Guides N' That

Spork Restaurant In summer of 2024

In 2024, Pittsburgh experienced a wave of new restaurant openings, adding fresh flavors and dining experiences to the city's vibrant food scene. However, alongside these exciting additions, the city witnessed the bittersweet reality of several beloved establishments closing their doors and moving from smells, tastes, and ambiance to memories. From long-standing neighborhood favorites to newer spots that couldn’t withstand the industry's challenges, here are 10 of this year's most notable restaurant closings, originally reported by Jim Harris for the Pittsburgh Business Times in an article on December 30, 2024.

40 North Restaurant and Bar

The dining space in Alphabet City has seen its share of transitions, with 40 North being the third restaurant to close its doors, shutting down operations in August. Alphabet City, owned and managed by City of Asylum—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting exiled writers—welcomed a new chapter with the arrival of Cucina Alfabeto. This Italian restaurant, led by chef Maurizio Esposito, brings a fresh culinary perspective to the location. Previously, the space housed Casellula, a wine and cheese bar, and Brugge on North, an offshoot of the popular Point Brugge Café from the East End.

Cioppino

Cioppino, the beloved restaurant and cigar bar located at 2350 Railroad St., officially closed its doors for good on New Year's Eve, marking the end of an era for the local dining scene.

Known for its upscale atmosphere and curated menu, Cioppino had long been a favorite for special occasions and fine dining enthusiasts. In a heartfelt public announcement, the team explained that "the pressures of running a fine dining business have become increasingly untenable," citing challenges faced by many in the industry.

Its sister restaurant, Osteria 2350, a casual Italian eatery popular for its fresh pasta and cozy ambiance, will also be closing. 

The Italian spot will served its final customers on Dec. 31, leaving loyal patrons with one last chance to enjoy its offerings. Both closures highlight the ongoing difficulties restaurants face in today’s economic climate.

Joe's Crab Shack

A staple of Station Square's Bessemer Court portion since the turn of the century, Joe's Crab Shack abruptly closed its doors in September, leaving long-time patrons surprised and disappointed. The popular seafood chain was known for its casual dining atmosphere and signature dishes like crab buckets and seafood platters, making it a favorite spot for families and tourists alike. 

According to the COO of parent company Landry's, the closure was due to a lease expiration. He also stated that the company is working to relocate staff to other Landry's restaurants in the area, ensuring that employees are supported during the transition.

Other well-known restaurants in the area owned by Landry's include Morton's Steakhouse, Mitchell's Fish Market, and the iconic Grand Concourse, a Pittsburgh landmark housed in a historic train station. The closure of Joe's Crab Shack marks a notable change in Station Square's dining scene, but Landry's presence in the area remains strong.

LeVia Trattoria

After three years of delighting the Lawrenceville community, the cherished Italian eatery LeVia Trattoria bid farewell in September, closing its doors permanently. Founded by brothers Anthony and Christopher Castine, the restaurant was a heartfelt tribute to their late grandmother, LeVia Castine, whose love for Italian cuisine deeply influenced their culinary journey.

Renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic dishes, LeVia Trattoria quickly became a beloved staple among locals, creating lasting memories with every meal.

However, the brothers ultimately decided not to renew the lease on the space, which was about to expire. The location at 5336 Butler St. had recently undergone a change in ownership as part of a larger commercial property sale, although it remains unclear if this directly influenced their decision to close. The closure marks the end of a heartfelt chapter for the Castine family and their customers.as a reason for the closing.

Merchant Oyster Co.

As Merchant Oyster Co. announced its closure, the owners shared a poignant excerpt from Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea": “But man is not made for defeat. ... A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

This powerful quote captures the bittersweet sentiment of the moment, marking the end of an era for the beloved seafood eatery that had become a cherished staple in Lawrenceville.

The restaurant first opened its doors seven years ago at 4129 Butler St., offering fresh seafood and a cozy atmosphere that drew in locals and visitors alike. Its closure is one of several notable changes to the vibrant restaurant and bar scene in Lawrenceville this year.

According to a sales listing for the business, the property is currently under agreement to be purchased, leaving many to wonder what the next chapter will bring for the space and the evolving culinary landscape of the area.

Orient Express

A beloved staple of affordable Cantonese cuisine for Carnegie Mellon University students and the Oakland community, family-owned Orient Express has officially closed its doors after 19 years at the bustling corner of Forbes and Craig. Renowned for its flavorful dishes and wallet-friendly prices, the restaurant earned a special place in the hearts of both students and locals.

Former head chef Stanley Yip told the Business Times that, after nearly two decades of dedicated service, his mother—who played a central role in the restaurant's daily operations—has decided to retire, marking the end of an era for this cherished establishment.

Meanwhile, the younger generation of the family felt ready to move on and explore new opportunities. When another family approached the Yips with an offer to purchase the property, expressing genuine interest and enthusiasm for the location, the Yips saw it as the right moment to step away and pass the torch.

The closure marks the end of an era for a beloved neighborhood staple that had become a part of the community's fabric.

Redbeard's Sports Bar & Grill

After 30 years as a staple for both locals and visitors on Mount Washington, Redbeard's Sports Bar & Grill has officially closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the cherished neighborhood favorite.

Known for its welcoming vibe, hearty menu, and loyal community, Redbeard's has been a go-to destination for decades. 

Owner Len Semplice made the decision not to renew the lease for the Mount Washington location, opting instead to focus on other ventures. However, fans of the iconic establishment can still enjoy its signature offerings at Redbeard's on Sixth, located in Downtown's Cultural District, where it continues to thrive as a hotspot for food lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Meanwhile, the Mount Washington space won’t stay vacant for long. It’s currently undergoing renovations to transform into Shiloh Plate and Pour, a new restaurant concept brought to life by property owner Joey Demarco and his business partner Brian Hess.

This upcoming venture promises to bring a fresh dining experience to the area, adding a new chapter to the vibrant Mount Washington dining scene. Fans of the former Redbeard's location can look forward to seeing how the space evolves in the hands of its new owners.

Spork Pit Barbecue

A spin-off of the fine dining restaurant Spork on Penn Avenue, which underwent a concept change earlier this year, Spork Pit Barbecue aimed to bring a casual barbecue experience to Pittsburgh. The restaurant took over the former Double Wide Grill location on the South Side, a venue that had enjoyed an impressive 18-year run.

Despite high hopes for success, Spork Pit ultimately closed its doors in May after struggling to make the space work for their concept. One of the challenges the restaurant faced was the inability to complete planned remodeling work, which would have allowed the space to better suit their vision.

Additionally, barbecue restaurants often see their peak financial success during the summer months, which Spork Pit was unable to capitalize on, as the closure came just before the season began. These factors, combined with the competitive nature of the industry, made it difficult for Spork Pit to establish itself as a lasting presence in the community.

Station

Curtis Gamble, chef and owner of Station in Bloomfield, has decided to close the restaurant after nine successful years to start a new chapter in Tennessee. In February, he told the Business Times that "the irony of this is that we're doing great," highlighting the restaurant’s recovery from earlier financial struggles. Those challenges arose after Station was excluded from the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund, part of the American Rescue Plan aimed at supporting businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The closure of Station marked the end of an era for Gamble but opened the door to something new for the space. It has since been reimagined as Nothingman, a new restaurant created by owner Troy Beck. Beck explained that he was inspired to open the restaurant because Station "was one of (his) favorite restaurants," hoping to carry forward a piece of its legacy while putting his own unique spin on the dining experience.

The Elbow Room

After an impressive 65 years of serving the Pittsburgh community, The Elbow Room in McKeesport closed its doors in February, marking the end of an era for a beloved local institution.

Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pizza and pasta, The Elbow Room was a gathering place for generations of families and friends. 

It was one of the few establishments in the area to reach such a significant milestone, making its closure even more poignant for the community. Although no official explanation was given for the decision, the restaurant's impact on McKeesport is undeniable. From birthday celebrations to casual dinners, The Elbow Room leaves behind a legacy of warm memories and outstanding food, remaining a cherished part of local history.

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