Calabria’s celebrates 25 years in South Hills
In the fickle restaurant industry, it’s uncommon for a restaurant to last 25 years. It’s even less common when road construction blocks access to the restaurant for parts of 14 of those years.
Yet Calabria’s in Castle Shannon has weathered the storm. The restaurant (www.calabrias.biz) has been celebrating its silver anniversary throughout March with a “2 for $25” dinner package that extends through Friday. The package includes an appetizer to share, two sides, and two full entrees, including choices of Pasta Calabria, Chicken Romano, Broiled Scrod, Tuscan Ravioli and others.
Co-owner David Calabria opened his first restaurant building on Grove Road in Castle Shannon on March 24, 1992. His wife, Dee, coaxed her father, former Pittsburgh Golf Club executive chef Russell Ebert, to leave retirement to help open the restaurant along with family friend Mario Ionni, a retired chef from Mount Washington’s LeMont.
Five years later, the restaurant moved to its current location along Route 88 following a 1½year renovation that included installing a bar made from walnut cut down on a relative’s farm. Later additions have included a patio with a fireplace and a private dining room for 40 in addition to the main dining area.
Three generations have staffed the business. Mr. Ebert died in 2004, but by then David Calabria’s