The rumors are true: Starbucks and Bealls are moving into Allegheny Township’s Hyde Park Plaza.
Jeff Paul, owner of the once-beleaguered shopping center, confirmed the incoming tenants Thursday after months of online speculation.
A Starbucks spokesperson, however, said the company has “no store opening plans to announce.”
Even so, Paul said crews will soon erect a free-standing building on a seldom-used patch of parking lot that will become Starbucks. Work could begin in earnest as early as next week, with a grand opening expected in the fall.
The 2,500-square-foot store will feature indoor and outdoor seating as well as a drive-thru window.
All new LED lighting will be installed around the store.
“It’s a modern facade, similar to any of the Starbucks coming out now,” Paul said.
Bealls, a chain of discount department stores, is tentatively set to open a 21,000-square-foot location in Allegheny Township in May.
The Florida-based retailer operates more than 600 stores across 23 states, mostly in the country’s eastern half.
Its first location in the Alle-Kiski Valley will go in the plaza between Aldi and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, both of which opened in the last two years. Hyde Park Plaza also landed Dollar Tree, another value-minded retailer, in 2023.
Retailer interest in the plaza appears to have snowballed since Paul purchased it for $3.8 million in 2022.
“Aldi wanted to be there because there was a Starbucks going in, Starbucks wanted to be there because there was an Aldi there, so it does really drive some good co-tenancy and traffic at the center,” Paul said.
The plaza only has three vacancies remaining. Paul said he’s heard from interested retailers, and may soon have additional news to share.
Jamie Morabito, the township’s supervisor chairman, thanked Paul for his contributions toward a business boom in town since the start of 2022.
“Since then, approximately 18 new businesses have developed in Allegheny Township,” Morabito said. “Mr. Paul’s extreme dedication and keen business sense has been the driving force.”
Bealls did not return a request for comment.