PITTSBURGH -- PNC Park was supposed to help sustain an entire business ecosystem on the North Shore.

For the most part, it looks like that has happened -- but WTAE Channel 4's Sheldon Ingram reported that some business owners have higher hopes for the future.

Video: North Shore Businesses Waiting For Big Boom

Whatever happened to the entertainment complex and the array of hotels and restaurants that were promised by city and county leaders and the Sports and Exhibition Authority?

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse and the North Shore's other pioneer businesses are still waiting for the promise to become reality.

"It's probably a year away, from what we were told," said Ken Macleski, general manager of Hyde Park. "When we first opened, we were told that two hotels were coming. They are coming, but they've been delayed."

Mullen's Bar and Grill, based in Chicago, opened a new location across the street from PNC Park on a promise that the North Shore was about to experience a surge in businesses.

"We heard this was an up-and-coming area, so we figured we'd get in here first, get a good location and go from there," said Denise Fenton, of Mullen's.

The new sports bar and restaurant coordinated its grand opening with the Pirates' home opener.

"As of right now, it's everything we expected, and we're hoping for more," said Fenton.

Across the Allegheny River, the downtown Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel also thrives on sporting events. They account for more than a quarter of a million dollars of business.

"For the Yankees game, for example, we're sold out for the three-game series each night in June," said Melanie Koscelnak, a Renaissance marketing employee.

At least two entertainment development plans for the North Shore have been scratched, and there's no word from the SEA on when a third plan will become a reality.

It remains to be seen when or if the North Shore will reach its potential, but for now, the first generation of businesses like what they've experienced from Pirates and football fans.

"It's tremendous," said Macleski. "Any time there's a Steelers game or baseball game, our business doubles."

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