Feeling cooped up?
Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group’s newest eatery, Coop De Ville, is sure to cure cabin fever.
Located at 2305 Smallman Street, the Southern fast-casual spot is only open for takeout and delivery right now, but when it opens for dine-in service next month, Pittsburghers will be bowled over.
The transformation of the large space, which used to be Marty’s Market and has been vacant for several years, is nothing short of remarkable. Who designed it? It came mostly from the mind of Richard DeShantz, according to Jason Cannon, a realtor with CBRE, who works with the restaurant group. He was as impressed as we were during our informal tour.
From the dozens of sky blue bar stools that line the massive, u-shaped bar to the Flintstone characters painted on an upper wall in the Duckpin bowling room, the space is designed with flair and color throughout.
When it fully opens, Coop De Ville will also offer duckpin bowling, pinball machines, arcade games, ping-pong and pool tables. Customers will sign up to play games at a small vintage trailer, complete with a striped green and white awning, that will be parked inside.
Right now, to-go food and coffee are available Thursday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. There are plenty of garage doors and windows that make takeout — and sneak peeks inside the establishment — a breeze. A few outdoor tables are placed out front, with many more along the side (not yet open) under shelter.
The startup menu — which will expand once the restaurant is in full swing — includes fried chicken dinners (opt for all white meat, all dark meat or go for half a bird), chicken sandwiches served on a Martin’s Potato Roll and stick-to-your-ribs sides such as pimento macaroni and cheese, spicy collard greens, butter beans and deviled egg potato salad.
The Coop concept started as a Downtown pop-up at täkō, another DeShantz creation that’s getting a second location.
Gi-Jin, the company’s highly anticipated raw bar, is scheduled to open in November at 208 Sixth Street Downtown.
Other restaurants owned by the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group include Meat & Potatoes, Butcher and the Rye, Poulet Bleu, Pork & Beans and fish nor fowl.