New all-American restaurant in Tarentum asks 'What are yinz eatin'?'

Yinz better come hungry to Tarentum’s newest eatery.

The black-and-gold themed diner, Yinz Kitchen, features all-American cuisine with a ’Burgh flair: pierogies and gyros fill the menu, alongside breakfast platters, fried chicken sandwiches and “to die for wings,” said owners Dante Allen Pope of Brackenridge and Derek Hassim Jr. of Pittsburgh.

“I know we need something like this here,” said Pope, 34, a graduate of Penn Hills High School. “We want to provide good food, reasonable prices and really become a part of the community.”

Opening day is scheduled for Friday. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. — meant to suit morning walkers, families out to dinner and people craving a late snack.

Quick hits include chili dogs and fries. Specialties range from curry chicken to fish sandwiches to build-your-own breakfasts.

Nestled along First Avenue just across from Dreshar Stadium, the restaurant features a walk-up window and outdoor seating. It will offer delivery through Door Dash and Uber Eats to customers in Arnold, East Deer, New Kensington and Lower Burrell.

“This is a perfect location,” said Hassim, 34, a graduate of Valley High School. “You have cars up and down the road, and families that are hot and tired coming from the park.

“We want this to be ‘the stop.’ ”

The former home of Cindy’s Soft Serve, the space was familiar to Pope because his children are active with the Rams Youth Football Organization at Dreshar.

“I know when my son’s leaving practice, he’s starving,” Pope said. “We feel like families will enjoy having a place right across the street where they can get a home-cooked meal.

“There’s a lot of chain restaurants to choose from, but we want to offer something different.”

Added Hassim: “This is the good stuff. You won’t see any watery mac and cheese here.”

A real estate agent, Hassim had been scouting for a potential restaurant location when he got a tip from his dad, Derek Sr., a Natrona resident.

“I believe this is the perfect spot,” said Hassim Sr., 62.

He noted construction of the borough’s Three Rivers Heritage Trail leg in the coming years.

“It is meant for stop-and-go traffic.”

The elder Hassim has been drawn out of retirement to help the young entrepreneurs with their venture. All three will be in the kitchen, whipping up waffles, burgers and more.

A native of South Africa, Hassim specializes in Caribbean fare and hopes to add his expertise to the Friday specials.

Hassim Jr. said his specially seasoned “Yinz Wings” are “to die for,” and he promises the prices will beat any competitor’s.

The trio joked the diner easily could be known as “two cousins and pops” after the men spent much of the past year modernizing the restaurant interior with stainless steel appliances and custom-built counters.

“We wanted to do everything right,” Hassim Sr. said. “We have to work in this kitchen. We want it to be clean and look good.”

Food aside, the men said the restaurant’s mission is to foster community spirit. They sponsor a local wrestling team and plan to host special collections called “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” with proceeds benefiting people in need.

“I’d like to get an annual kickball tournament at the fields where we play first responders,” Pope said. “We’re here for the community, for the long haul.”