Peter's Pub Could Be Mario's Latest Acquisition

PITTSBURGH, PA - With last week’s surprising announcement that Peter’s Pub will close after a May 25 farewell bash came a question: what will be going in the space the landmark Oakland tavern has occupied for 44 years?

While no official announcement has been made, don’t be surprised if the trademark stained glass of Mario’s soon is installed in the Oakland Avenue institution.

Mario’s has been a South Side institution since the early 1980s and expanded with a Shadyside location in 2011. Public documents suggest that the bar’s ownership group is poised to open a third location in the Peter's site on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

A liquor license transfer notice posted in the front window of Peter's indicates the bar apparently is being purchased by an entity called 5th Year Inc. Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporation documents list a Thornburgh residence as the company’s headquarters.

According to Allegheny County property assessment records, the home is owned by Molly Lewis. In 2007, Lewis was part of the group that purchased Mario’s South Side Saloon from original owner Bob Pessolano.

Four years later, the new ownership group headed by Michael Beck of Cranberry purchased Doc’s Place, a venerable tavern in Shadyside. After updates and renovations, the bar reopened as Mario’s East Side Saloon and has proven to be successful in the highly competitive Walnut Street bar and restaurant scene.

Lewis could not be reached by Patch. Beck did not immediately return messages left with both Mario locations.

Founded in the early 1980s, Mario’s South Side location was the first modestly upscale establishment to open in an era when Carson Street mostly was filled with dive bars and dilapidated buildings. Mario’s was credited with pioneering a neighborhood business resurgence that continues today with dozens of successful bars and restaurants.

Photo: Eric Heyl/Patch staff.

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