NEWS SHARED — Phil Rook, director of real estate development and operations at Franciscan University of Steubenville, was among university officials who shared plans to open five new eateries at Franciscan Square. The five will be located in an 8,700-square-foot, two-story building to be constructed just east of the plaza’s entrance. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — Area residents and students at Franciscan University of Steubenville will have new places to eat with the addition, next year, of five new businesses in an 8,700-square-foot, two-story building slated to begin construction in July.

University, city and local business leaders gathered Thursday at the Inn and Suites at Franciscan Square to announce the upcoming arrival of Scooter’s Coffee, Jamba, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon and Buffalo Wild Wings Go, the latter a take-out version of the popular restaurant chain.

Dan Vansteenburg, owner of Spin Ohio Inc. — which will operate the five – said the restaurant will offer 90 percent of the menu for Buffalo Wild Wings’ sit-down locations, though no alcohol, from a drive-through window and pickup counter.

But he noted there will be public lounges and seating on the building’s second floor for all who patronize the new eateries.

Vansteenburg said Omaha, Neb.-based Scooter’s Coffee Shop is the nation’s fifth largest coffee chain, with more than 850 locations in 31 states and specializes in espresso drinks and pastries baked from scratch.

With more than 850 locations in 36 states, Jamba offers a variety of smoothies, juices and fruit and nut bowls.

Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon are well known in this region for the pretzel treats and cinnamon rolls they sell at thousands of locations worldwide.

Vansteenburg said the five will open on a staggered schedule, with Scooter’s Coffee tentatively slated for May and the others expected to follow up to August 2026.

Collectively they are expected to create about 60 jobs, with about 160 workers to be involved in the new construction.

Kay Holdings is the general contractor for the new building, which will be constructed east of the square’s entrance over a year-long period. In addition to the hotel, it will join the McCarthy’s Harp and Habit, Rubi’s Pizza & Grill, Jimmy John’s, the Illumination Financial Group and the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Vansteenburg and his family own and operate the sub shop, which opened there a little more than a year ago.

He expressed thanks to the community for its support of that eatery.

Phil Rook, director of real estate development and operations at Franciscan University of Steubenville, said when he was asked to bring three franchises into the square, Vansteenburg netted five.

He applauded Vansteenburg for his belief in the future of the university and Steubenville.

Rook said he grew up in Steubenville at a time when its economic future appeared bleak.

The father of a friend, a retired bricklayer, often told him of the city’s more prosperous past, he said, and he hoped one day he could help to change things.

“As a resident, I’m proud to see changes taking place over the last 10 years, especially along University Boulevard,” said Rook.

He estimated investments in the university on and off campus have had a $400 million economic impact on the Steubenville area.

Rook added the square also has played an active role in the community, with more than 100,000 visiting its ice skating rink last winter and it’s slated to be among venues for this year’s Dean Martin Hometown Festival.

Tom Gentile, president of the university’s community relations board, thanked Vansteenburg and university officials for their investment in the community.

He recalled, while serving as a Jefferson County commissioner, former university president, the Rev. Terence Henry, seeking input from the county commission about changing a perceived estrangement between the school and the city.

Alluding to Henry’s successor, the Rev. Dave Pivonka, Gentile said, “When Father Dave came in, that change went on steroids. Franciscan has come off the hill. They are part of our community.”

Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli said the school, local officials and others must collaborate to bring about positive change to the city.

“We all have to work together. It can’t be we’re downtown and they’re up on the hill,” he said.

Mayor Jerry Barilla applauded the university for its goals of offering a high-quality education as well as new economic opportunities in the city.

“This newest addition is phenomenal. As always, the City of Steubenville is going to support anything for the economic development of our community.”

“Nothing would be possible without the City of Steubenville,” said Pivonka, who said as a student at the university, he quickly embraced the city as his home and since returning there, still sees it as his home.

Of the new development, he said, “This is not the end. It’s the next step we’re going to take. We will be taking future steps together.”