Joe’s Rusty Nail, a Bellevue staple for nearly five decades, will close by the end of the year as owner Joe Elbicki retires to spend more time with family and friends.
BELLEVUE, Pa. —
Joe’s Rusty Nail, a beloved restaurant in Bellevue, will close by the end of the year after 48 years in business as owner Joe Elbicki announced his retirement.
Barbara Zerbee, a longtime customer, shared her reaction to the news.
“I feel very sad. It’s been here forever. I’ve lived in this area for about 35 years. It’s been kind of a go-to restaurant. We come here pretty often, so I feel bad,” she said.
Zerbee said she first heard about the closure on social media.
“I just heard it this morning on Facebook. I was hoping it was a rumor, but it’s not, I guess,” she said.
Patrons praised the restaurant for its food and the memories it created.
“You have to get the pot roast dinner. Makes it every Thursday and Sunday night. I will miss that. I’ll be coming here every week now,” said customer Adele Maher.
For many, Joe’s Rusty Nail was a place where families shared special moments.
“She had her first bacon slice here. She loves bacon and toast. That’s her go-to meal,” said Vincent Lamperski of Bellevue.
Lori Guvish recalled a memorable experience with her children at the restaurant.
“My children used to call it smashed potatoes, so I ordered mashed potatoes for him and his brother. His brother was like 2 1/2, he was 18 months, and he got the mashed potatoes and flung it and ended up at another table,” she said.
Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, customers expressed their best wishes for Elbicki.
“Joe’s been around since before I’ve been here, obviously, and we miss him. We’re going to miss him. Hopefully, he stays local and continues visiting us and all that, but I mean, if he wants to go to Florida too, that’s nice,” Lamperski said.
“Good luck to him. He’s a great, good man, and he has a wonderful place. The food was always [great], and the friendship and everything—everybody here will be sorely, sorely sad,” Maher said.
Elbicki thanked his longtime customers and staff for their years of support and service. The restaurant will redeem unused gift cards after its closure.
They can be sent to:
Rusty Nail Restaurant
560 Lincoln Ave.
Pittsburgh PA 15202