Monday, March 17, 2025, 11:29PM |  42°
MENU
Advertisement
In this 2010 file photo, Salt of the Earth chef Kevin Sousa and his team of line cooks prepare for the evening at the Garfield restaurant.
2
MORE

Garfield's Salt of the Earth to close its doors in August

Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette

Garfield's Salt of the Earth to close its doors in August

Salt of the Earth, which has been one of the city's highest profile restaurants since it opened in September 2010, will close its doors Aug. 1.

Owners and principals of Cruze Architects, Doug and Liza Cruze, said in a press release they are closing the restaurant "to focus exclusively on their growing architectural practice." They thanked the patrons, vendors and staff -- including executive chef Brandon Fisher, sous chef Adam To, bar manager Jeremy Bustamante and general managers Melissa Horst and Jen Parks -- for their support.

The first of several Pittsburgh restaurants from chef Kevin Sousa, Salt of the Earth had been a partnership between the chef and architects. It was one of several that had been instrumental in kickstarting Pittsburgh's restaurant renaissance.

Advertisement

In February 2014, Mr. Sousa announced his split with Salt to focus on Superior Motors, his upcoming restaurant in Braddock. At that time, the Cruzes thanked him in a press release "for his dedication" and subsequently took over responsibility for a $150,000 loan from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh.

Late-night dining is a fickle scene in Pittsburgh
Melissa McCart
Late-night dining is a fickle scene in Pittsburgh

After his departure, Mr. Sousa closed Station Street in East Liberty in November and sold Union Pig and Chicken, also in East Liberty, to former employee Jessica Keyser in January.

Since then, Salt has had two executive chefs. The former chef de cuisine, Chad Townsend, departed in July to focus on Millie's Homemade Ice Cream. He was followed as executive chef by Mr. Fisher.

Mr. Fisher said he was told last week about the closing, with the remainder of the staff finding out today.

Advertisement

"We have succeeded all these years due to a team of extraordinary people who have shown a remarkable commitment to the restaurant," Ms. Cruze wrote.

The Cruzes will list the building, the restaurant and the liquor license with David Glickman of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Retail Group. They designed and renovated the building they have owned since 2007.

Melissa McCart: 412-263-1198 or on Twitter @melissamccart

First Published: June 22, 2015, 6:11 p.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
1
sports
Gerry Dulac: If Aaron Rodgers goes elsewhere, what are Steelers' next QB options?
Pedestrians walk through rain showers in Schenley Plaza in Oakland Sunday, March 16, 2025.
2
news
Officials confirm 6 tornadoes hit Pittsburgh region as severe storms left widespread damage
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
3
sports
Paul Zeise Live: Are Steelers getting used for leverage by Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Juszczyk and others?
Rob Hirst and Danielle Cain are opening their Hey Babe bar-lounge inside the Maverick Hotel in East Liberty.
4
life
Two hospitality veterans are bringing new life to former Ace Hotel lobby with Hey Babe
Among the three new eats at PNC Park this season is a pickle- and cheese-stuffed Chipped Ham Empanada.
5
life
PNC Park's new food offerings for the season include nods to Pittsburgh favorites
In this 2010 file photo, Salt of the Earth chef Kevin Sousa and his team of line cooks prepare for the evening at the Garfield restaurant.  (Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette)
Chad Townsend, former chef de cuisine at Salt of the Earth.  (Julia Rendleman/Post-Gazette)
Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette
Advertisement
LATEST life
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story