Top of the Triangle to close; operators say offers were snubbed

The operators of the Top of the Triangle restaurant are in the mood for reminiscing over the 30 years of anniversaries, weddings, marriage proposals and otherwise romantic moments shared at the pinnacle of Downtown.

They also are venting their frustration that their own proposals to continue operating on the 64th floor of USX Tower have been snubbed by C.B. Richard Ellis, the building's management company.

The restaurant said Tuesday that Sept. 29 will be its last day of operation.

Restaurant spokeswoman Emily Haggman said that Cleveland-based Select Restaurants Inc., the owner of Top of the Triangle, made numerous overtures to USX Tower management, including one to spend $3 million to renovate its space for meetings and conferences and a public 'skywalk.' It was a deal, she said, that could have 'tripled the landlord's rent.'

Haggman said the offer by Select was modeled on a similar concept in Boston, where it operates a restaurant called the Top of the Hub in the Prudential Building that nearly tripled its business.

Despite spending months conducting market research and holding numerous meetings, and despite management having no other tenants lined up for the space, C.B. Richard Ellis never offered new lease terms, Haggman said.

'They obviously had their minds made up ahead of time,' Haggman said.

Officials from C.B. Richard Ellis could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

It has been long-rumored that H.J. Heinz Co., which leases the 59th and 60th floors in the USX Tower, is interested in taking the Top of the Triangle space to consolidate its world headquarters staff. Heinz currently houses some headquarters employees across town in the Dominion Tower.

Heinz spokesman Jack Kennedy said yesterday the company is focused on consolidating its North America headquarters in the Heinz 57 Center on Sixth Street and has no comment on the speculation surrounding the Top of the Triangle space.

Haggman said Select, which also operates the Cheese Cellar Cafe in Station Square and the Roxy Cafe in South Hills Village, will examine other opportunities in the Pittsburgh market for one or more new restaurants.

To promote its last few months in the USX Tower, Top of the Triangle is asking patrons to write down their favorite memories of the restaurant. Randomly drawn contestants will receive prizes such as a getaway at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa and dinners at Pittsburgh's three Select restaurants with winners chosen at the end of each month.