Nancy's Revival in Wilkinsburg expanding hours to serve dinner
When Derrick Wright walks into Nancy’s Revival in Wilkinsburg, it’s about more than a meal.
“I’ve been coming to this restaurant for a long time,” said Wright, of Wilkinsburg, on Tuesday. “They treat people with respect no matter what color you are. You get good service and good food. It’s definitely a welcoming place.”
That reaction encompasses owner Jordan Robarge’s vision for the eatery. Beginning this week, he’s decided to extend the hours and be open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It’s been years since the place was open for later dining, he said.
“The first time I came in here I sat in that middle booth and there were people from all walks of life dining here,” Robarge said. “I loved the diversity. That fits with the social mission of this business.”
Robarge bought the diner in October 2018. The restaurant was founded by Nancy Bielicki in 1974. She owned it for 38 years. It has been located on South Avenue since 1976.
He purchased it from another owner. Robarge has been committed to preserving the vintage look, from the wallpaper to the photos on the wall to the booths. He kept the heart of the menu, adding some updated dishes.
“I wanted to keep the legacy of Nancy’s alive,” said Robarge, who also owns the Revival Chili Food Truck. “The neighbors are great. They want to see the restaurant survive this pandemic.”
The diner traditionally serves breakfast and lunch and closes at 2 p.m. It’s known for its crepe-style pancakes, chili and waffles and the “Fat Cat” – two eggs, choice of meat, home fries or grits, toast, pancakes or French toast. Lunch choices include the revival chili bowl, Nancy’s salad and the create-your-own grilled cheese sandwich.
The idea for later hours came from the popularity of the fish fries they’ve had the past few years during the Lenten season. The dinner menu will include a smoked club sandwich, a Reuben, and a buffalo chicken wrap as well as eight burger options — from the Nancy to bourbon barbecue, bacon mushroom, the Revival chili and a create-your-own option.
Robarge partners with locals — Seibel’s Family Farm for eggs, Mancini’s bread, KLVN coffee, Leona’s ice cream, Turner’s juice and meat from Goodness Grows Farm.
“This community has been wonderful,” said Robarge, 27, of Friendship, who is dedicated to hiring people who have been incarcerated and others who might find barriers to employment. An underage drinking incident kept him from being hired many times.
Robarge hosts life skills classes and helps those with criminal records get help from a life coach.
He is from Virginia and came to Pittsburgh for a job through Venture for America, an organization that helps college graduates for careers as entrepreneurs.
He will do pretty much anything for an employee, from helping them apply for a driver’s license to opening a bank account.
“It’s about helping people create a better life,” Robarge said. “Working in a restaurant is not only about the food for their bodies but also to help them earn money to fuel other parts of their lives. Sometimes all it takes is a person who cares to make a difference for someone else.”
Nancy’s Revival is located at 616 South Ave. in Wilkinsburg.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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