Pittsburgh's Downtown Dining Scene Set for a Major Boost with New DeShantz Group Project

Big news, Pittsburgh foodies! It seems our vibrant downtown is about to get an incredible culinary injection, thanks to one of the city's most celebrated restaurant minds. If you've ever savored the delectable offerings from places like Butcher and the Rye, Tako, or Coop de Ville, then you're already familiar with the genius of Richard DeShantz. Well, his group is embarking on a truly ambitious project right in the heart of downtown, and it just secured some major funding that's going to make it all happen.

This isn't just one new spot, mind you, but a fantastic dual concept that's slated to transform the ground floor of the historic Triangle Building at 701-705 Smithfield Street. Imagine two distinct, incredible dining experiences, all under one roof, poised to draw even more life and energy into our city center. It’s genuinely exciting to think about the buzz this will create!

First up, and this is huge news for many, is the relocation and significant expansion of the ever-popular Gaucho Parilla Argentina. Remember how beloved the original spot was? Well, get ready for an upgrade – a truly massive one! The new Gaucho will be a sprawling 9,000 square-foot space, complete with a fantastic patio. This isn't just moving; it's a complete reimagining, promising to offer even more of that incredible Argentinian steakhouse experience we've all come to adore, but on a grander, more comfortable scale.

And for something entirely different, nestled alongside Gaucho, will be "Poulet Bleu." The name itself hints at something special, doesn't it? This will be a charming, French-inspired bistro, adding a touch of European elegance and a different flavor profile to the downtown dining landscape. Just picture a cozy, yet sophisticated, spot where you can enjoy classic French dishes and perhaps a perfectly paired wine. It’s a wonderful complement to Gaucho’s bold flavors.

Of course, a project of this magnitude needs serious backing, and that's exactly what it got. The City of Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) stepped in with a substantial $2 million loan, providing the crucial financial boost needed to bring DeShantz's vision to life. This kind of public-private partnership is really what makes big urban revitalization projects possible, you know? It shows a belief in the project and its potential impact on the community.

Beyond the delicious food and captivating atmospheres, this venture is a real win for Pittsburgh on multiple fronts. For starters, it’s projected to create a significant number of jobs – we're talking about 60 full-time and 40 part-time positions. That's a fantastic boost for local employment. Plus, it breathes new life into a previously vacant space, revitalizing a key corner of downtown and further anchoring the Cultural Trust's ongoing development efforts in the area. It really is more than just restaurants; it’s community building.

So, when can we expect to dig in? Well, the good news is we won't have to wait too long! The expanded Gaucho is anticipated to open its doors first, hopefully by summer 2024. Poulet Bleu will follow a bit later, with an expected opening in late 2024 or early 2025. Mark your calendars, because it sounds like downtown Pittsburgh is in for a treat!

Richard DeShantz has an undeniable Midas touch when it comes to creating unforgettable dining experiences in Pittsburgh. With his proven track record and this exciting new dual concept, backed by vital funding, it really feels like downtown Pittsburgh is entering a new golden age for dining. Get ready to explore, indulge, and enjoy everything these new establishments will bring to our wonderful city!