After more than two decades, East Carson Street bar, restaurant and music venue The Smiling Moose is closing its doors.
On Saturday, the business posted the news to its social media pages, citing a new business model post-covid and the intent to focus on its Cranberry location.
The South Side location opened in 2003. Owner Mike “Scarfo” Scarlatelli came from both the worlds of punk rock and restaurants, and brought both sensibilities to his new venture. The Smiling Moose offered tasty food, as well as punk and metal shows.
In 2022, The Smiling Moose expanded to locations in Cranberry and Grove City. The latter also serves as a location where the chain’s in-house line of beers is brewed, a project that began during the pandemic at the South Side location.
“We are saddened to hear about the impending closure of The Smiling Moose in South Side,” said Brian Drusky, president/owner of Drusky Entertainment, local concert promoter who partnered with The Smiling Moose for many live shows. “Over the past decade, we have been thankful to the staff for opening their space and allowing us present burgeoning and developing artists on that stage that have blossomed into major artists like The Struts, Neck Deep, Low Cut Connie and so many more.”
Shows on tap at the South Side location before it shutters include the Gods of Evil Rise Tour with Alla Xul Elu [A.X.E.] this Friday; Anvil, on May 11; and heavy metal band Spread Eagle’s 35th anniversary tour, on May 18.
