Notable Pittsburgh Restaurateur Dies

OAKMONT, PA — Danny Monaco, the owner of Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco in Oakmont, died Sunday from coronavirus complications. His death was announced on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Mr. Monaco would have celebrated 50 years of operating the esteemed eatery in September.

"There are no words to express the amount of sadness we are all feeling today," the Facebook post stated. "Our hearts are broken but just as Danny would want, we won't stop. The entire Hoffstot's family, both by blood and employment, have stepped up and we are all pushing forward just as Danny would have demanded."

The Monaco family purchased Hoffstot’s in 1971 keeping its original name. When the bank beside Hoffstot’s closed, they bought the building and opened another smaller restaurant, Cafe Monaco, which had a different menu and dining atmosphere. Both restaurants were renovated in 1990, given a new menu and brought together under the name Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco.

Throughout the myriad of changes over the years, Mr. Monaco was a constant.

"His personality was larger than life," the Facebook tribute stated. "He was a father, a boss, a leader, a constant, and a teacher. He was honest, a straight-shooter, a good man, and an incredible friend. He never shied away from a confrontation or wouldn't hold back if you screwed up, but by God, he'd have your back in any situation and would help you whenever you needed it.

"It won’t ever be the same without him but just know we’re gonna keep going because of the things he instilled in all of us, the things he taught us, and the foundation he built. He devoted his entire life to these restaurants and they were his passion."

Visitation will be held Jan. 21 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burket-Truby Funeral Home on Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont. The funeral Service and interment in Calvary Cemetery will be private.

Read Mr. Monaco's full obituary here.