Punch Bowl Social Pittsburgh first tenant at former Civic Arena site
The property that once housed the Civic Arena has its first tenant.
Punch Bowl Social Pittsburgh, a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue, announced it will open across the street from PPG Paints Arena in 2020. Guests there will be able to bowl, sing karaoke and play ping-pong and video games.
A news release describes the establishment as being “rooted in placing food and beverage on equal footing with games and social activities.”
Robert Thompson, founder and CEO, said in a release that Pittsburgh boasts thriving arts and cultural opportunities, a booming culinary scene and a roster of national sporting teams. He added that being across from PPG Paints Arena makes the deal that much sweeter.
Thompson told the Tribune-Review on Thursday he likes to think of the place as having a “sticky” factor where customers are having too much fun to leave.
“We wanted to be in Pittsburgh because we deeply appreciate the way Pittsburgh eats and drinks,” he said. “There are also lots of millennials in Pittsburgh and being able to partner with the Penguins was attractive to us.”
He said the name originated from the concept of people gathering around a punch bowl for events in the 18th century.
Thompson said he expects the facility will be open seven days a week with early hours on Saturday and Sunday for brunch.
“The goal is to get people out to socialize with other people and not just connect through digital communication,” he said.
Want a sneak peek? Check out the one Cleveland already has. (Yeah, even Cleveland has one already.)
The menu offers chicken-n-waffles with Chipotle syrup, platters with cured meats, cheeses and duck confit, a fried bologna sandwich on Texas toast, a double burger with rosemary fries, and other items such as roasted chicken salad with dates and goat cheese or hummus with poached vegetables and flatbread.
Beverage choices include non-alcoholic cocktails, local beers, select wines and the company’s namesake punches.
The place will encompass 23,000-square feet across two stories, the release said, and includes a custom-built, 360-degree bar, outdoor patio space and various lounging and gathering spots.
There are 15 similar locations across the U.S., and nine set to open, including Pittsburgh.
Details: punchbowlsocial.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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