A long-standing mural adorning the outside of a restaurant building is set to remain in Aspinwall.
The former Luke & Mike’s Frontporch Grille is home to a colorful mural titled “Sunset Over Aspinwall,” designed and painted by artist MK Noonan, who worked on it for almost four months in 2014 and 2015.
The mural, a fixture in the borough, commands an entire exterior wall of the building located on Commercial Avenue.
Yakup Ergul is owner of AVVA, a new Mediterranean restaurant slated to open this week in the former Luke & Mike’s space. He confirmed Monday he is leaving the vibrant mural as is.
“The mural will remain. I’m not going to touch it,” Ergul said. “The mural represents the borough and I respect the mural.”
Ergul said he’s fielded some not-so-nice correspondence from some folks regarding the mural’s fate, with concerns that it could be painted over.
Ergul assured the public that he respects the mural. Since choosing Aspinwall for his second restaurant location, he recognizes how popular the mural is with many residents.
“I told my contractor not to even touch the upper board, even when he said it could use some painting,” Ergul said of the mural.
Noonan was 18, living in Aspinwall and a frequent Luke & Mike’s customer when restaurant co-owner Sherri Price asked to collaborate on the project. It was her first paid mural gig. She now lives and works as a professional artist in Elizabeth Borough.
“This mural is really dedicated to the people of Aspinwall. I’m really so happy that it’s going to be staying because it’s such an incredible time capsule of the ones that worked on it,” Noonan said. “Generally people love how vibrant the mural is and how it showcases how interwoven the small businesses are with their community. I am definitely relieved and thrilled to know that it will continue to be for there for everyone to enjoy.”
Noonan, 29, incorporated whimsical aspects of Aspinwall, including a local puppy named Petey who is still alive a decade later.
Her mother, Christine Noonan, painted the bricks depicting a road laid in Aspinwall after WWII. Children passing by helped to paint in flowers and add their own little artistic touches to the mural.
“I was on a gap year from high school to college. After that mural, it cemented my desire to work in the arts,” Noonan said. “This is my only permanent public-facing work.”
Aspinwall Borough manager Melissa Lang O’Malley confirmed Monday that any decision made on the mural does not involve the borough.
“Borough council made no decisions on the mural. It is a property owner decision,” O’Malley said.
The building is owned by the American Legion Post 77, according to Allegheny County property records.
Soft-opening plans underway
A soft opening is planned for AVVA on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“I’m trying to create an atmosphere for any age and a place for the neighborhood to gather,” Ergul said.
Ergul, of Indiana Township, has a 10-year lease through the American Legion Post 77 on the property.
He named it AVVA after his daughter of the same name (pronounced A-va) and explained that AVVA was born from his own imagination and passion for Mediterranean culture.
“At AVVA, it’s all about sharing. Our concept revolves around small plates designed to bring people together and are perfect for enjoying with friends,” Ergul said. “We believe that dining is more than just a meal. It’s an opportunity to connect, relax and celebrate life.”
An extensive menu featuring lamb, fish, beef, chicken, vegetarian options, octopus, kabobs, hummus, Greek-influenced salads, calamari, Turkish meatballs, shrimp and more has items priced from $20-$30 per person.
A kid’s menu and gluten-free options are available.
“Tell us what your child loves and we’ll try to do the perfect dish for them,” Ergul said.
Desserts include baklava, plus Turkish specialities of kunefe and katmer.
AVVA is the second restaurant from Ergul, who owns Famous Cafe on South Braddock Avenue in Regent Square.
With cooler temps in this week’s forecast, Ergul said the patio is awaiting Mother Nature’s cooperation for al fresco dining.
“It’s all ready, we just need the warm weather,” he said.
AVVA’s liquor license transfer is still in the works and is expected to be approved later this month. In the meantime, guests are encouraged to bring their favorite libation.
“The borough wishes him well,” O’Malley said of the new business.