A well-regarded Pittsburgh restaurateur is opening an artisan market and cafe in the Fox Chapel area.
Brian Pekarcik, a chef best known for operating Spoon in East Liberty, and his wife, Jessica, are launching Local Provisions Market & Cafe in late summer. The 4,000-square-foot venue in Fox Chapel Plaza in O’Hara will occupy part of the long-vacant Community Market.
Brian Pekarcik described the food selection as “American upscale casual. There will be a strong focus on quality ingredients, and we will keep things fresh, different and interesting.” The cafe portion will be a casual “walk-up ordering” style.
The market will sell grab-and-go specialty meals, wine and beer to go, meats and cheeses, breads, a mix of locally prepared beverage and food items, fresh seasonal produce and high-end specialty food items. “For me, I really want that kid-in-the-candy-store feel with the market and the groceries offered,” Pekarcik said.
Pekarcik opened Spoon more than a decade ago with partner Rick Stern. Their S&P Restaurant Group built the BRGR chain and experimented with innovative restaurants, such as Grit & Grace in Downtown.
After Spoon closed in 2020 as the pandemic affected the restaurant industry, the Pekarciks opened a catering business called Spoonfed, which has evolved into Local Provisions.
The couple, Fox Chapel residents with three children, have been married 18 years.
They said choosing a location in O’Hara made sense because they live nearby, and the Fox Chapel area was supportive of their catering project.
Pekarcik said the concept of a chef-driven specialty market is relatively new to the Pittsburgh area.
“We were inspired by our travels to most recently Charleston, S.C., and larger markets such as New York, Chicago and California — bigger cities that have this type of concept,” he said.
The market section will encompass about 1,800 square feet. The cafe will have seating for about 50 patrons. Design elements will include an elegant rustic decor theme with a navy and gold color scheme. Lunch and dinner prices are expected to be in the $8-$22 range.
Jessica Pekarcik, 45, has worked in the food industry since she was 15, with a background in customer service and training.
“I want people to feel welcome. We’re going for a refined but comfortable feel,” she said.
The couple said one of their goals is to connect with other Pittsburgh-area chefs and sell their products.
One example is Salty Pork Bits, the company founded by acclaimed Pittsburgh chef Justin Severino to sell cured meats on the retail market.
Brian Pekarcik, a Pittsburgh native, has worked as a chef for 28 years, honing his skills in high-end restaurants in California and then moving on to kitchens at hotels.
“This business is a trade profession. You get lucky and learn under one great chef, and that springboards you into the next level,” he said.
In addition to showcasing interesting foods, Local Provisions is designed to be a place for families to gather.
“We have three children, and we want this to be a family friendly place,” Jessica Pekarcik said.
Plans include offering catering, local delivery, cooking classes and events to connect the community.
The couple secured a 10-year lease, with two five-year options on the building.
“We’re in it for the long haul,” Brian Pekarcik said.
Fox Chapel Plaza owner Alex Condron said he welcomes a new business from a chef of Pekarcik’s caliber.
“We’re confident this business will be a very welcome addition to the trade area for many years to come,” Condron said.
The website for Local Provisions Market & Cafe is localprovisionspgh.com.
Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce at 724-226-7725 , jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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March 13, 2022 at 12:01PM
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