Longtime Downtown Pittsburgh Eatery Could Close Or Move

PITTSBURGH, PA —Wiener World, a Downtown Pittsburgh staple since 1965, is considering closing or moving due to ongoing safety concerns along Smithfield Street.

The restaurant is next to the Smithfield United Church of Christ, which is being used as a homeless shelter because the recently opened Second Avenue Commons is at capacity. There have been numerous complaints by business owners near the church about open drug use, aggressive panhandling and fighting in the area.

“We made it through a pandemic, and now we’re feeling that this is going to push us out,” restaurant owner Denny Scott told WPXI-TV.

Scott said his lease is up in June and he is considering closing the hot dog joint or perhaps moving to a safer Downtown location. He did not mention any particular sites he is scouting.

Last month, the owner of the Villa Reale, another longtime Smithfield Street restaurant, told Patch that that the problems along the street has prompted his desire to convert his business into a shelter and resource center for the homeless.

Fragasso Financial Advisors at 610 Smithfield, is considering moving out of Downtown after 50 years. Owner Robert Fragasso said recently that his employees no longer feel safe.

"We have a strong criminal element Downtown, and this speaks to public safety," Fragasso told WTAE-TV."For example, there's a guy who sells drugs right out of his car in front of our building."

At a news conference last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said the city has increased its police presence Downtown.

Last month, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership launched a Golden Triangle Ambassador Program to provide public assistance and resources in the central business district. The 11-member team, working in blue and gold uniforms conduct walking and biking patrols, provide the public with hospitality assistance and hope to expand outreach with local businesses.