Popular cafe to relocate from Blawnox to O'Hara
A busy Blawnox cafe is relocating to O’Hara.
Curbside Coffeehouse, originally at 405 Freeport Road, is moving to 1101 Powers Run Road.
The eatery is more than a traditional java joint, offering a fresh foods concept eatery with menu items changing daily — sometimes hourly.
“It’s an amazing neck of the woods, and we have incredible local schools, neighbors and a community center,” owner Kylee Witchey said. “I’m further settling down roots for the long term and want Curbside to be a gem in a vibrant residential stretch.”
Witchey expected to be out of the Blawnox site by Sept. 23. The relocation could take up to a week afterward, she said.
The Powers Run Road location most recently was occupied by Farmer x Baker, which opened in October 2021 and closed in late 2022.
Witchey, originally from Lower Burrell and now a Fox Chapel resident, took over ownership of the existing Curbside in 2008, about a week after graduating from Duquesne University.
She was 21.
Now 36, Witchey said she was eager then to reside closer to work and moved to Fox Chapel in 2009.
Witchey, who is hands-on as owner and chef, is known for her high-energy work ethic and bubbly personality.
“Curbside is my life. We grew up together,” Witchey said.
Covid forced Witchey to get creative with her cafe offerings and the meals-to-go option and heat-and-eat options such as soup.
The cafe serves breakfast and lunch as takeout or dining in. “The case,” as it’s affectionately nicknamed, is stocked hourly with freshly made sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more as foods are prepared all morning and afternoon.
Popular items include avocado toast, fresh-fruit smoothies and signature all-white-meat chicken salad.
She purchased the O’Hara building in May and will start with about six employees at the new location, which is a bit behind the original planned late summer opening date. It will continue to operate in Blawnox until it moves.
Curbside’s new location will feature updated hours to accommodate school schedules, and an online ordering system will speed up customer ordering and pickup.
“People can zip in and zip out to pick up their pre-paid order and be on their way,” Witchey said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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