Zelienople Brimming with Small-Town Charm
- Kathleen Ganster
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Zelienople is one of those treasured places where history truly meets the future. With the motto “A modern place with old-fashioned grace,” the borough lives up to its billing. Known affectionately as “Zelie” to locals, Zelienople was incorporated in 1840 and has a long, rich history. It is also home to several exciting new businesses, according to Thomas Oliverio, Mayor of Zelienople.
“Over the past few years, we have seen many new businesses open their doors, which is truly exciting, and a lot of the shops are owned by young people,” he said.
The mayor may be the borough’s biggest fan, with his own long history in Zelienople. Oliverio has been the mayor since 1990 and has witnessed significant change and growth in the area. “We have so many things to offer businesses and residents. We have a good school district, a wonderful park, a theater, wonderful restaurants, and unique shops and stores. Plus, there is a strong sense of community,” he said.
Since Oliverio also serves as the president of the Butler County Boroughs Association, Zelienople is closely connected to other nearby communities.
For Kylie Gallagher, owner of Daisy Lane Kids Boutique, one of the newest shops in Zelienople, timing was everything. “My friend owned a shop and shared that they were closing. She knew I had a passion for owning my own store, so one thing led to another, and I purchased it. Being a mom myself, I found it so important to offer a special destination for moms, friends, and family to shop for their loved ones,” Gallagher explained. “And what better place to do it? Zelienople is such a special town. I grew up in the area and always dreamed of having a little boutique on Main Street. It was just such perfect timing; the stars aligned, and here we are.”
Daisy Lane Kids Boutique is a specialty children’s boutique located right on Main Street and is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month.
There are many reasons Gallagher loves the location. “Zelienople is truly ‘Small-Town America.’ I love that you can walk down the street and everyone you pass smiles and says ‘hello.’ It’s so special in that way, and you feel at home.”
Not only does Gallagher love Zelienople for her shop, but she and her two young daughters, Adelyn, 6, and Kenzie, 4, relocated to town soon after she opened Daisy Lane Kids Boutique. “We have loved every minute. From the ease of getting around town, they have found their favorite spots on Main Street and love that we can walk to our favorite parks and mommy’s store,” she said.
Todd and Gina Orkwis, owners of Urban Vine, have also found a perfect home in Zelienople for their business—a specialized wine shop and bar that offers wine from Stony Run Winery.
“Who doesn’t love the ‘Small-Town America’ vibe? After raising our two boys in the North Hills area, it was time to downsize. My husband Todd and I always loved to visit, dine, and shop in downtown Zelienople,” Gina Orkwis said. “Two years ago, we decided to make a move and now call Harmony, a neighboring town of Zelienople, home.”
Orkwis further explained, “Zelienople’s Main Street sidewalk shopping attracted our interest. We brought our passion for wine with us and paired it with an award-winning Pennsylvania estate winery. Our goal was to bring an unparalleled wine-tasting experience commensurate with Zelienople’s Hallmark appeal.”
Urban Vine opened its doors last October on North Main Street. “We were thrilled to join a family of small businesses that fuel the growth and success of the town,” Orkwis said. “We are proud to offer a friendly and cozy atmosphere for wine enthusiasts who share our passion for quality wine.”
For Deanna Hall and her family, choosing to move to Zelienople was a homecoming. “We chose Zelienople as our home 24 years ago. My husband was raised in the area, and we loved the idea of the small-town community atmosphere to raise our family,” she said.
The Halls raised their son, now 26, in Zelie. “Living in a small town, everyone knows everyone. I could always trust that no matter what activity he joined, he was surrounded by other parents who cared for him like their own, just as my husband and I did with other children,” she said. “We always felt that he was safe. You don’t find that kind of security and peace of mind in larger towns. Zelienople has maintained that small-town feel, even as it continues to grow and provide opportunities for young families, empty nesters, and retirees, too.”
As an Independent Scentsy Consultant, Hall found Zelienople the perfect place for her business as well. “I began introducing my Scentsy home fragrance business to friends and neighbors in the community four years ago, and they were more than willing to help get the word out since it is a challenge without a brick-and-mortar store,” she explained. “I’ve developed so many new friendships and love running into my customers all around town—at the grocery store, local restaurants, and especially at community events like Horse Trading Days and the Fall Festival. I think they appreciate having a local consultant they trust to make recommendations, share samples, and provide personal customer service. Zelienople has been the perfect place for me to grow a successful small business.”
Hearth & Home has been located in Zelienople for nearly 50 years and has grown right along with the area, according to Megan Murphy, Vice President. “Hearth & Home started as a glass shop—auto, window, mirrors, etc.—in 1976. My mom, Nancy Reader, joined the business in 1983 and branched into hearth and fireplace products. Eventually, outdoor furniture was added as a counter-seasonal product,” Murphy said. “Forty years ago, property in Zelienople was reasonably priced, but still close enough to the fast-developing North Hills region. It was also a great location to build a home and raise a family.”
Like the other business owners, Murphy loves the feel of Zelienople. “It has a real Main Street. Unlike popular surrounding areas, having a Main Street with unique storefronts and restaurants provides a small-town feel with an urban vibe,” she said.
And that is what makes Zelienople so special. Murphy explained, “On any given evening, you will see the street bustling with shoppers, dog walkers, or people dressed up for an evening at our local theater or eateries.”
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Zelienople perfectly blends historical charm with forward-thinking growth, staying true to its motto, “A modern place with old-fashioned grace.” From its 1840 roots to its vibrant local businesses today, “Zelie” continues to evolve while honoring its past. In much the same way, students today juggle tradition and modern demands many even choose to pay someone to do your assignment to keep up with academic pressures. It’s all about finding balance in a fast-paced world.