Walnut Grill at Waterworks shutters doors, reason for closing remains unclear
Walnut Grill at Waterworks near Aspinwall closed its doors on March 16 after 16 years in business.
Though it is unclear if the closure is related, it comes about a month after the Allegheny County Health Department issued a consumer alert regarding rodent droppings and 11 dead mice, along with 15 health code violations, on Feb. 27.
An Orkin truck and employee were on site the morning of March 17 at the once-popular Pittsburgh-based chain restaurant.
The Orkin representative declined to provide any additional information.
An outside rodent trap was visible underneath a window March 17 as construction crews worked to clear the restaurant of items and fill up a large metal trash dumpster.
The restaurant’s ownership took quick corrective action when cited, and the alert was lifted the following day.
“Since 2009, we participated in our community in every way we were able to. Such an outstanding group of guests, staff and neighbors,” Marc Hourvitz, founder and operating partner of the local chain, said in the post on social media.
At the site of the former location, all previous signage has been stripped from the building.
The large entrance sign along Freeport Road is covered with a tarp and a sign posted on the door states the business is closed and encourages the dining public to enjoy another Walnut Grill location.
Gift cards and loyalty points that guests may have will still be accepted at the three other Walnut Grill locations in Pine, Robinson and Washington.
Restaurant ownership did not return requests for comment, and the future of the building in which the location was housed remains unclear.
James Engel is a TribLive staff writer. He can be reached at jengel@triblive.com
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