PITTSBURGH — Thousands are expected downtown this weekend to ring in 2023 and several restaurants are looking forward to the big crowds.
“Light Up Night was one of our best nights we ever had in the ten years that we’ve been in business,” said the owner of Redbeard’s Sports Bar and Grill, Len Semplice. “We are really looking forward to First Night, hopefully it’s the same.”
The pandemic has been a challenge for many restaurants due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It was a struggle. A lot of businesses didn’t make it and I held in there the best I could, and we made it through,” said Semplice.
This will be the first New Year’s celebration in more than two years where things will be back to normal. Gaucho next door said it’s already back in full swing this holiday season.
“This week, we have been averaging 350 covers a night which is back to numbers pre-pandemic which has been a great boost for us,” said Alan Peet, the culinary director at Gaucho.
Gaucho has a lot of reservations for Friday night too with some big party reservations. They are thrilled since they really rely on business this time of year.
“This makes or breaks the year. Ending on a high note is really important for a small business like this,” said Peet. “It’s been really nice to see the crowds coming back downtown going to shows and really enjoying what the city has to offer.”
Redbeard’s is accepting walk-ins this weekend and so is Gaucho for Friday night.
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