In Pittsburgh, several restaurants are closing and explaining how the current state of the economy is to blame. Cioppino and Osteria 2350 are the latest of many restaurants to permanently close their doors in the Pittsburgh area. The sister restaurants have been open next door to each other in the Strip District for the past 16 years.
General Manager Dana Zinsser, who runs both establishments, said, “To be honest, we’ve been battling since the pandemic. Really, it has just been clawing our way out.” Zinsser continued, saying, “It’s not so much meat prices, or any of the things you would think in your head that would kind of sink a ship as it is the basics – milk, flour, eggs, things like that that have become really a challenge.”
The closures of both locations mean that nearly 40 employees will be laid off. Zinsser said the owner is working with employees and offering them severance pay. “Shutting down for us is more than just closing this restaurant,” Zinsser said. “It’s saying goodbye to some loved ones and saying goodbye to the city we love, so it’s going to be hard. It’s going to be a hard end for us but it’s what we got to do.”
Restaurant patrons Cece Zamarripa and Rick Zoucha have been eating at both locations for more than a decade. They were disappointed to learn that the restaurants will be closing permanently after New Year’s Eve. “We love this place,” Zamarripa said. “We’re going to miss them both.”
Several other local restaurants have permanently closed in the Pittsburgh area in recent months.
Hard Rock Cafe in Station Square announced it will be closing in February. Hard Rock International issued a statement, saying, “Hard Rock has enjoyed serving the Pittsburgh community for nearly 23 years and playing a role in the city’s celebrated dining culture. We are so grateful to our incredible team members and fans in the Steel City for their support and memories all this time. In February 2025, the lease for Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh, located on 230 W. Station Square will expire. The location will permanently close on February 13th as a result. We look forward to welcoming guests at any of our other 314 locations in 74 countries, including 5 new Hard Rock Cafe locations opening this month.” The closest Hard Rock Cafe locations to Pittsburgh are in New York and Washington, DC.
Other eateries near Pittsburgh have closed with no explanation, including Joe’s Crab Shack and Cadillac Ranch. Buca di Beppo closed after filing for bankruptcy.
