Popular Strip District pizzeria Iron Born will move out of the Smallman Galley and into a nearby standalone location later this year.

Chef and owner Pete Tolman confirmed that his last day in the food hall will be June 2, and he’ll take over the space at 1808 Smallman St. in the former Carhops hoagie shop, three short blocks west. Mr. Tolman was tight-lipped on the plans, including any time frame for opening, but the new location is expected to sell alcohol, and he said the menu may expand.

The Detroit-style pizza made by the Kittanning native ushered in the local craze for the thick crust pizza baked in cast iron pans, and it was an immediate sensation when he joined the Smallman Galley team in June 2017. His initial residence at the “restaurant incubator” was to last a year, but it proved so popular that his stay was extended for another year. In late 2018 he opened a standalone space in Millvale.

In a decade as a professional chef, Mr. Tolman has transitioned his career from working in internationally known Michelin star restaurants to becoming a Pittsburgh pizza magnate. His continued presence in the Strip District will be an anchor to what is suddenly the hottest neighborhood in town to get a slice.

In November, Roman-style pizzeria Romulus al Taglio opened in the Pennsylvania Market on 18th St. under the direction of pizzaiolo Kevin Konn, and Dave Anoia and Aimee DiAndrea of DiAnoia’s Eatery will open Pizza Davide adjacent to their existing Penn Ave. restaurant at month’s end. They all join longtime Strip District favorites Bella Notte, Enrico Biscotti Co. and Colangelo’s Bakery for pizza options. 

First Published: April 1, 2019, 6:52 p.m.