A restaurateur strives to bring a taste of Italy to Northeast Pennsylvania through two new eateries.
Benny Dzurlic opened Italian Pub Meatball & More, 414 Biden St. in downtown Scranton, on Wednesday, and plans to open a second location at 978 Main St., Blakely, in early March.
Dzurlic hoped to also open the Blakely location in January but noted the launch has been delayed by the recent inclement weather.
“I think I’m going to postpone it for a few more weeks,” he said.
Additionally, Dzurlic plans to use the extra time to work out any issues at the Scranton location.
“I’ve been doing this for 30-something years, but there are always mistakes,” he said. “It gives me a chance to adjust certain things.”
A table inside the bar area of Italian Pub Meatball and More, 414 Biden St., Scranton, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
A table set up in the dining room area of Italian Pub Meatball and More, 414 Biden St., Scranton, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Local restaurateur Benny Dzurlic plans to open Italian Pub Meatball and More at 978 Main St., Blakely, in early March. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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A table inside the bar area of Italian Pub Meatball and More, 414 Biden St., Scranton, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Dzurlic — who operates other restaurants in Scranton, including Catch 21 Seafood & Steak, 301 N. Washington Ave.; Sambuca Italian Grille & Bar, 234 Penn Ave.; and Mangia Bistro & Bar, 127 W. Market St. — stressed his latest venture has been in the works for some time.
He renovated the inside of the former Tequila Mexican Pub, bringing in new furniture and accessories.
“It’s been in my mind for a while,” Dzurlic said. “I love the restaurant industry — call me crazy, but I love it. I think it was the right timing. It was on my bucket list.”
The restaurants will offer four different types of homemade meatballs — beef, pork and beef, seafood and vegetarian — served with a choice of four sauces — marinara, spicy tomato, mushroom sherry wine crème and vodka — and a choice of pasta — penne, rigatoni or linguine. The beef, and pork and beef, selections cost $16; the seafood selection costs $18, and the vegetarian costs $14.
“I’m just looking to give something to the people that is a little more cost effective,” Dzurlic said. “Good food and at a reasonable price, so they’re more comfortable going out.”
Pasta and chicken dishes, as well as fresh clams and seafood, are also on the menu.
Blakely Borough Manager Chris Paone expressed satisfaction about the developments along Main Street and believes Dzurlic will have success.
“We’re excited to see another restaurant go in there, especially with somebody experienced like Benny,” Paone said. “We wish them all the best.”
Italian Pub Meatball & More adds to Blank Slate Bakehouse, which opened in December, and Garb’s Bar & Grill, which opened in March.
“We’re starting to get more little restaurants and businesses opening up,” Paone said. “Hopefully we can keep the momentum growth going.”
Scranton City Council President Tom Schuster also welcomed another dining establishment in the Electric City.
“There is an overall rise in restaurants in the downtown,” he said. “I think it reflects the city’s financial health.”
Dining and Cooking