From the time he was eight years old, Jamie Petrolias would go to work on Saturdays with his father John at the Smithfield Café. He would wash dishes, sweep and mop floors and even flip hamburgers standing on an old wooden Coke crate in front of the flat top griddle. On his very first day working, his grandfather and namesake James handed him a five-dollar bill and smiled. Jamie’s grandfather was smiling not only because he was proud of his grandson but also because he knew that the business was in Jamie’s blood. After all, Jamie’s other grandfather, George Anthon, was the owner of Anthon’s Tea Room and Bakery, an East Liberty landmark since 1926. Jamie’s future was probably decided before he was born.

During his high school and college years, Jamie would work at the Smithfield Café whenever he could. His goal was to learn as much about the business as he could. He also spent a few summers working at the Will o the Wisp in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland where he furthered his practical and operational experience.

After graduating from Lehigh University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Jamie enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After graduating from the CIA in 1987 and with a wealth of practical experience and education, Jamie and his father opened Jamie’s on the Square in Market Square, in downtown Pittsburgh in 1988. Jamie’s on the Square soon became a very popular place to eat lunch and dine before the theater in the evening.

In the early part of 2004 Jamie was presented with an offer he couldn’t turn down. The space on West Liberty Avenue in Dormont, the site of the Original Red Bull Inn, became available. With ample parking and space to accommodate large parties Jamie’s Restaurant and Lounge opened in September of 2004.

Today, Jamie’s Restaurant and Lounge has become the South Hills’ favorite place to eat dinner, have a party or just relax with friends in the Lounge and listen to live music. Jamie and his staff eagerly await you and your friends and family.

Jamie’s Restaurant and Lounge. “Where good people meet good food.”