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1940s
1949

The first Eat'n Park opens, causing a traffic jam on Route 51.

1950s
1954

Eat'n Park Strawberry Pie is perfected by the daughter of our founder.

1955

For customers who would rather eat inside than out in the car, Eat'n Park opens our first front dining room.

1960s
1967

As carhop service interest fades, we begin to transition to dine-in service.

1970s
1973

We introduce our first children's menu, first hostess service and first modern-sized restaurant.

1974

Eat’n Park introduces the Superburger.

1978

Our famous Soup & Salad bar opens.

1979

The first Children's Hospital Free Care Fund campaign takes place.

1980s
1980

We introduce the Merry Berry Month of May with our classic jingle.

1982

Our beloved Christmas Star commercial first airs.

1985

First Eat'n Park Bakery opens.

1986

We introduce our iconic Smiley Cookie for kids visiting our restaurants.

1990s
1994

Our Smiley Cookie hot air balloon lifts off for the first time.

2000s
2002

We create our FarmSource Program to connect our restaurants with local farmers and manufacturers.

2004

Team Smiley and Smiley's Cookie Cruiser make their debut.

2006

SmileyCookie.com is founded. Smiley Cookies can now be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

2007

Eat'n Park Restaurants go smoke free ahead of the federal legislation.

2008

Our very first Pickup Window opens at our Monroeville restaurant.

2010s
2010

We build and open the first LEED-certified Eat'n Park restaurant in the City of Pittsburgh – in the Waterworks shopping center.

2011

Eat'n Park Hospitality Group receives National Restaurant Association's "Restaurant Neighbor" Award.

2014

New Banksville Eat’n Park opens.

2014

Jim Broadhurst wins the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Gold Plate Award.

2014

The Eat’n Park Mobile App goes live expanding offerings across the digital space, including online ordering, third-party delivery, mobile apps, and more.

2016

Our Caring For Kids Campaign surpasses $10 million.

2016

A new tradition begins: Eat’n Park celebrates the first-ever Day of Smiles!

2020s
2020

Eat’n Park remains open during the pandemic, serving guests through our Pickup Windows!

2020

Eat’n Park provides meals to United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

2021

New Butler Eat’n Park opens.

2022

We celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Christmas Star.

2022

Eat’n Park is featured in the Pittsburgh Monopoly game.

2023

A book detailing the history of Eat’n Park, The Story Behind the Smile, comes out.

2024

Bridgeville Eat’n Park is demolished to make way for a brand-new restaurant.

2024

Eat’n Park Hospitality Group celebrates 75 years in business!