Sense of Community Unites New Brighton

One of the things that attracts people to New Brighton, PA — and brings them back time and again — are the community ties that bind the town together. A river town located about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, the town not only attracts visitors but inspires former locals to return.

Rosalind Candy Castle underwent a complete renovation in 2024.

“I lived in Sewickley and Beaver, but decided to move back to New Brighton because there’s such a sense of community here,” said Jennifer Crudden, who purchased the home where she was originally raised. “People are always willing to help you out, and it’s fun living in a small town; you go into the grocery store and everyone says ‘Hi.’”

Crudden, who co-owns Rosalind Candy Castle with her brother, Michael, said that this camaraderie was especially noticeable when the business decided to undergo a complete renovation in 2024.

Solid chocolate pecan eggs at Rosalind Candy Castle are perfect for Easter.

“People came by to tell us how excited they were that we were staying here in New Brighton,” she said. “And when we get really busy, our neighbors offer to help us out — though maybe they do that for the free chocolate!”

The Cruddens are third-generation owners of the candy store, which has been in existence for 112 years. In 1927, its original owner, Gust Zachos, moved it to New Brighton from Rochester, PA, where it became a hub on Main Street until the early 1950s. It moved to its current location at 13th St. and 5th Avenue in 1952.

While the Zachos gave it the “castle” name, Crudden said that people were surprised when they came to shop and realized the building didn’t look very royal. So she and her brother decided to make it more “castley,” and now you can’t miss it when you drive into town.

“The project kind of spiraled,” she laughed of the business that her grandparents bought from Zachos in 1957. It was later owned by her father, who chose to retire after its 100th anniversary.

Rosalind Candy Castle is a kids’ paradise!

Today, Rosalind’s is known for making everything from scratch, including pure milk chocolate candies, chocolate-covered marshmallows, sea salt caramels, meltaways and more. Rosalind’s sells its more than 120 different types of candy in the storefront in New Brighton as well as in local grocery stores.

Hallowed Grounds Coffee Roasterie is another family-owned business that appreciates New Brighton’s close-knit community.

Owners David and Kathy Chabala looked for a place in Sewickley, Zelienople, Beaver and New Brighton before deciding on a location on New Brighton’s 3rd Avenue. Kathy credits Tom Albanese, who was the zoning person at the time, current Mayor Valerie McElvy and the New Brighton Business District Authority for being instrumental in helping new businesses open.

“We found a building we liked, and even though it wasn’t for sale, within 15 minutes of talking to the owner, we had a handshake deal,” she laughed.

“There weren’t any other coffee shops in town, and the people here were very welcoming and have really embraced us over the years,” she added. “They may be down to their last dime, but they’ll spend it on our coffee because they like it so much. They are so supportive of local businesses.”

For the freshest cup of coffee, visit Hallowed Grounds in New Brighton.

Hallowed Grounds roasts all of its coffee in-house, which is sold in cups and bags, and also sells tea and gift items. Chabala said that it is not your typical “sit-and-sip” coffee shop, preferring to be known as a roaster-retailer.

Now celebrating its 19th year of business, Hallowed Grounds is about to undergo some changes as the Chabalas’ daughter, Drusilla, takes the helm. Drusilla, who learned the art of coffee roasting from her father, has not only been involved in the business’ success as its coffee roaster but also lives above the store.

“What I like about New Brighton is that everything is close by, within a walkable distance,” she said. “It’s an easy place to live, and it’s not like living in a city where there are tons of people. If you do want to go into Pittsburgh, it’s a straight shot down the boulevard.”

Having been in business for almost two decades, the Chabalas have watched as New Brighton has grown.

“We’ve seen a number of businesses come and go over the years,” said Kathy Chabala. “Unfortunately, during COVID, we lost a few. But they always get replaced.”

“There’s turnover, but also longevity,” she added. “A lot of us have been here a long time, but we also seem to attract new, fresh businesses as well.”

Hallowed Grounds Coffee Roasterie sells coffee in cups and bags, as well as tea and gift items.

Some of the more ‘senior’ businesses in the area include The Marion Hill Bar & Grill, which

was opened in 1965 by George Shewak and is now run by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the original Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe, which opened in New Brighton in 1959 and has since expanded to other locations. Newer (less than a half-century old) restaurants include Quality Time & Carry Out, Fifth Avenue Taphouse, 68 Feed Mill and the Back Door Tavern, among others.

The town is also home to a variety of recreational opportunities at Big Rock Park and New Brighton Fishing Park, as well as festivals, car cruises and a monthly New Brighton Night Mart. A number of cultural events are held at the Merrick Art Gallery, which has served the community for more than 100 years.

“We really have everything in New Brighton,” said Crudden. “And the sense of community makes it even more special.”