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Venerable Beechie’s Place for sale in Chartiers

2 min read
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A longtime, well-regarded restaurant in central Washington County is for sale.

Beechie’s Place, a Chartiers Township staple since 1952, is on the market. The destination dining spot, however, will remain open until a buyer emerges, said Terri Sokoloff, a broker with Specialty Group, a North Hills organization that deals in restaurant and bar services.

Lisa McFarland and her son, Lane, have owned the West Pike Street facility since 2010. Lane also has resided there. Family matters have led them to pursue a sale, Lisa said.

Lane, the chef, is relocating to Richmond, Va., where his wife has secured a job. She is expected to receive a doctorate in psychology this summer.

“They actually may have to live together,” his mother said jokingly Wednesday.

She said she will become a caretaker for her parents. All four live in the Chartiers-Houston area.

The situation has created a share of familial angst.

“(Beechie’s) is kind of an icon in the community,” Lisa said.

“We’d hate for it not to continue. It’s always been a family restaurant and bar.”

Soups, sandwiches, burgers and wings are among the favorites there. Buying local, she said, has been a priority.

She said her son also has served as bar and kitchen manager and social media director, but as with most small businesses, all owners play significant roles. Beechie’s has kept both McFarlands busy.

Beechie’s has had few changes at the top. Frank Bonazza and his wife, Sophie, launched the enterprise 67 years ago.

They relinquished ownership in 1974 to Chuck Phillips, who expanded the place and ran it for 36 years, until the McFarlands took over.

Beechie’s serves food from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It has always been closed Sunday.

As for the sale, Lisa is hoping for a fortuitous outcome.

“All of our employees are like family'” she said. “We’ll do our best so they can continue, as normal. All of our customers are like friends and family. They love the place for what it is.

“I hope somebody who appreciates Beechie’s will have interest.”

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