Atria’s recognizable building on Beverly Road, which originally housed a neighborhood grocery store, then bar and restaurant, is being rebranded.
Atria’s in Mt. Lebanon will become 1930 by Atria’s, a nod to the year when Italian immigrant Joe Atria established a modest grocery store. It was once a barbershop and dry cleaner.
With the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Atria’s introduced six packs of beer to go and created a neighborhood bar and restaurant.
“This will be a new concept that takes us back to the roots when the Atria family started the business there,” said Patrick McDonnell, general manager and beverage director.
His family has owned the establishment since 1998, when his parents Pat and Nancy McDonnell purchased the business. “It will be a modern cocktail bar with a chef-inspired rotating food menu.”
1930 by Atria’s is planned for a reopening mid-to-late February.
The menu will be smaller and changing every four to six weeks to keep it fresh and allow for most of the menu items to be prepared in the main first floor kitchen of the three-story building, McDonnell said.
The bar is being updated with an improved display of bourbon, whiskey, scotch and tequila. The new look will include high-end spirits and specialty cocktails.
1930 by Atria’s is partnering with Spencer Warren, a Mt. Lebanon native and owner of The Warren Bar and Burrow in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Atria’s has been closed since Dec. 31. Throughout January, they’ve been updating the interior, deep cleaning and adding banquettes in the bar area to expand the seating.
Some staff members are temporarily working at one of the family’s other restaurants – Atria’s and Juniper Grill locations — and will return. They are also hiring, McDonnell said.
The cuisine is American leading with a twist, McDonnell said. Executive chef Erik Munoz, a native of Puerto Rico, will expand the menus to feature cuisine from around the world, as well as reimagined classic pasta and steak dishes the establishment is known for.
“We want this to be high volume and vibrant with a cozy 1930s feel,” McDonnell said.
McDonnell said they are calling it a journey back in time while embracing the future.
“This endeavor pays homage to the roots of the Atria’s brand while ushering in a new era of innovation and growth,” said McDonnell. “In the restaurant business you have to stay ahead of the game. We also want to keep some of the history of the Atria family because this is a landmark and there is a lot of tradition here.”
1930 by Atria’s will be open seven days a week with brunch beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. There will be different menus for lunch and dinner and a one hour closure from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. to prepare for dinner.
Atria’s will continue to operate its Murrysville and Peters Township locations as well as Atria’s Specialty Catering. Gift cards from Atria’s will be accepted at 1930 by Atria’s.