Fuel and Fuddle in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood will close
Fuel and Fuddle has been a staple in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, a place where Pitt students have made memories for decades.
Now, the restaurant on Oakland Avenue is closing its doors.
"I was depressed," Adam Fitch said. "I'm a big fan of the Cajun Rosy, which is their best menu item, so I called my buddy and I figured we would come down and get something to eat before it closes up here."
"Here with some friends. We just finished up grad school at CMU, so we are celebrating with one last meal and it's at Fuel and Fuddle," Andrew Burroughs said.
In a social media post, owner Brandon Smith said one reason Fuel and Fuddle is closing is the rent. He said their last day will be May 26, assuming they have enough staff.
"After over twenty years of working at Fuel and Fuddle, my lease is up and I'm ready to move on. Time to spend some more time with the family and give up the late nights and weekends at an Oakland bar. Thanks to everyone for your kindness and support," Smith said in a statement to Pittsburgh's Action News 4.
Fuel and Fuddle is the latest iconic Oakland restaurant to close its doors. Mad Mex shut down earlier this year, and the Original Hot Dog Shop closed in 2020.
"Mad Mex closing was sad, and the fact that the 'O' closed and was such an institution in Oakland, that was sad," Burroughs said.
People who live and work in the Pittsburgh neighborhood say that with all of the chain restaurants taking over, Oakland is losing its unique charm.
"It's a really sad day," Burroughs said. "I graduated three years ago, and I don't really even recognize Oakland that much. There's so many chain restaurants now. All the local restaurants, I feel like, are closing. It's a shame, and I feel really badly for the future students because Fuel and Fuddle is an amazing place and they aren't going to get to experience it."
"Thanks for all the great food and fun times, and I hope maybe they'll relocate somewhere else," Fitch said.