Landmark Pittsburgh Restaurant Closes Downtown Location

PITTSBURGH, PA — Wiener World, a Downtown Pittsburgh staple since 1965, has shuttered its landmark eatery at the corner of Smithfield Street and Strawberry Way.

But fans of the restaurant's iconic hot dogs and french fries should not despair.

The old-school, counter service joint is not going out of business. It's setting up shop in a new locale - in a concourse underneath the USX Tower near the Grant Street T station.

"We have worked tremendously hard to revive and keep this iconic brand alive and will now write the next chapter in a storied history," a post on the Wiener World Facebook page stated. "We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful new spot. We will be opening on June 3rd as well as opening a spot outside on the plaza on June 4th."

The move is not entirely unexpected, as Wiener World owner Dennis Scott has long complained to city officials about problems in the vicinity of his business that have included open drug use, aggressive panhandling and frequent fighting. Scott last year said he was thinking of closing or moving the eatery.