McKees Rocks is about to get a whole lot more flavorful!

Later this month, Milanes Cuban Corner will open its doors at 112 Chartiers Ave. in the Plaza at Chartiers Crossing — bringing authentic Cuban cuisine to our community in a sit-down restaurant for the very first time. For those who’ve tracked down the Milanes Mobile food truck at events around Pittsburgh, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. And for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure, your time is almost here.

When Carlos and Collyn Milanes launched their food truck, the response was immediate. Pittsburgh Magazine named Milanes Mobile one of the Best New Restaurants in Pittsburgh — no small feat for a truck that runs on family recipes and a whole lot of heart.

Carlos, a Miami native, grew up on recipes passed down through generations of his Cuban family, and those flavors have been drawing loyal crowds ever since.

The couple — who, charmingly, met online by connecting over their shared love of food-related social media posts — are now parents of six and are channeling that same energy into building something lasting right here in our neighborhood.

The new restaurant will offer a more expansive menu than the truck’s. Collyn describes the goal as leaning into more traditional Cuban meals — dishes like ropa vieja, oxtail specials, and two types of rice served at a time — while still keeping fan favorites from the truck, like their signature “completas” with yellow rice, picadillo, black beans, garlic sauce and pico.

The Role of MRCDC and Food 21

This opening didn’t happen by accident. McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation has long prioritized bringing food destinations to Lower Chartiers Avenue as a cornerstone of community revitalization. Attracting quality restaurants — especially those rooted in the cultural fabric of our region — is central to the CDC’s community-based vision of a thriving downtown district.

That vision found a powerful partner in Food 21 of Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit whose mission is to grow the regional food economy through market-driven solutions. Food 21 provided critical support to help the Milanes family put down roots in McKees Rocks, helping bridge the gap from food truck to brick-and-mortar reality. Food 21’s work connecting emerging food entrepreneurs to resources, networks, and opportunity made this opening possible.

Details are still being developed, and we’ll share more as the vision takes shape. What’s clear is that McKees Rocks is becoming a destination for food, culture, and community — and MRCDC is committed to making that a reality. We’ve seen it already through our partnership with the Pittsburgh Hispanic Community Development (PHCD), which helped bring Blanca “Helen” Martinez’s Salvadoran restaurant, Pupusas y Antojitos Helen, to Broadway Avenue. If you haven’t been yet, it’s worth the trip. Milanes Cuban Corner is the next chapter in that story, and there’s more to come.

A Bigger Vision: A Food Hall for McKees Rocks

The Milanes Cuban Corner opening is exciting on its own — but it’s also part of a larger story. MRCDC and Food 21 are currently working on plans for a food hall in the Lower Chartiers Avenue corridor. A food hall would create a dynamic gathering place for the community while providing a launchpad for local food entrepreneurs, amplifying the kind of economic energy that Milanes Cuban Corner is already generating.

In the meantime, come taste what’s coming. Milanes Cuban Corner opens Saturday, March 21, in the plaza at 112 Chartiers Ave. Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/milanesmobile412 and follow MRCDC at mckeesrocks.org/blog for updates on all the exciting developments ahead.

WANT TO TASTE IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT?

🍽️ Get a Taste of What’s Coming to McKees Rocks!

We’re thrilled to announce that Milanes Cuban Corner will be catering “In the House With MRCDC” — and this is your chance to experience their food before they officially open on March 21st! Be among the first to taste what’s coming to our neighborhood.

Come on in and get to know us!

McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation is opening its doors and welcoming the community to an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration.

Stop by to learn about the programs and projects we’re working on, meet our team, and discover how you can get involved in building a stronger McKees Rocks.

📅 March 19, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 📍 421 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks, PA

All are welcome — neighbors, partners, and friends, new and old. We’re doing this work for our community, and that means you. Come see what’s happening right here at home.

For more info, contact aedmunds@mckeesrocks.org.