A local equivalent of "Cheers" is heading toward its last hurrah.

Mr. P's Restaurant & Lounge in Hempfield will close Aug. 1 after 23 years in business.

Located at the intersection of Route 30 and East Pittsburgh Street, just east of Greensburg, Mr. P's has been a favorite gathering place for county officials, judges, barristers and sports figures. It also has been home to Westmoreland Athletic Club for 22 years.

The restaurant and an adjacent motel will be demolished to make way for retail/commercial development.

Owner Jacque Perkins Leancu has operated Mr. P's since her father, Jack Perkins, died Dec.18, 2007. She plans to open Mr. P's II in the Greensburg area.

"I don't want to close," she said. "But our lease is up, and the property owner hopes to attract a national franchise business or restaurant to this site.

"Mr. P's is more than a restaurant and lounge. It is a community institution.

"Everybody knew each other. My dad always took time to hitch up his long kitchen apron, sling a towel over his shoulder and wander around, visiting every table, whether he knew the customers or not.

"Mr. P's was always warm and friendly. The place reminded me of 'Cheers,' the TV show bar. Over the years, many patrons agreed. I'll remember Mr. P's as central Westmoreland County's 'Cheers.' "