Gullifty's

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Gullifty's
Squirrel Hill)
CityPittsburgh
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40°26′7.0908″N 79°55′22.923″W / 40.435303000°N 79.92303417°W / 40.435303000; -79.92303417
Websitegulliftys.us at the Wayback Machine (archived June 3, 2013)

Gullifty's was a restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was a "cross between a diner and a traditional restaurant,"[1] serving fare described as "American eclectic" cuisine[2] Gullifty's was a Pittsburgh landmark known for its desserts.[1]

The building, located at 1922 Murray Avenue in the

Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh had 2 levels seating 150 diners. The interior was decorated concord grape, avocado, and cinnamon colors, with brick walls, and high ceilings.[2] During week nights, Gullifty's would serve 150 guests for dinner, with 300 to 400 on weekend nights.[2] It also had a stage that hosted jazz concerts in the evening; Michael Machosky from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review called Gullifty's "the city's premier jazz club, mostly by default."[3]

Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood renown, and his family frequently dined at Gullifty's.[1]

History

Gullifty's opened in 1982, with the original concept seeking to combine a pizzeria, delicatessen, and Italian American restaurant.[1] Additional locations in Pennsylvania were opened in Altoona, Philadelphia, Whitehall, and Camp Hill (near Harrisburg), in addition to the Squirrel Hill location, making it a regional chain.[1] Additional locations were later opened on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University.[2]

Brothers Mark and Matt Hastie purchased Gullifty's from the original owners in 1990.[2][4] Matt, a 1978 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, had previously worked as a cook at the restaurant.[2]

In 2006, the weekly jazz shows began.[5] In 2008, the Squirrel Hill building was damaged by fire.[6] In 2013, Gullifty's closed when the building was sold to The Friendship Circle, a Jewish organization that helps children and young adults with special needs by pairing them with teen volunteers.[1][7] On August 28, 2013, the last day of the restaurant's operation, the restaurant was packed with people seeking dessert.[4] Mark Hastie implied that the desserts may yet live on through another business venture.[4]

As of 2017, the Philadelphia location is the last Gullifty's restaurant to remain open.[8]

Desserts

One of Gullifty's famous desserts

Gullifty's was best known for its desserts.[1] The desserts were baked fresh daily by two full-time bakers.[2] Among the most popular varieties were Peanut Butter Truffle Pie, Killer Kookie, 5th Dimension Cake, and Chocolate Intemperance.[1][4]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gullifty's.
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Sostek, Anya (August 28, 2013). "Gullifty's restaurant in Squirrel Hill is closing". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Starr, Pam (June 12, 2010). "Mouthwatering desserts keep Gullifty's popular". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  3. ^ Machosky, Michael (Feb 25, 2007). "Pittsburgh music industry booms despite obstacles". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  4. ^ a b c d Fuoco, Michael A. (August 29, 2013). "Fans of Gullifty's squeeze in one last scrumptious pie". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  5. ^ Guidry, Nate (May 30, 2006). "Commentary: Gullifty's treats diners with a new dessert -- jazz". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  6. ^ Nereim, Vivian (July 27, 2008). "Fire damages Gullifty's restaurant". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  7. ^ Tabachnick, Toby (28 August 2013). "Friendship Circle buys Gullifty's as eatery closes". Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 28 January 2014.
  8. ^ "Gullifty's Restaurant & The Underground has closed". pennlive. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
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