Cicero's Bar & Grill owner navigates solo venture, keeping business steady

Running Cicero’s Bar & Grill in Leechburg was a family affair for Melinda Albert and her husband, Rick.

When Albert’s husband passed away in December 2020, she had to quickly learn to run a restaurant on her own. The two founded the restaurant in 2006. It was the fourth business they owned together.

“He was always bored and needed something to do,” Albert said.

The new reality was a difficult adjustment for her since the duo had their own separate responsibilities to help accomplish their goal of running a successful restaurant. She said it was tough to keep up at times, but the restaurant has remained busy and in good shape.

During covid, the restaurant pivoted to takeout food and drinks for customers. The offer is still available for customers who might still be wary to venture out because of covid, Albert said. An estimated 50 people come in every day.

The restaurant has been working on ways to get around the inflation of food. She said wing nights were discontinued last year because of the increased costs for chicken. Instead, “taco Tuesdays” are offered to customers.

“If (customers) have to pay a higher price for food, it doesn’t bother them. Everyone is aware of it,” she said.

As the restaurant’s 16th anniversary approaches in June, Albert feels accomplished with how far the business has come despite the stress. She said the atmosphere at the restaurant is like having a second family.

“There is always room for improvement, but I am happy with how well the business is going,” she said.

Albert credits her staff for being helpful and keeping everything in place. Some employees are cross-trained to be able to handle multiple duties, she said.

Kelly Walker who cooks, bartends and serves, said the job can be stressful, but she tries to not let it get to her.

“We are all one big family and know everything is OK and understand it’s the stress of the job, she said.

Walker enjoys bartending the most because of the relationships she builds with customers.

“They know what’s going on in our lives, and it goes beyond customer service,” she said.

Marcedez Cleveland cooks and serves at the restaurant. Cleveland loves interacting with the customers.

“They recognize you every day, and they make it worthwhile,” she said.

She said Albert is her biggest supporter and is always willing to help when the stress of the job becomes too much.

The familiar atmosphere translates into a comfortable customer base, with many practically considering the restaurant a second home.

Jesse Zanotti travels from Erie to Leechburg to visit family. He goes to the restaurant a couple of times a week. His mother worked there when he was younger, he said, so he was already familiar with it.

“I like the food and the people,” he said.

Lower Burrell resident Mike Sarniak said he comes to Cicero’s for lunch every week.

“It has a nice atmosphere and good food,” he said.