Ladles restaurant in Springdale closes, possibly for good
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The future is uncertain for the popular Springdale eatery Ladles.
The storefront on busy Pittsburgh Street still looks inviting, but the restaurant is closed. And while a sign on the front door reads, “We plan on reopening very soon,” Ladles’ future actually remains very much in doubt.
“The future is unclear,” said owner Kathy Marsico-Kaminski.
“We cannot operate at 50% capacity,” she said. “During the closure we lost a lot of our refrigeration, so we would need to make a lot repairs if and when we reopen. That is yet to be determined.”
It’s unwelcome news for Alle-Kiski Valley residents who have made Ladles a destination for club gatherings, retirement parties or just a night out with family and friends.
Mark Affinito, 60, of Springdale, said it’s a shame to lose a local restaurant like Ladles.
“It hurts. I miss it. The owner is nice, the waitresses are nice and they all knew me by name in there. The place had a nice homey atmosphere,” said Affinito, who easily rattled off a list of some of his favorite menu items, including the restaurant’s battered fish, spaghetti and meatballs, fried chicken and salads.
Ladles was known for homemade soups that Marsico-Kaminski said she prepared like an artist creating a beautiful painting. Her salads were described as “enormous,” and by all accounts the breakfasts were hearty.
It seemed that everyone out and about in Springdale on a late summer Thursday had their own favorite Ladles homemade dish or drink.
“I liked the fried green tomatoes. They had a special sauce. They were real good. I’m craving them right now,” said Steve Kusenko, 59, of Springdale.
Kusenko’s wife, Barb, 55, said breakfast at Ladles was something she particularly enjoyed.
“I really liked their ‘Dynamo Coffee’ and I don’t know exactly what was in it. There was Amaretto and different liqueurs. All good stuff,” she said.
Bob Brechel, 68, of Springdale, also appreciated the atmosphere and the fact that the restaurant was close enough to walk to.
“It’s a shame. It was just a nice, pleasant place with good food. It had an easygoing atmosphere and that’s something I like,” Brechel said.