Damon's opens Downtown (Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Jeannette: hotel, home, pub)

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Damon's is definitely on the lower end of tolerable chain restaurants.

[Geeo]

Not my cup of tea, but I know it will fill a niche that's missing downtown. I went only once and got a headache from all the TVs.

[Nick99]

I don't know much about the previous place as I don't live in Pittsburgh, but I don't see how the opening of a generic, bland franchise is good for any area, let alone downtown. If a city is to have these stores, let them be confined to the suburbs, and not ruin the charm and character of a nice city like Pittsburgh.

[BrianTH]

The location in question is somewhat isolated (USX is up on a plaza, and that section of Grant Street doesn't have much retail in general), so it isn't going to be ruining any charming local retail scene.

I don't really understand this sentiment, but some visitors prefer national-brand establishments, and this helps fill the popular family-restaurant/sports-bar niche. Generally I am fine with there being a Damon's Downtown, a McDonald's Downtown, and so on, as long as that sort of place isn't dominating.

[Nick99]

Good points, BrianTH. I guess there need to be a few places in any city's core where visiting families say 'oh, cool, a (insert favourite restaurant found back home) here! let's go'.

I live in Ottawa, Canada and am new to this site, but I decided to register and comment on some cities' pages I have developed an interest in. I have to say, I virtually fell in love with Pittsburgh following the photo threads. So much character, and variety in the architecture. I recently visited Buffalo and was astonished how way off the bad rap is that that city gets.

Glad to see people out there passionate about their city and so knowledgeable too, a wealth of civic knowledge on these pages. I got especially excited reading RestonRunner's enthusiastic posts about moving to the Steel City. I wish I lived in a city that elicited as much enthusiasm in me. (Ottawa ain't it!)

These fora, if not providing me the freedom to move to great US cities like Pittsburgh, at least in the meantime fuels that dream, while making me that much more eager to visit, if only as a tourist.

[gallacus]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I don't really understand this sentiment, but some visitors prefer national-brand establishments, and this helps fill the popular family-restaurant/sports-bar niche. Generally I am fine with there being a Damon's Downtown, a McDonald's Downtown, and so on, as long as that sort of place isn't dominating.

This could especially fill a void for visitors who are staying downtown but looking for a place to catch a game for their favorite hometown team. When I travel for business on Steeler's game days I always look for a place that will show the game. I don't care how much local personality the place has so long as I get to see my beloved Steelers!

[gallacus]

...Although I have to admit that Damon's food is beyond terrible. I had to eat there once to use up a gift card that I got for Christmas one year and I was shocked at how horrible the meal was.

[neurodistortion]

It would've been better if they brought in a place like Dino's, which has locations in Greensburg and its hometown of Latrobe and is MUCH better than Damon's. Otherwise, I don't see what the big fuss is about.

[chloride1]

Originally Posted by Nick99

Good points, BrianTH. I guess there need to be a few places in any city's core where visiting families say 'oh, cool, a (insert favourite restaurant found back home) here! let's go'.

I live in Ottawa, Canada and am new to this site, but I decided to register and comment on some cities' pages I have developed an interest in. I have to say, I virtually fell in love with Pittsburgh following the photo threads. So much character, and variety in the architecture. I recently visited Buffalo and was astonished how way off the bad rap is that that city gets.

Glad to see people out there passionate about their city and so knowledgeable too, a wealth of civic knowledge on these pages. I got especially excited reading RestonRunner's enthusiastic posts about moving to the Steel City. I wish I lived in a city that elicited as much enthusiasm in me. (Ottawa ain't it!)

These fora, if not providing me the freedom to move to great US cities like Pittsburgh, at least in the meantime fuels that dream, while making me that much more eager to visit, if only as a tourist.

I spent about 4 days in Ottawa and thought it was a very lovely city.

[pman]

there's nothing good about having a bad restaurant except that it's better than no business at all. it's okay that it's moving in but clearly visitors would be better served by a better restaurant.