This weekend,
the Double Wide Grill joins the
Southside’s eclectic array of eateries. Located at 2339 E. Carson St., the 4,300 square-foot restaurant is owned by Steve Zumhoff and Scott Kramer.
Occupying a 1930s-era gas station, the 145-capacity restaurant features indoor and outdoor bars and a large patio. Calling the Double Wide a “Texas roadside gas station,” Zumhoff, who also owns the Southside’s successful
Beehive Coffeehouse and Lava and Tiki Lounges, decorated the grill with artifacts culled from swap meets and a Texas trip.
“It’s going to change the whole dynamic of the street,” says general manager Brendan Byers, who thinks the Double Wide will bridge Southside Works with Carson. Zumhoff and Kramer worked with architect Val Zarro,
LaQuatra Bonci Associates and
Flynn Construction on the building’s renovation and landscaping. Oil City-based McCullough Brown designed the kitchen.
“It’s kind of trailer chic,” says Byers, who previously worked at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. “I haven't been this excited about a project in years.” Telling the “Double Wide story,” the grill’s menus depict the life of Hank and Tessie Mae, who fixed cars and sold barbecue.
The grill serves burgers, steaks and vegetarian potpies; specialties include build-your-own TV dinners, sushi grade tuna and “hubcap potatoes.” Sides include sweet potato risotto and pineapple saffron rice. The Double Wide serves weekend brunch and a late-night menu until 1:00 a.m.
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Steve Zumhoff; Brendan Byers
Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene