Landmark seafood restaurant in Heidelberg gets another chance
Laura Codori knew a name change wouldn't be the best business decision at a historic eatery.
If the new owners of Wright's Seafood Inn in Heidelberg made that change, Codori said, she could envision people pointing at the landmark Washington Street building and saying: "That's where Wright's used to be."
Codori and Joe DeCarlo, who purchased the century-old restaurant in August, will never have to hear those words.
The name may not have changed, but much else has inside Wright's, as workers are busy sawing wood to create a new tap room, laying carpet and painting walls. The restaurant hopes to welcome back customers by Dec. 18, according to Codori, the operations manager.
Wright's Seafood Inn is getting a second lease on life after being forced to close by flooding caused by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. It was in its 106th year of existence when the flood hit.
DeCarlo, who operated Atria's at PNC Park for the past six years and has worked in the restaurant business for 30 years, said he was interested in owning a restaurant that was family-based and catered to all ages.
"I'm a person who likes to be part of a community."
Though originally from the West End, DeCarlo remembers coming to Wright's as a child with his parents. His brother-in-law worked there and DeCarlo's father celebrated his 70th birthday party at a Wright's table.
DeCarlo praised former owners Dave and Jan Davis for being part of Heidelberg for so many years and forging such strong community ties. He hopes to follow in their path.
"We want to be good neighbors," he said. "It's been part of the community. It was the right business decision."
The Davis family decided to sell Wright's after the inside of the 285-seat restaurant was destroyed by flood water, with damages climbing into the $200,000 range.
The past three years without Wright's Seafood Inn in Heidelberg shouldn't be a blemish on its centennial-plus of history.
W.C. and Mary Jane Wright founded the W.C. Wright Hotel and Boarding Hotel in 1898. When their son, David, took over, he expanded the restaurant and added a number of fish entrees to the menu.
Wright's soon became a hot spot for fish lovers. In the 1930s, 65 cents would purchase five fried shrimp and a plate of fries.
DeCarlo said renovations inside include the addition of the Tap Room that will include a sushi bar and cater to a younger crowd.
The rear will once again feature the classic Wright's dining room as well as a fireplace room that was part of the original building's living room in the 1890s.
Windows look out on a new deck that will be open during the summer and include an outside bar and entertainment.
Codori said the restaurant is planning to serve customers Tuesday through Sunday and close on Mondays.
DeCarlo said he is planning to fill at least 60 positions, including cooks, waiters and bartenders.
"I'm excited to be in this community. It's going to be a good fit."
