Johnstown Galleria’s new direction is launching business owners to success

Kemar Bailey serves up Caribbean dishes at Tin Mackrille. Photo: Provided.

Johnstown’s Galleria has changed hands and is changing the landscape of a once dying mall. Leo Karruli purchased the Galleria in August 2022 and is excited about pouring into the Johnstown community.

Karruli has been seen mopping the floors, pouring his own blood, sweat and tears into his new venture. The vast amount of work that has been done will only make it more appealing to the community and business owners looking to secure a lease space.

One of the tastiest parts of the revitalization will be the food court. It will be bursting with various cuisine, including Caribbean-inspired dishes, thanks to Jamaican native Kemar Bailey.

His restaurant joins the food court in the revitalized Galleria Mall in Johnstown. Photo: Provided.

When Bailey moved to Johnstown two years ago, he had no idea he would struggle to find groceries and restaurants full of his native flavor. Longing for his normal, Caribbean foods he settled into a space in the Galleria where he will satisfy his palate and bring culture and diversity to his new community.

Bailey connected with Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle for support. “Blake has been so supportive and has always had an open mind. I deeply appreciate his help,” he said.

“Kemar has been great to work with as a client, and I am really excited to see all the future has for Tin Mackrille. Mr. Bailey isn’t done yet, and the Johnstown community will become more vibrant with his ventures,” Fleegle said.

“I wanted to bring my culture to Johnstown and bring a different taste here,” Bailey said. Photo: Provided.

“I was never trying to do anything big or gain lots of success. I wanted to bring my culture to Johnstown and bring a different taste here,” Bailey said.

His desire to give to his community also has other businesses on his radar. Bailey has the desire to open a daycare and a laundromat in Johnstown. “These businesses will fulfill a need in the community and provide jobs to the people of Johnstown.”

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.