Popular Brownsville eatery to close

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Pepperronnies’ Employees Emma Seto (left) and Cassidy Lint (right) with restaurant owner Wayne Shumar.

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Wayne, Melanie and Angela Shumar at Pepperronnies Family Restaurant, the family-owned business they’ve run since 2020.

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In just a few years Pepperronnies Family Restaurant cultivated a loyal customer base and a positive atmosphere for employees, but they will soon be closing their doors.

In a Facebook post Monday, the Brownsville restaurant announced they will continue to operate until they exhaust their current inventory.

Wayne Shumar purchased the business from his brother Ronald Shumar Jr. in 2020, and made a slight tweak on the name. Previously, it was Pepperronnies Pizza Parlor. Wayne changed “pizza parlor” to “family restaurant” to emphasize their focus on family dining.

The revamped business opened on March 23, 2020. Though it could be seen as unfortunate to open just as a pandemic shuts down the global economy, Pepperronnies was well positioned to offer delivery and take-out.

“We did very well during the pandemic shutdown,” Shumar said. “People, it seemed to me, had more money, and were spending more.”

Shumar ran the restaurant with his wife, Angela Shumar, and daughter, Melanie Shumar. They live in Republic, where he volunteers with the local fire department.

As for why they decided to close their doors, Shumar cited the economy and rising food prices, as well as health issues. He said he and his wife were often putting in 13-hour days to keep the business going.

“I have some health issues I need to take care of. Me and my wife maybe need to take better care of ourselves. I don’t leave here until 8 or 9 o’clock most nights. It is starting to take a toll on me,” Shumar said.

Donna West, the head waitress at Pepperronnies, worked for Shumar’s brother and stayed through the transition in ownership. She had high praise for how the Shumar family operated the restaurant.

“Wayne and Angie poured their heart and soul into it. Their blood, sweat and tears,” West said. “There was nothing they asked their employees to do that they didn’t do themselves. I’m going to really miss them.”

West commended her employers for their transparency about how the restaurant was struggling.

“They were very open. They never pulled the rug out from underneath us. They did everything in their power emotionally and financially to keep it running,” West said.

Through the years, West notes that many regular customers became close friends with the staff. She recalled two years ago when her daughter got married, they had arranged to have a small, lowkey reception behind the restaurant. However, a storm destroyed the entire set up the day of the wedding.

“Wayne and customers pulled together and they moved every salvageable piece and moved it to a local fire hall. They moved heaven and earth for my daughter’s wedding day … They’re just amazing people,” West said.

Scrolling through the post announcing Pepperronnie’s closure reveals comments from many loyal customers expressing dismay at the news, and wishing the Shumar family well.

“So sorry to hear this. I am devastated,” wrote Charleroi resident John Zelenski. “You are my favorite restaurant and have always made me feel like family!”

“The regulars” are the hardest part of closing down shop for Shumar.

Shumar said there are customers who come to Pepperronnies on a daily basis, and he hopes to be able to maintain the friendships that were formed.

“They really supported us. We’ve grown close … We sent flowers to (their) loved one’s funerals. Been there for some of the family things, because we got to know them so well,” Shumar said. “Where’s that relationship going to go?”

“We don’t like to say it’s goodbye or the end, as far as friendships that we built,” Shumar said.

Pepperronnies is located at 634 National Pike E., Brownsville, and is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The restaurant will continue serving food until they deplete their inventory.