Hemingway’s Cafe, the longtime Oakland bar that closed in May after decades of serving University of Pittsburgh students, will keep a connection to Pitt through a new chapter.
Pitt purchased the former Hemingway’s property, university spokesperson Jared Stonesifer confirmed Wednesday morning.
“Hemingway’s has been an integral part of the Oakland community for four decades, and woven into the fabric of Pitt’s campus for just as long. Generations of Pitt students celebrated milestones there, forged lifelong friendships, and made it their first stop back on campus when visiting,” Stonesifer said in a statement. “The university appreciates this rich history and recognizes that Hemingway’s will always have a place in the hearts and memories of countless Pitt students.”
Stonesifer declined to elaborate on the university’s plans for the Forbes Avenue property.
“The university is committed to growing in ways that are thoughtful and strategic,” he said in a statement, “and we’re always looking for opportunities near campus that support our long-term mission and give us flexibility to meet future academic and community needs.”
Owner John Elavsky opened Hemingway’s Cafe in 1983 and announced its closure via social media on Jan. 8. Elavsky cited concern about spending more time with his 99-year-old mother as a primary reason for closing the bar. She died in April, but Elavsky said he was still ready to step away from the business.
The bar’s final night in business concluded in the early hours of May 4, where more than 50 customers stayed until last call to bid Hemingway’s farewell.