This summer, Downtown’s Market Square will welcome
Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurant into its
tenant mix. Located at 210 Forbes Ave., the 1,500-square-foot eatery will include indoor seating for 40 and outdoor seating for 32.
Market Square marks the third Pittsburgh area location for local Moe’s owners Mike Geiger and John Iaquinta. The pair, who also operates franchises in Cranberry and Collier, will receive funding assistance for the building’s façade from
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s (PDP) new
Paris to Pittsburgh program. “The intent is to bring the indoors outdoors, with seamless areas between the inside and outside during summertime,” says Geiger who also plans to obtain a liquor license. “The corner is a great spot. We’re filling a void for fresh, fast casual food.”
Geiger, who used to work near Market Square, is passionate about
new improvements and events planned for the site, including PDP’s proposal to widen sidewalks, reroute buses permanently and add lunchtime and evening concerts and cultural events. “Our growth is fueled by the locations being successful. We’ve made an effort to integrate into our communities and we’ve really been accepted,” says Geiger. “Some of the most successful Moe's are suburban, or on college campuses. We’ve wanted to get Downtown from day one. For us, it’s a matter of finding the right location and customer mix.”
The restaurant, which will employ 20 people, is slated to open in June. Architect is Lexington, Kentucky-based
Cardinal Point, Inc. With 400 U.S. locations across, Moe’s signature items include the Homewrecker burrito, John Coctostan quesadilla and Close Talker salad.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Michael Geiger, Moe's Southwest Grill
Image courtesy Moe's Southwest Grill