what's new

It’s going to be a different kind of holiday season this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be as memorable as in the past! Since we could all use a special lift this year, help us spread the magic of the Christmas Star over zoom, email, traditional mail, and more!

• Watch our classic Christmas Star commercial and “Send the Star” via email to your friends and family.
• Add some magic to your daily Zoom calls with our Christmas Star Background.*
• Download our Christmas Star Cell Phone Background for your mobile device.*
• Create some homemade artwork with our printable Christmas Star Coloring Pages, fun for people of all ages!*
• Use our Virtual Instagram Filter to bring the Christmas Star Tree everywhere you go!

*If on desktop, right click images and click "Save As".

• The Story of the Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial
• 2021 Eat’n Park Christmas Star Commercial TV Air Dates
• Christmas Star Shop at SmileyCookie.com

It’s hard to believe that December is here and the holidays are already upon us. While there are busy schedules and stress that sometimes come along with this time of year, there are also long-beloved traditions that we look forward to all year long.

One long-running tradition here at Eat’n Park is our cherished 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 marks the 39th anniversary of the commercial – and because it’s so timeless, it’s hard to believe that it has been around for so long. And 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.

So, Jim charged 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 Copy Writer at the time, lead 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 in to 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 an ageless favorite was born. Even better, the commercial has outlasted his original expectations. The idea of the relationship between the tree and the star illustrates a timeless holiday lesson – by helping another, you’re helping yourself, and you’re making the world a better place.

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

The holidays are officially here, and we want to help you have a Smiley season, not a stressful one! While Christmas shopping can be the furthest thing from relaxing, we have the perfect solution as you work to cross all the names off your list… Eat’n Park Gift Cards!

From Dad savoring a Superburger to your niece chowing down on a Smiley Cookie, the possibilities are endless for the amount of smiles a meal at Eat’n Park can create!

Plus, as a special offering for the Christmas season, when you purchase $25 in gift cards, you’ll receive $25 in savings for 2022, while supplies last! That’s right, for every $25 spent, we’ll give you a sheet of 12 coupons (one for each month) with $25 worth of savings to use throughout the new year! 

The more you spend in gift card purchases, the more coupons you’ll receive, making Eat’n Park gift cards the gift that keeps on giving! 😉

Deal not available with Eat’n Park E-Gift Cards or gift cards purchased through SmileyCookie.com. Promotion runs through December 24, 2021, while supplies last.

Our Christmas Star commercial is a beloved favorite for young and old. Its simple, timeless message has resonated with viewers for over 35 years. Read on to see when it will be airing on TV in the Pittsburgh area! Check your local listings for times.

WQED

• Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (12/3, 12/16)
• A Christmas Cookie (12/12)
• Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh (12/12)
• Nutcracker and the Mouse King (12/14)
• Charlie Brown Christmas (12/19)

WTAE

• CMA Country Christmas (11/29)
• Great Christmas Light Fight (11/29, 12/2)
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town (12/23)

WPXI

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (11/25)
• Christmas in Rockefeller Center (12/1)
• It’s a Wonderful Life (12/25)
• SNL Christmas (12/18)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (12/25)

KDKA

• Robbie the Reindeer (11/25)
• Story of Santa Claus (11/25)
• Rudolph (12/11)
• Frosty and Frosty Returns (12/11)

The CW

• Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (12/18)

HGTV

• Fixer to Fabulous: Holiday Surprise (12/14)
• Home Town: Ben’s Holiday Workshop (12/19)

We are thankful for our dedicated Team Members this Thanksgiving! All our restaurants will be closed on Thursday, November 25, so they can spend some well-deserved time with their family. We can’t wait to see your smiling faces when we reopen on Friday!

We extend our sincerest gratitude to all veterans and current military personnel for their continued dedication and sacrifice to serve our country. We hope you’ll join us in thanking the veterans in your life with a meal at Eat’n Park!  

We are thankful for all Veterans, including those who also serve as one of our team members! We would like to introduce you to just a few of the many veterans you may encounter at our restaurants.   

TEAM MEMBER VETERAN SPOTLIGHT

JoAnn H.

United States Navy and Server at our Latrobe Eat’n Park 

Time at Eat’n Park: 28 years (One of our original team members at this location!) 

Favorite Menu Item: Nantucket Cod 

What makes you smile? Family, friends, and nice people 

Larry G.

United States Army and a Cover Manager, Prep/Cook at our Weirton location 

Time at Eat’n Park: 27 years 

Favorite Menu item: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo  

What makes you Smile? Spending time with Family. 

 

Ray S.

United States Army National Guard, US Air Force, and Prep/Cook at our Weirton location 

Time at Eat’n Park: 2 years 

Favorite Menu Item: Turkey Club (and I make lots of them!) 

What makes you Smile? Doing my job to the best of my abilities. 

Anita B

United States Air force and Manager at our New Stanton location

Time at Eat’n Park: 15 years

Favorite Menu Item: Any of the Herb Chicken Items

What makes you Smile? My grandchildren and just about anyone's children

Clyde M.  

United States Army, and Greeter at our Greensburg location

Time at Eat’n Park: 8 months

Favorite Menu Item: Whale of a Cod

What makes you Smile? Family

Working through the details of planning your Thanksgiving dinner? Never fear – Eat’n Park is here! With a wide selection of fresh-baked pies, let us take care of dessert while you work on preparing the rest of your holiday feast! 

Choose from our variety of flavors: 

• Pumpkin    
• Apple    
• Dutch Apple    
• Cookies and Crème    
• Coconut Crème    
• Chocolate Crème    
• Lemon Meringue    
• Blackberry    
• Pecan

Give your local Eat’n Park a call or click here to place your pre-order today for pickup on Wednesday, November 24. We’ll have it ready to go, so you can focus on cooking up that turkey masterpiece! 

Need to pick up dessert on your way to a friendsgiving feast? 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!  

Partake in the Thanksgiving tradition of sharing when you order our new “Take & Bake” Turkey Family Meal Deal to go! With all the fixings of a classic Turkey Day feast, this deal includes our roasted turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, a side of your choice and a loaf of Cellone's Italian bread. 

Packaged ready to reheat, it’s the perfect way to enjoy an easy autumn meal with 4-6 of your little turkeys before the stress of the holiday. Complete your meal by adding a Pumpkin Pie for just $5 more!  

PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW!

Today we kick off our 43rd Annual Caring for Kids campaign! Every November and December since 1979, our guests and team members have united to do some serious fundraising to help benefit local children’s hospitals across our Eat’n Park Hospitality Group footprint. Since the start of our campaign, we have raised over $11 million in total contributions for these hospitals and want to keep that momentum going! Here’s how you can get involved… 

Our generous partner, Neighborhood Ford Store, has kindly donated a 2021 Ford EcoSport to the campaign - so one lucky guest is going to be taking home a pretty sweet Christmas present! Tickets for chances to win are available at your local Eat’n Park (excluding West Virginia) and 100% of the proceeds benefit the campaign. Just ask your server for one (or 10!) for your chance to win. Click here for full contest rules. 

Did you know that our classic Christmas Star commercial was created specifically to help spread joy during our Caring for Kids campaign? 10% of the proceeds from sales of our Christmas Star Ceramic Mugs will benefit our campaign! They’re the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift, plus they help a great cause! Pick one up in stores or order online from your local Eat’n Park while supplies last!  

Order now!

An easy way to show your support for Caring for Kids is by purchasing a paper Christmas Star Tree! They’re just $1 each, and 100% of proceeds benefit the campaign. Write your name on it and we’ll hang it in the restaurant for all to see! 

Direct Donation 

Whether you’re joining us in our dining room or placing your order online, you can add a $1, $3, or $5 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! 

Thank you in advance for helping us bring smiles to those who need it most this holiday season!  

This is your friendly reminder to turn your clocks back this weekend - and with your extra hour, treat yourself to Sunday breakfast! It’s the perfect time to stop by and try our new fall menu items, including our Cinnamon Apple Waffle. Plus, whether you dine in or order out, we have the savings that will make you smile!

Take 20% Off Your Online Order 

To redeem this offer, enter the coupon code "DAYLIGHT20" during checkout when you place your online order. Coupon valid through Sunday, November 7, 2021. Valid for online orders only. Guest must pay any sales tax due. Not good in combination with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash or gift card. 

PLACE YOUR ORDER ONLINE NOW!

Take $2 Off Your $15 Dine-In Purchase 

Coupon valid through Sunday, November 7, 2021. Valid for dine-in only. Guest must pay any sales tax due. Not good in combination with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash or gift card. 

Want to redeem these coupons from your phone? Download our mobile app!

We appreciate your patience as our team continues to work diligently to reintroduce our beloved endless Soup, Salad, and Fruit Bars and Weekend Breakfast Buffets at as many locations as possible – and we’ve just added a few more! We are just as thrilled as you are to get back to our favorite tradition of building the perfect salad, sipping on soup, and finishing up with some fresh-cut fruit!  

If you’re reading this and also like to frequent a location that isn’t on the list below, please know that we're working hard to bring back our delicious salad bar and buffets for you at many of our locations.   

Our Soup, Salad, & Fruit Bars are currently open at the following locations: 

• Altoona
• Austintown, OH
• Avalon
• Belle Vernon
• Butler on New Castle Road
• Center Township
• Chippewa
• Clarion
• Edgeworth
• Erie
• Dubois
• Franklin
• Grove City
• Hampton Township
• Hermitage
• Indiana 
• McKnight
• Monongahela
• Moon Township (Airport)
• New Kensington
• New Stanton
• North Huntingdon
• North Versailles
• Pittsburgh Mills
• Robinson
• Somerset
• Steubenville
• St. Clairsville, OH
• Uniontown
• Waterfront
• Washington
• Weirton, WV
• Westmont
• Whitehall

Our Soup, Salad, & Fruit Bar is available every Monday through Friday from 11am-9pm, Saturday from 11:30am-9pm, and Sunday from 2:30pm-9pm.  

Weekend Buffets
You can enjoy our Breakfast Buffet every Saturday from 7:30am-11am and our Sunday Brunch Buffet from 9am-2pm at the locations above. In addition, the following restaurants will also be offering our Weekend Buffets only:

• Altoona
• Austintown, OH
• Avalon
• Belle Vernon
• Butler on New Castle Road
• Center Township
• Chippewa
• Clarion
• Edgeworth
• Erie
• Dubois
• Franklin
• Grove City
• Hampton Township
• Hermitage
• Indiana 
• McKnight
• Monongahela
• Moon Township (Airport)
• New Kensington
• New Stanton
• North Huntingdon
• North Versailles
• Pittsburgh Mills
• Robinson
• Somerset
• Steubenville
• St. Clairsville, OH
• Uniontown
• Waterfront
• Washington
• Weirton, WV
• Westmont
• Whitehall

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 any meals on the same check. 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 2.   

This offer is valid November 1-30, 2021 and not available for takeout.  

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 continued, dedicated selfless service to our country. 

Meet our Team Member Veterans! 
We are thankful for all veterans, including those who also serve as one of our team members! We would like to introduce you to just a few of the many veterans you may encounter at our restaurants.   

JoAnn, US Navy and server at our Latrobe Eat’n Park 
Time at Eat’n Park: 28 years (One of our original team members at this location!) 
Favorite Menu Item: Nantucket Cod 
What makes you smile? Family, friends, and nice people!  

Larry G., US Army and a Cover Manager, Prep/Cook at our Weirton location 
Time at Eat’n Park: 27 years 
Favorite Menu item: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo  
What makes you Smile? Spending time with Family.

Ray S., Army National Guard, US Air Force, and Prep/Cook at our Weirton location 
Time at Eat’n Park: 2 years 
Favorite Menu Item: Turkey Club (and I make lots of them!) 
What makes you Smile? Doing my job to the best of my abilities.