The former Kings Restaurant in Buffalo Township is being turned into retail space on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Starbucks is to be one of the included tenants. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle

The building that once housed Kings Family Restaurant in Buffalo Plaza in Buffalo Township is being re-imagined by the plaza’s owner.

Anthony Pompeo, Buffalo Plaza owner and vice president of Marc Anthony Construction & Real Estate Development, said his crews are renovating the 7,500-square-foot building into three spaces.

The end closest to Route 356 will be a Starbucks that will employ more than 20 people. At the other end will be a concept Italian restaurant that will offer fast, unique and healthful fare.

A third space in the building will be marketed more fervently once Starbucks is open, Pompeo said.

He said the Starbucks is slated to open this fall.

Andrea Coppola is the owner of the Italian restaurant, to be named Toasted Amo. The “Amo” is short for “amore,” which means love in Italian.

Coppola, a native of the Naples, Italy, area and longtime restaurant operator, said Toasted Amo will offer vegan and gluten-free foods, healthful sandwiches, smoothies and salads.

“It will be fast food, but healthy,” Coppola said, “and it will taste good.”

An item he feels adventurous eaters will embrace is a huge order of toast served with various toppings that can serve two.

Toasted Amo will offer lunch and dinner when it opens, which will be around the same time as Starbucks.

“Maybe a month before,” Coppola said.

He may open for breakfast in the future, based on the success of Starbucks. Toasted Amo will seat 50 to 60 and offer takeout.

“People can get things fast and healthy,” Coppola said. “Usually the fast food, it’s never good for you.”

Coppola has owned restaurants in Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

He owns Tony’s Pizza Cafe in Sarver.

Pompeo said he thinks the new presentation of the former Kings will only enhance Buffalo Plaza.

“We feel it will generate more foot traffic,” Pompeo said. “We are hoping it serves shoppers of Giant Eagle and the rest of the center well for a quick stop.”

He also said the new businesses will be good for the growing township.

“With all the new construction in the area, mainly residential, we are hoping it’s a good fit for everyone in the community, and we feel it is,” Pompeo said.