Clarion  
  • North Huntingdon  
  • Belle Vernon  
  • North Versailles  
  • Water Works  

ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL EAT'N PARK NOW!

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Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Meet Our Team Members Who are Veterans!

We here at Eat’n Park are so honored to have such dedicated team members create Smiles at our restaurants every day, and many of them are veterans who served in the armed forces. This Veterans Day, we want to highlight some of these very special team members and thank them for their service! 

Justin., U.S. Army, assistant manager at Latrobe Eat’n Park 
Time at Eat’n Park: 1 year
Favorite Menu Item: Herb-Crusted Chicken
What makes you Smile? His dog Atticus 

Carletta, U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard, greeter at Franklin Park Eat’n Park 
Time at Eat’n Park: 6 months 
Favorite Menu Item: Clam Chowder 
What makes you Smile? Knowing she is always trying to do the right thing, just as she was raised


Elmer “Rick”, U.S. Navy, prep/cook at Robinson Eat’n Park 
Time at Eat’n Park: 1 year, 4 months 
Favorite Menu Item: Superburger with French fries 
What makes you Smile? His team members


Sharon, U.S. Air Force, server at Whitehall Eat’n Park 
Time at Eat’n Park: 15 years 
Favorite Menu Item: American Grill Burger 
What makes you Smile? Peace and quiet


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Thank You, Veterans! Take 10% Off All of November!

 

There are many holidays throughout the year, but one that’s close to our heart is Veterans Day on November 11. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all veterans and current military personnel for their continued dedication and sacrifice to serve our country. To show our appreciation, all former and current military personnel will receive 10% off for themselves and their entire party each time they dine in—for the entire month of November! 

Proof of service is required for this discount, so please be prepared to show your Military ID or your Veteran Designation on your driver’s license. We will also extend this promotion to service members who arrive in uniform. The 10% discount will be applied to all meals on the check, so our veterans and active duty service members are welcome to bring their families to dine with them. While this offer cannot be combined with any other coupon offer or discount, it can be used in combination with our free coffee for voters on Election Day on Tuesday, November 8 and free Smiley Cookie for veterans on Veterans Day on Friday, November 11.  

This offer is valid for dine-in only November 1-30, 2022.


Free Smiley Cookie for Veterans! 
All veterans who visit us on Veterans Day (November 11) will ALSO receive a free Smiley Cookie on us! This gesture of sharing a Smile is just a small token of gratitude to our veterans and current military personnel for their selfless service to our country.  

Meet our Team Member Veterans!  
Many veterans are also Eat’n Park team members! We would like to introduce you to just a few of the veterans you may encounter at our restaurants. We’re so appreciative of  their service to our country as well as their ability to create Smiles for our guests every day! 


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