CBRE Arranges Lease Bringing Barcelona Wine Bar to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District

CBRE has arranged a 5,203-square-foot retail lease at 922 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on behalf of Barcelona Wine Bar. The restaurant is slated to open in 2023 and marks the award-winning Spanish tapas restaurant group’s entrance into the Pittsburgh market.

CBRE’s Herky Pollock and Jessica Curtis handled lease negotiations on behalf of the tenant. CBRE’s Jason Cannon represented the landlord, New-Jersey based iPenn Ventures LP, a partnership of Rugby Realty.

Established in 1996, Barcelona Wine Bar offers clean and rustic cuisine with tapas shaped by Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences, as well as one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Row, the restaurant will feature an outdoor dining area, expansive bar, and an award-winning menu. Barcelona currently operates locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Virginia and Washington DC.

“Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the preeminent restaurants in the country and Pittsburgh was a logical next move. The city has long been recognized as a hub for foodies,” said Pollock. “Their arrival speaks volumes about our dining scene and kicks off a long list of high-profile restaurants coming to downtown.”

iPenn Ventures, owner of 922 Penn Avenue, has led the transformation of the Penn Avenue corridor and selected Barcelona to occupy the space.

“We received numerous proposals from other restaurateurs for this space once Sharp Edge announced they were leaving – but the decision to go with Barcelona Wine Bar was a no-brainer,” said Larry Walsh, Chief Operating Officer – Pittsburgh / Principal of Rugby Realty. “We are confident that tenants in our neighboring properties will be very happy with our choice.”

“Pairing one of the country’s best restaurants with one of Pittsburgh’s best property ownership groups was a match made in heaven,” said Jason Cannon, First Vice President with CBRE. “We are thrilled to welcome Barcelona Wine Bar to downtown Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh food scene.”