Vallozzi's spot to open in October

A new Vallozzi's Restaurant is expected to open its Downtown location by end of October, after structural and mechanical problems delayed its projected spring opening at Market Square Place.

The new restaurant will be the second location for longtime Greensburg-based operator Ernie Vallozzi. He originally opened his restaurant in Latrobe in the mid-1970s and relocated to his Greensburg site in 1983, he said.

"The building, where our new restaurant will be located proved to be a challenge," Vallozzi said.

It will be located on Fifth Avenue, opposite Three PNC Plaza.

One major problem was the floor, because the site included several buildings with different floor levels, combined into one building.

"We had to pour up to 16 inches of concrete in some places in order to level the floor," Vallozzi said.

On Monday, he hopes to begin installation of new electrical and mechanical systems.

Most of the work prior to that had been in the basement, which led many observers to believe no work was being done in the building, Vallozzi said.

The restaurant, to be called Vallozzi's Pittsburgh, will provide indoor seating for up to 200 and employ 80, he said.

A section of the restaurant will provide take-out breakfast as well as lunch takeouts. Most of the activity, however, will be for luncheons and dinners. The restaurant will be open seven days a week with Sunday providing a brunch.

Vallozzi said his son, Julian, will be in charge of the restaurant.

Vallozzi's signed a lease late last year for the site and announced at that time it planned to open with a high-end Italian menu and a large selection of wines. One section of the restaurant will be for a wine cellar.