Matt Turbiner and Kirk Vogel definitely stepped up their game with their latest dining concept.
Rival bar and restaurant opened June 14 in Collier.
The sports-themed establishment’s name represents the intense competition between rival teams such as when Pitt plays Penn State, the Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens, Pirates face the Philadelphia Phillies and Penguins go up against the Washington Capitals.
There isn’t much better than a good rivalry on the field, court, diamond or ice. If a game is on television, one of the nearly 50 big-screen TVs at Rival should be able to show it.
In addition to watching their favorite sports, guests can participate in competitions such as cornhole, darts, ping pong and video games.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | TribLive
A scoreboard is located at the entrance of Rival, a sports-themed bar and restaurant in Collier.
Turbiner and Vogel, owners of the Walnut Grill group of restaurants, have totally tranformed this former Walnut Grill location to make Rival. As you enter, the first thing you notice is a “Game On” illuminated sign and a scoreboard that came from Toll Gate Revival, a Pittsburgh-based vintage company specializing in rustic industrial Americana-style furniture and decor.
There is fencing similar to what is found on an athletic field.
The spacious bar has a new façade and is decorated with field turf. A golf putting green hangs above the main bar area. There are two outdoor spaces in the 7,200-square-foot area.
They’ve hired 55 people.
“We want people who have been to Walnut Grill to walk in and see new this is a whole new concept,” Vogel said.
Vogel told TribLive in February that after 10 years, they decided they wanted to give the place a makeover. The new look includes the menu as well.
The menu is what Turbiner calls “upscale bar food with lots of flavor.”
He said they will continually introduce new menu items.
The establishment boasts 30 taps with 28 beers, prosecco and sparkling rosé. There also is a frozen drink machine.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | TribLive
Rival Stix, served with a side of marinara, are breadsticks with garlic oil and three cheeses: mozzarella, provolone and asiago.
Starters include items such as French onion soup, Rival Stix (bread sticks), loaded tater tots and fries, and fried pickles. Prices start at $6.99.
They have traditional and boneless wings with a choice of 10 sauces and several rubs. Price is $9.99 for six.
There are salads starting at $9.49, pizza, burgers and handhelds such as a hot honey chicken sandwich and a beer-battered fish sandwich, as well as entrees of chicken & waffles and sweet chili salmon for $24.49.
“We will offer good quality food for a fair price,” Turbiner said.
“We will be open late because there aren’t a lot of restaurants open late and serving food,” Vogel said. “We want to be a part of the community. There is such a confluence of neighborhoods in this area that we hope to engage with all of them. We want to reach out to alumni clubs to host game watch parties and other sporting events.”
They have room to host parties.
The owners collaborated with East Liberty-based Actual Size to redesign the space.
Mary Kiernan, who founded the branding and digital agency with her husband, Bob, said it took about 12 weeks to complete the project.
The goal was to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and to include all sports — from high school to professional and everything in between. And the space is not just for sports fans. She said she can envision Rival hosting bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Part of the design included wanting to create feelings of nostalgia for those people who played or watched sports in their younger days, with the scoreboard and fencing and images of athletes, because Western Pennsylvania has such a rich history of sports.
“We want all generations to feel welcome,” Mary Kiernan said. “We created a sophisticated sports atmosphere where you can enjoy sports and a good meal.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | TribLive
Bleachers are located on one of the outdoor spaces at Rival in Collier.
One of the outdoor areas has a firepit and bleachers decorated with wall cushions — those soft squares fans take to ball games to sit on.
There are images of sports figures throughout.
“We will also be flexible with hours,” Vogel said. “If there is something like an early World Cup soccer match, we will open. We are here for the customers.”
Jeff and Lisa Vid of Collier stopped in to check out Rival. Jeff Vid had been waiting for it to open, he said.
“Just think about Saturdays during college football season,” he said. “There are often several good games on, and we will be able to come here and watch them.”
In addition to all the televisions, he likes that the bar seats have cushions and appreciates the variety of the food menu and friendliness of the staff.
“They’ve put a lot of thought into this place,” he said.
Lisa Vid said it’s a great atmosphere.
“I really like the energy in here,” she said. “We feel comfortable here and will definitely be coming back.”
Rival is located at 1595 Washington Pike, Collier.
Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays (kitchen will be open until 11 p.m.).
Details: 412-293-5084 or eatrival.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
