Merchant Oyster Co. in Lawrenceville is closing, building for sale
A popular Lawrenceville restaurant will be shucking its last oyster soon.
Merchant Oyster Co. is closing up shop next week, the restaurant announced on social media.
The Butler Street oyster joint will hold its last day on Dec. 4 with a special ticketed event.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but we’re endlessly grateful for the memories, laughter, and love you’ve shared over the last 7 years,” wrote owner/chef Dennis Marron on Facebook. “To our amazing guests and team, thank you for making this journey unforgettable.”
For Marron, the decision to close is mixed with heavy emotions.
“Merchant is my autobiography,” he said Wednesday of the chowder and oyster house.
He cited several reasons that contributed to the impending closure, including an investor that decided to not remain in the Pittsburgh market, rising costs on lobster, crab and oysters and staffing issues.
But the primary catalyst was the business being put on the market earlier this year. After that news went public, staff started to jump ship, Marron said.
Merchant Oyster Co. first opened in 2017. The restaurant serves oysters, as well as fried fish sandwiches, other seafood favorites, and offers an extensive beer and cocktail list.
Situated in the heart of Butler Street in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, it has helped to anchor the area’s bustling nightlife scene for years.
But Merchant’s closure might not be the last move for chef/owner Dennis Marron.
“My don’t give up the ship attitude kicked in and I wanted to keep pushing, but it got to the point where it wasn’t working,” he said.
Marron, of Stanton Heights, said he’s hopeful that someone is looking to buy the property and retain Merchant Oyster Co., but expressed some doubt.
“It’s a hard maybe at this point,” he said.
Marron extended a hearty thanks to all of his patrons.
“Thanks so much for supporting a guy who opened a beach bar in the middle of the city in Pittsburgh. Everyone that came in, especially regulars, they wanted to feel like they were on vacation every time they came in,” Marron said.
In the meantime, Marron is coping with mounting bills and trying to help out his staff and pay rent.
“It’s so emotional for me. Talking about it has been really hard. It’s had lots of ups and downs,” Marron said.
Marron created a GoFundme this week to help to help pay outstanding bills and staff.
He is responsible for the rent until the building sells.
The “Last Shucking Good Time” party runs from 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. on Dec. 4,
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