New businesses are opening despite the pandemic

August 31, 2020

Rick Shrum
Observer-Reporter

Pandemic or not, businesses have been opening across Washington County. Literally, across the county.

Along the Monongahela River to the east, owner Rich Massafra has launched Dog Emporium at 118 Main St., New Eagle. It is a canine-centered store, featuring treats, dog food, toys, collars, cupcakes and more. The more includes CBD items.

“That’s our most reordered product online,” Massafra said.

There are no pets on site, for grooming or sale, although he plans to acquire a kennel license.

Massafra opened the shop in February, pre-pandemic, to sell the Sit Up Doggy Treats he and his wife, Michele, had been making for several years – and the other items, of course. They initially manufactured the treats at home, then at a location in Donora, where the couple grew up.

He had left the information technology field to tend to his spouse, who has a disability. Before the store, they sold the treats at fairs, festivals and other events around Western Pennsylvania.

“We had a plan, which included events, but there are no events,” Rich said of these pandemic times. “But we’ll roll with it. We’re going to make it.”

For more information, call 724-258-7297 or visit the-dog-emporium.business.site.

Mid-county, Good Vibes One Stop Hair Shop has opened at 899 E. East Maiden Street, Washington. It is near the entrance to Washington Park.

Matt Andrews, the owner, held an open house Aug. 1 and the shop opened for business two days later. For more information, call 724-206-9930.

To the west, the appropriately named Western Edge Seafood Outlet had its grand opening Aug. 22 in Taylorstown. It is a seafood store on 200 Buffalo Center Lane, just off Interstate 70, that is open every day of the week.

Western Edge is a 32-year-old company that was started by a Pittsburgh resident. The firm says on its Facebook page it serves “wholesalers, food-service distributors, retail distributors, national restaurant chains and retailers nationwide.”

“We have now begun selling directly to the public to meet the changing needs for wholesale seafood options,” the listing says.

For more information, call 724-993-8382 or visit outlet@westernedgeseafood.com.