An Indiana Township restaurateur is hoping to open a Turkish-themed bar and eatery in a former historic train station in Aspinwall.
The former Luke & Mike’s Frontporch permanently closed on Dec. 28 and co-owner Sheri Rice confirmed Jan. 7 the business is under contract with Pittsburgh-based Finike LLC., registered to Yakup Ergul.
Ergul said the name of his new restaurant will be AVVA, a nod to his daughter Ava’s name.
Ergul, who immigrated from the Turkish city of Antalya in 2013, owns Famous Cafe on South Braddock Avenue in Regent Square.
Luke and Mike’s offered American fare with al fresco dining options along with a covered side bar to patrons for 14 years along Commercial Avenue.
Rice hosted a farewell closing farewell bash on Dec. 27-28.
Since then, Rice has been packing up and cleaning up — prepping for a new owner.
“Nobody wants a closed restaurant in their town,” Rice said.
For Ergul, expanding his restaurant portfolio is the next step.
He chose Aspinwall because of the location and the people.
“This restaurant will have a warm atmosphere and excellent hospitality. It will add upscale dining to the area. My goal is for everyone to have a good experience and have AVVA in their top restaurant list,” Ergul said.
He hopes to open in early spring offering modern Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish and Greek focus.
A bright orange copy of the liquor license application issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is posted at the entrance to the building.
The building has 11 years remaining on the leasing agreement and is located at 235 Commercial Ave. in Aspinwall’s business district.
Borough manager Melissa Lang O’Malley confirmed the municipality received a liquor license transfer request from Finike LLC on Jan. 6.
Ergul’s Regent Square eatery, Famous Cafe, is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Borough councilman Lou Curcio previously managed Luke and Mike’s and is happy to see another restaurant added to the business landscape.
“It’s always been about Aspinwall for me, gaining another great ethnic restaurant in town will only contribute to the wonderful things about this community. And that’s what it’s all about,” Curcio said.
The sale includes the liquor license and restaurant equipment.
The building’s architecture still retains the features of a turn-of-the-century train station. Horses assisted with the relocation of the historic structure to its current spot at the corner of Eastern and Commercial avenues in 1901.
Aspinwall Mayor Joe Noro said the news of a new eatery is welcome.
“I’m sure our community and surrounding communities will support Turkish and Greek dishes,” Noro said.