Just 15 months after opening its doors at 212 Sixth St., Downtown’s
Palate Bistro is eyeing expansion.
Owner John Valentine, who hopes to tie the restaurant’s physical expansion into block beautification efforts, plans to take over an adjacent space at 214 Sixth in January. Currently a check cashing business, the space will undergo a complete renovation.
“We always had an option on to get that space. We didn’t realize how busy we’d be,” says Valentine, who is working with Lami Grubb Architects on the 1,500-square-foot addition. “The expansion makes sense in so many ways. Our numbers are strong. July and August, were better than last year.”
The project calls for adding a New York-style lounge—enclosed and soundproofed—as well as a first floor bar and larger dining area, increasing Palate’s capacity from 66 to 100. Designer Bethany Demi will extend the eatery’s current color scheme into the new space.
In addition to recently adding outdoor seating and installing lighting in trees, Valentine may work with Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to install hanging plants along the block, similar to those on the Roberto Clemente Bridge.
“Palate has adopted this block. I definitely want to keep making improvements,” adds Valentine, who also envisions growing ivy along the concrete between the street’s parking garage and first-floor retail. “The restaurant needs a street face presence. We're beginning the process of transforming the whole block.”
Always popular with the theater crowd for dinner, Palate is now packed for both before and after shows.
Valentine expects to open the expanded space in spring 2009.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: John Valentine, Palate Bistro
Photograph copyright Brian Cohen