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WHEREAS, the Original Oyster House , the oldest and most iconic Bar and Restaurant in Pittsburgh, is designated as an Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation and has only been owned by five families in its 150 year history; and,
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WHEREAS, established in 1870, the Original Oyster House is located in the heart of downtown Market Square. In addition to celebrating is 150th Anniversary, 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of ownership by the Grippo Family with Lou Grippo purchasing the bar and restaurant from Louis “Silver Dollar Louie” Americus who owned it from 1916-1970; and,
WHEREAS, Lou Grippo, born and raised in the Strip District with downtown close to his boyhood home, frequented the Oyster House with his friends, ordering fish and pop and then taking off without paying. Lou was often caught and held responsible for all the kids and once said to “Silver Dollar Louie’ that one day he would come back and buy the place. And sure enough, when the widow of Louis Americus placed the business for sale, Lou Grippo purchased the Original Oyster House in 1970 and expanded it into two adjoining buildings in 1972; and,
WHEREAS, Lou Grippo became the face of the Original Oyster House and ran this popular establishment until his death on May 25, 2017. His dying wish was for the Bar and Restaurant to reach its 50th Anniversary under the ownership of the Grippo Family , and indeed, under the stellar and successful ownership of Lou’s daughter, Jennifer , the Original Oyster House will celebrate its 50th and 150th Anniversaries on October 12, 2020 . Because of Covid regulations, Jen will have a festive celebration with outdoor seating, takeout, entertainment and party fare.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the 150th Anniversary of the Original Oyster House and further congratulates Jennifer Grippo who carries on her father, Lou Grippo’s legacy and last wish to continue providing the best tavern seafood in the City of Pittsburgh; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Monday, October 12, 2020 , to be “ ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE DAY ” in the City of Pittsburgh.