Valliant’s Diner in Ross Gets a New Owner, but Maintains Its Retro Charm

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

In August, when Aaron Easler bought Valliant’s Diner, he hung a “Closed” sign on the door so he could clean, organize and adjust to life as a restaurant owner.

He quickly learned that the Ross eatery belongs to the customers.

Regulars filtered in through the front and back entrances, occupied their usual booths and ordered breakfast favorites while chatting with the longtime waitstaff.

Unfazed by the business-as-usual onslaught, Easler accepted money for the meals on a donation-only basis and gave all $400 to nearby Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where former proprietor Gerri Valliant is a dedicated member.

Valliant’s parents, Peter and Helen, opened the diner in 1968, and he helmed the place for more than 30 years before hanging up his apron.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

“Up until that point, I didn’t fully understand what a pillar this place is,” says Easler, who grew up in the area and left a career in graphic design to pursue his dream of running a greasy spoon. “I like the community aspect of it. I didn’t want to see it turn into something else.”

Employee Jana Howard worked at Valliant’s when she was in high school and returned last week to bus tables alongside her teenage children. She believes the beloved institution is in good hands.

“Gerri waited for this family,” she says, smiling at Easler during a Friday morning rush.

The 34-year-old knows he has big shoes (and bellies) to fill.

So, what’s it like taking over a famous landmark that appeared in a Super Bowl commercial and the horror movie “My Bloody Valentine 3D”?

Easler compares it to making an omelet without breaking an egg.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Luckily, he has a lot of support and an experienced crew in his corner.

Before retiring, Gerri Valliant gave Easler a crash course in restaurant ownership, while veteran employees such as Kim DiBortoli introduced him to the regulars who are more like family members.

“The customers keep me here,” DiBortoli says, adding that her kids have also worked at Valliant’s. “It feels like home.”

At the end of September, Easler officially shut down the diner for two weeks and, with his dad’s help, painted the dining room, streamlined the prep station and tackled multiple behind-the-scenes projects. His mom, who passed away two years ago, is there in spirit.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Valliant’s vibe is mid-century Americana meets the neon colors of ‘80s sitcom “Saved by the Bell.” Cosmetic touches gave it a subtle refresh.

Easler, former creative director of Pittsburgh-based marketing agency Top Hat, plans to restore the diner’s retro sign on Babcock Boulevard and update the menu with more locally sourced ingredients, scratch-made offerings and weekend specials.

There’s even talk of introducing late-night hours and hosting a ticketed dinner series that would benefit local nonprofits.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Manager Danny Krakowiak, who’s spent decades in the service industry, was busy flipping flapjacks on the day I visited. He’s committed to attracting new patrons while keeping familiar faces happy and well-fed.

Valliant’s was my go-to breakfast spot when I lived in Ross, so I ditched my healthy diet for the day and went with a nostalgic order of coffee, eggs, home fries, rye toast and five strips of the crispest bacon in the ‘Burgh.

Alex Wiwel, a fellow University of Pittsburgh graduate, sat beside me at the counter, enjoying a ham sandwich and a Turner’s iced tea.

The 24-year-old California resident visits Valliant’s every time he’s in town on business.

“It’s the embodiment of Pittsburgh and middle America,” he says.

Easler shares the sentiment and hopes to preserve it.

“We want to amplify the soul of what it is, and do so in a playful and interesting way,” he says. “There’s a big opportunity here to do something special.”

Valliant’s Diner is located at 3418 Babcock Blvd. in Ross. Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.