Pittsburgh Eatery: Pick Up Takeout Order, Get Free Toilet Paper

BRIDGEVILLE, PA - It's a deal that sounds too good to be true during the coronavirus outbreak: Buy one of America's favorite foods - pizza - and get a free supply of what currently is America's most precious commodity: toilet paper.

But that's exactly the deal customers are getting at Cucina Bella, a neighborhood restaurant known for its artisan Italian cuisine. Purchase a takeout pizza, or any other menu item, and you'll walk out with a free toilet paper roll.

"We're not talking Charmin-grade," restaurant owner Carmen Pirain told Patch. "No four-ply stuff here, but it's restaurant-quality TP."

Pirain hatched the clever promotional idea after Gov. Tom Wolf nixed dine-in options at Pennsylvania restaurants because of the coronavirus threat and as people were making panicked mass purchases at supermarkets.

"I get that everyone thinks the world is ending, I get the (run on) hand sanitizer, but I don't get the (run on) toilet paper," he said. "I didn't understand it but I told Jess, who's been with me since we opened almost nine years ago, that we should give away a roll of toilet paper with every takeout order."

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There was almost no toilet paper left on the grocery shelves, but Pirain contacted a Strip District wholesaler who had a plentiful supply. He purchased two cases and suddenly found himself with 600 rolls of papery gold.

A huge Van Halen fan, Pirain, 43, took to Cucina Bella's Facebook page to let people know he had an abundant supply of toilet paper. He posted a photo and lyrics from one of the band's most famous songs: "Everybody wants some. I want some, too. Everybody wants some. How 'bout you?"

In several days since that post, Pirain has given away more than 200 rolls.

"People dig the toilet paper, and I like giving it away," he said. "I wanted to give something back to the communities that have supported me - Bridgeville, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, South Fayette, all of those people.

"I just wish I could do more."

Image: Google Maps.