Landmark Pittsburgh Eatery Abruptly Closes After Half-Century

PITTSBURGH, PA — The last Hardee's in Western Pennsylvania has abruptly closed.

The restaurant shut down on Tuesday. The nearest Hardee's located to the city now are in Carlisle and Waynesboro, both about three hours from Pittsburgh.

Former Millvale mayor Jim Burn, who also is past chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Party and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, posted a poignant tribute to the restaurant on social media.

"Hardees in Millvale has been a cornerstone of this community. Many of us s in Millvale and the Shaler area have worked there, practically all of us have been there. The memories it has gifted this community are countless based on the value it has held as much more than a restaurant.

"We launched our Millvale Days parades, when we had them, from the Hardee's parking lot. Car cruises have continued to be a tradition, with one being held there as recently as last week.

"Many thousands of customers and employees have been through those doors.

"Hardee's was the traditional "meet up" location for us. We would start our Friday and Saturday night adventures from the lobby with our Hardee's uniforms in the back seats of our cars so that we could get to work in time to open the store at 5am .

"Sadly and suddenly, Hardee's in Millvale closed its doors permanently after 52 years.

"One of life's only certainties is change. We do not always appreciate something until it is gone. This change marks the end of an era.

"Many thanks to Hardee's for being a vital part of our community for over half a century. We will always appreciate how important you have been to Millvale and the surrounding area.

"You will certainly be missed."