Pittsburgh Getting Massive New Restaurant Complex

PITTSBURGH, PA — It doesn't look like much now. But by early next year, a former warehouse and movie theater in Lawrenceville will be home to five restaurants and a communal bar.

Lawrence Hall, a 6,000-square foot building on Butler Street, will be a food hall bringing together what its owners say will be "a variety of thoughtfully-selected local restaurants" centered around the Dear James bar. The bar is named after Captain James Lawrence, who coined the phrase "Don't give up the ship," during the War of 1812.

Lawrence Hall is the brainchild of three Lawrenceville residents - Phoebe Fraser, Brett Minarik and Adam Harvey. According to the hall's website, Fraser has a marketing background, Minarik is a financial advisor and Harvey has considering experience in the food service industry. He has worked in restaurants in New York City, London and Paris.

The trio currently are accepting applications for kitchen concepts.

Lawrence Hall is being developed as another Pittsburgh food hall, Galley at Bakery Square, is undergoing significant changes and is being rebranded City Kitchen at Bakery Square.