Not every new restaurant starts with a wedding.
But that’s what happened recently at PM Bistro & Lounge, which debuted in July amid the nuptials of two of its owners.
Elijah Q. Massey and Monica Archie declared, “I do,” then celebrated their union at the former Parkside Café at the edge of Reservoir Park on State Street in Harrisburg.
The grand opening/reception brought an overflow crowd, said Massey, with the Urban Guerilla Orchestra performing.
How did they manage to pull it all off?
Apparently without a hitch (save for the vow exchange) since everyone was still smiling days later. Massey goes on to say that he and Archie set out to find a place to purchase more than a year ago. Once they settled on the location and took a look at the inside, he was thinking, “easy, simple, paint it up and open.”
Archie, however, had other ideas: tear down this wall, add another …
With a king-sized cowboy hat perched proudly on his head and one of PM’s signature drinks in hand, Massey explained that the result of the renovations became a casual, elegant and open space. The color scheme connects to the surrounding environment as the light cream/beige matches the band shell at Reservoir Park.
“So people will think ‘PM Bistro’ while they’re enjoying a concert,” said Massey, a recently retired police captain.
Massey and Archie own the spot with Charles Pryor and his wife, Sheila. The four, plus General Manager Keith Smith, all actively participate in daily operations at the bistro.
Massey also mentions that, when the Pryors heard of their plan for the old Parkside, they were “eager to come on board and join us in our vision.”
The result ended up what you might see when southern, urban and city-chic meet and merge.
That means interesting, colorful cocktails, entrees for grown-up tastes (with a down home twist), Sunday brunch, dancing, a salsa night, karaoke and an upcoming cigar dinner series, among many other events.
In addition to being a full service restaurant that offers take-out, PM Bistro provides a location for events such as rehearsal dinners, business meetings and parties. The space can accommodate larger parties of 50 or more, but reservations are strongly suggested, said Smith.
Massey said they also provide services for those who might need a cab home or security for ladies who are going to their cars, with Smith adding that the staff is Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) trained and certified.
Massey finishes Smith’s statement with: “The safety of our customers is our number one concern,” and, “We want everyone to have fun and arrive home safely.”
When Archie finally gets a minute to sit down, she asks if there are any questions left for her as she reaches over to share a piece of warm cornbread that appeared moments before next to a bowl of freshly made (and downright delicious) cheesy grits.
She asks the question breathlessly, with her signature smile that helped sweep Massey off his feet and led him to ask her for a date the day they ran into each other in Costco.
Massey then disappeared somewhere into the restaurant. But, just before, he tipped his hat and said: “Good food plus good people. Cowboy up!”
PM Bistro & Lounge
717-236-2181
2009 State St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight
Daily, but closed on Monday
Reservations suggested, walk-ins welcome
Take-out available
