Olive Oil Grille to open in Cumberland County with Mediterranean food and countless combinations

Olive Oil Grille

Olive Oil Grille will operate at 71 Erford Road at the Camp Hill Commons in East Pennsboro Township.

Finally, the Camp Hill Commons is taking shape.

Starbucks is brewing coffee and Sheetz turned on its gas pumps. By early May, the complex along Erford Road in East Pennsboro Township at the former Senate Plaza building will welcome Olive Oil Grille, a Mediterranean restaurant.

Diners will file in line to order health-conscious custom bowls, pitas and salads made with fresh ingredients, some raised and produced on local farms. The menu will be accented by roasted seasonal vegetables, soups, grilled meats and homemade dressings and toppings.

At first glance, Olive Oil Grille resembles a chain, but the restaurant is owned by husband and wife John and Maryam Kranias of Mechanicsburg. They are joined by John’s brother, Niko Kranias.

The concept for the 65-seat fast-casual restaurant grew out of a Gettysburg pizzeria owned by the brother’s parents, Kostas and Antonia Kranias. The restaurant operated for about a decade and had a loyal fanbase for pizzas and entrees. (Kostas Kranias had been in the business since 1972.)

The brothers spent most of their lives working in restaurants. Two things John said their father instilled in them - No. 1, treat your employees well and No. 2., use local companies and purveyors, from plumbers to farmers.

“What he taught us we are taking to the next level,” John added.

The family also travel to Greece where they own an olive grove. Eventually they plan to import the olive oil and sell it at the restaurant.

The idea for Olive Oil Grille has been in development for several years, John said, adding they have been waiting for the right location.

“The area here is perfect for this. The demographic we are looking for is definitely offices and hospitals and there is a lot of that around here,” he said.

Plus, the restaurant will cater to nearby residents looking for an alternative dinner spot, he added.

The Camp Hill Commons complex is being developed on 17 acres by Triple Crown Corporation and J.C. Bar Properties, Inc. Other tenants include First Watch, Tonino’s Pizza, Hawaii Poke, SuperCUTS, apartments and a Comfort Suites.

Olive Oil Grille will play upon the popular assembly-line method of ordering. Diners will move through a line and select a base, protein, spreads, toppings and dressings.

“You could probably do millions of combinations. You just move down the line and build your bowl or pita,” John said.

They plan to source meats from Bow Creek Farm & Cattle Co. in East Hanover Township, which sells Red Angus beef, and produce from farms such as Strites Orchard and Farm Market in Lower Swatara Township. Cookies and desserts will be made by the Pennsylvania Bakery in Camp Hill.

A lamb and beef meatball is expected to become a specialty item. Spreads such as tzatziki sauce and a roasted red pepper hummus, along with dressings such a lemon herb vinaigrette and creamy yogurt dill, will be made from scratch.

The menu will encompass about 45 items and appeal to all diets, from gluten-free to vegan and vegetarian.

“That’s the beauty of this concept. There’s something for everyone,” Maryam said.

In addition to serving food, the Kraniases want to play a role in the community by giving back through charity events. They also will offer online ordering.

The restaurant will be open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily.

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