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Make a donation today to help preserve our history, underwrite quality economic development, help embrace and create art and architecture, and preserve our history!
Save Mr. Peanut
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation stopped the demolition of the former corporate headquarters of Planters Peanuts and now wants to preserve the history!
WBWE 97.5 FM
The money you donate today will help underwrite the operations of the non-profit radio station on the FM channel 97.5 using a low power FM license awarded by the FCC to benefit the community covering Wilkes Barre, PA.
Wilkes-Barre Metro Latest News and Updates
Mr. Peanut returns to celebrate local history
NUTmobile rolls into Wilkes-Barre this weekend
Members were inspired by the Giant’s Despair Hillclimb, a longtime local race up Northhampton Street in Laurel Run.
Today, members traveled in from across the country to mark the occasion. Melissa Rau, executive director of the Rolls-Royce Club, said, “It’s a great year and we’re just fortunate to have so many members throughout the United States, Canada and also in Europe.”
Organizers say the celebration honors both automotive history and Wilkes-Barre’s connection to it.
Wilkes Barre Metro CEO Thom Greco to be Inducted into Hall of Fame
The induction of Thom Greco into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame Class of 2026 stands as a powerful recognition of a career defined by vision, energy, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the region’s cultural landscape. As a concert promoter and nightclub owner, Greco has transformed Luzerne County into a vibrant destination for live entertainment, nightlife, and unforgettable experiences, consistently bringing high-caliber events and audiences together. His ventures have not only energized the local economy but have also created a lasting sense of community and excitement around the arts.
Being honored at the historic F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts this October further underscores the significance of his impact—cementing his legacy as one of the driving forces behind the region’s modern entertainment identity.
Paul Anka Returns to Northeast PA!
Show promoter Thom Greco is bringing legendary entertainer Paul Anka back to the F.M. Kirby Center on Sunday, November 8, marking the icon’s first Northeast Pennsylvania performance in more than a decade. Greco, who has promoted Anka’s concerts since 1987, says the timing couldn’t be better, citing renewed interest fueled by Anka’s recent HBO special, the use of “You Are My Destiny” in a hit Netflix series, a new album, and a surge in popularity across TikTok.
Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening with one of music’s most enduring performers, whose career spans nearly seven decades and timeless hits including “Diana,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Lonely Boy,” and “My Way.” https://www.ticketmaster.com/paul-anka-you-are-my-destiny-tour-wilkes-barre-11-08-2026/event/020064F5E39DE3AD
Nelly’s Speakeasy revives Wilkes-Barre nightlife with vintage flair
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Nelly’s Speakeasy is turning back the clock in Wilkes-Barre, reviving the spirit of a once-popular nightlife destination that helped define the city’s entertainment scene.
A Gatsby-inspired cocktail lounge, Nelly’s Speakeasy, has opened in downtown Wilkes-Barre, blending vintage charm with the legacy of Market Street Square, now known as “The Station.”
The speakeasy is paying tribute to the city’s historic nightlife scene.
Owner Thom Greco, who originally developed Market Street Square, has filled the new space with vintage antiques and design elements that honor the former entertainment complex. From the décor inside to details just outside the venue, Greco said Nelly’s captures the energy and nostalgia that made Market Street Square a local landmark.
NOW OPEN
Margarita Urban Beer Garden! Downtown Wilkes-Barre
Margarita, recently launched this past summer to highest levels of acclaim, with reviews and and an experience that were first class. Now closed for the the winter, Margarita Urban Beer and Cocktail Garden is THE PLACE to be in Wilkes-Barre! A major metropolitan-style, world-class family friendly beer garden. The venue will feature authentic wood-fired pizza made in a traditional oven imported directly from Naples, Italy, using only the finest ingredients and original recipes.
In addition to gourmet wood-fired pizzas, Margarita offers a curated selection of signature Frozen margaritas, diverse food options, handcrafted beers, and a vibrant entertainment lineup designed to appeal to both families and nightlife enthusiasts.
Margarita aims to elevate the Downtown Wilkes-Barre experience by bringing high-quality dining, drinks, and entertainment to the local community. Drawing inspiration from major urban beer gardens, Margarita maintains a welcoming neighborhood vibe. Visit https://www.margaritawb.com
Margarita is located at 9 East Bennett Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA! (Downtown!) Re-Opening in Early 2026 after the cold winter months!
Thom Greco Featured in Upcoming Documentary- On Location: Revisited – Muhammad Ali: In This Corner – Deer Lake (2026)
“On Location: Revisited – Muhammad Ali: In This Corner – Deer Lake” presents a powerful, deeply personal documentary exploration of Ali’s later years, told through a distinctly Eastern Keystone State perspective, blending rare access, first-hand accounts, and regional voices connected directly to The Champ’s life, training, and legacy.
The program is presented by the award-winning duo of Eric A. Ruggiero, Chairman and Associate Professor of the Integrative Media, Art + Design Department at Wilkes University, and nationally syndicated broadcaster Shadoe Steele, continuing the legacy of On Location: Revisited, a retrospective composite series examining the people, places, and cultural significance behind history’s most iconic stories.
Thom Greco, whose father Victor Greco, a Hazleton General Hospital surgeon, served as Muhammad Ali’s personal physician for more than three decades!
WB Metro Planning "Reimagine Wilkes-Barre Campaign"
Wilkes-Barre is rising!
Across Downtown, along the riverfront, throughout our neighborhoods, and inside our local businesses, a new wave of energy is taking hold. What once struggled with post-industrial decline is now transforming into a regional powerhouse built on innovation, culture, tourism, and community pride. This transformation is no accident — it is the result of intentional planning, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to build something greater.
Today, that vision has a name: “Reimagine Wilkes-Barre.”
Led by the Wilkes-Barre Metro Development Corporation, this campaign is the most ambitious revitalization initiative in decades, uniting residents, institutions, local leaders, private investors, universities, and businesses under a single mission: to rebuild Wilkes-Barre for the future.
On Location: Revisited films bring back memories of iconic NEPA places and events!
Thom Greco (CEO of WB METRO), Former Managing Partner at The Woodlands Inn & Resort, played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a premier nightlife destination in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His collaboration with the Kornfeld family and contributions to the nightclub’s development, alongside lighting legend Eric Brown, helped establish The Woodlands as the “Studio 54 of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The forthcoming film “On Location: Revisited: The 25th Hour: Reflections From a Mirror Ball” highlights Greco’s influence and the venue’s legacy, underscoring its impact on the regional entertainment scene
Read Full Article Now at Times Leader: https://www.timesleader.com/news/1665820/on-location-revisited-films-bring-back-memories-of-iconic-nepa-places
WB Metro-Celebrating the Life of Legendary Bill Kelly!
On April 13th, 2025, the ballroom at Genetti’s in Wilkes-Barre was filled to capacity with fans, friends, and fellow musicians for a sold-out tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of Bill Kelly—the beloved Wyoming Valley native and frontman of The Buoys. The event, presented by the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, delivered a heartfelt and unforgettable evening, honoring the incredible journey of a man whose voice, spirit, and songs touched millions.
From the local music halls of Northeast PA to the iconic stage of Madison Square Garden, Bill Kelly’s career was nothing short of remarkable. His haunting vocals on the 1971 hit “Timothy” took the band to #17 on the Billboard charts, and his path would eventually cross with some of the biggest names in rock, including a tour alongside Queen. On this special night, the music returned to where it all began.
The celebration featured emotional live performances, intimate stories, and surprise guest appearances from musicians and friends who shared Bill’s journey through the decades. Each tribute painted a vivid portrait of a man whose artistry helped shape the sound of an era—and whose roots in the Wyoming Valley never faded.
The outpouring of love and admiration was undeniable as the audience sang along, laughed, and shed tears in remembrance of a true local icon. From standing ovations to quiet moments of reflection, every part of the evening spoke to the impact Bill had—not just as a performer, but as a person.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Bill Kelly Tribute Concert a historic success. In selling out and selling strong, this event proved that Bill’s legacy is not only remembered—it continues to inspire. His music lives on, and so does his place in the heart of our community.
Wilkes-Barre Metro Film Office Leading Expansion of Industry in NEPA!
Wilkes-Scarre: LARGEST EVENT YET THANK YOU TO PARTNERS
Get ready for the spookiest event of the year! “Wilkes-Scarre” Weekend is set to be the hottest Halloween celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA. Enjoy family events, costume contests, ghost tours, and hottest nightlife! Highlights include the spectacular Halloween Parties, and more! 2025 was the most successful regional Halloween event yet and we are already planning for a HUGE FALL 2026!
WILKES BARRE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 501 (C) 3
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation (Wilkes Barre Metro) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit recognized and registered with the IRS with all donations being tax deductible in accordance with your accountant.
Wilkes Barre Metro undertakes voluntary endeavors to create economic growth, to host events for the community celebrating the legacy of individuals, to embrace historic influencers and to preserve the historic architecture of our area.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s executive board oversees endeavors that are supported by advisory boards that have direct oversight for certain areas of our mission.
A Low Power FM radio license was granted a construction permit and Wilkes Barre Metro was recognized by the FCC as a worthy community non-profit to award such a license. WBWE LPFM was put on the air located at 97.5 FM for the Wilkes Barre community. The radio station also celebrates the inventor of radio by Wilkes Barre’s own, Father Joseph Murgas.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s Film Office works with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other statewide film offices to help promote the growth and jobs created in the film industry working directly with major producers and studios from Hollywood to New York City and also assists many smaller film producers. Wilkes Barre has deep roots in the movie industry. The Mankiewicz family – pioneers in the Hollywood movie industry as screenwriters and producers have a family connection to Wilkes Barre – especially Joseph L. Mankiwicz being born in Wilkes Barre. Jack Palance, a Hollywood favorite, was born, raised and maintained a home in the Wilkes Barre area. Lyman H. Howe a pioneer in movie production maintained his studios and mansion on Riverside Drive in Wilkes Barre.
Projects like Planters Peanuts have been sustained by Wilkes Barre Metro’s perseverance, interest and endeavors for preserving the historic significance of Mario Peruzzi and Amedeo Obici – owners and founders of Planters Peanut and Chocolate Company. Wilkes Barre Meto continues to look for support for obtaining ownership of the original corporate offices of Planters Peanuts on South Main Street to create a museum and contribute a landmark to help tourism.
Other projects that Wilkes Barre Metro has continued to promote and will continue to pursue investment and growth in an advanced digital broadband network with fiber optics including the network support of a data center on the core twenty block grid within the City of Wilkes Barre through abandoned city steam pipes, manholes, and central office. Additionally, the unique location of a Wilkes Barre Metro building is located directly above flooded abandoned coal mines make a feedstock for Rare Earth Elements while clarifying Acid Mine Drainage.
With the Covid pandemic, WB Metro has taken the lead in educating and training various segments of the economy to preserve jobs and helping our area as well technically supporting on a national level with the rollout of CovidSafe(TM) training and certifications with Ready Training Online – view more on COVIDSAFE.US.
