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.
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.
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.
"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.
