Sewickley Restaurant Reopens with New Name, Fresh Look

A popular Sewickley restaurant is back in business today, operating under a new name with new hours and a new menu.  

The owner of "424 Walnut," formerly the Sweetwater Grille, said the restaurant will reopen its doors at 4 p.m. today, May 16.

Customers were surprised when the restaurant closed last August, but Jimmy Zipparo, owner and head chef, said he wanted to concentrate on reorganizing, renovating and reopening with new beginnings.

“It’s just a fresh start, you know, a new place,” Zipparo said.

Returning lunch and dinner customers will notice the restaurant's name and logo has changed to reflect the 424 Walnut Street location. New art, décor and lighting help give the restaurant's atmosphere a warmer, inviting feel. 

Zipparo describes the restaurant's offerings as American cuisine with Italian flair.  The restaurant specializes in steaks, seafoods and pastas, along with yummy appetizers like crabmeat stuffed artichokes or steamed mussels. 

One of the things that will remain the same is the quality of food and popular offerings like the delmonico steak and the chicken penne pasta. But the overall 424 Walnut  menu is different. 

“It’s changed," Zipparo said. "There are a lot of old favorites on there and a lot of new ones that will hopefully become new favorites."

In addition to a full menu, 424 Walnut has a full complimentary bar with 15 beers on tap and an extensive wine list. The former restaurant's liquor license had been listed as “inactive” after missing a 2011 filing deadline. The new 424 Walnut has an active liquor license, according to the state Liquor Control Board. 

Gary Reinert Jr., one of the managers, said he's excited about today's soft opening.

"We've had a million people stop at the door already inquiring. It's great to see," he said. 

Marty Chirumbolo, who owns A Small Shoppe, an antique business next door, said he, too, is excited, particularly to see the additional foot traffic that's sure to return to the neighborhood.

“It’s good for the street and my business,” he said. “Anytime any business closes, it has an affect on everybody around."

Zipparo said the restaurant is always looking to add staff, including waitresses, bartenders and cooks.

424 Walnut is also operating under new hours. 

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Call 412-741-7143 for reservations or more information.  

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