Kings Family Restaurant founder dies at age 91

CANONSBURG, Pa. — Kings Family Restaurants has been part of the fabric of Pittsburgh; a place where guests feel at home.

“They greet us like we are family. The food is great. It’s our go-to place,” said customer Sandy Hoffman.

The iconic neighborhood restaurant has lost one of its own. The beloved founder, Hartley King, has passed away.

“We lost a legend in southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Andrew Kuzma.

King opened his first restaurant in North Versailles back in 1967 and it grew to more than 30 locations including the one in Canonsburg.

“It was a place he would want a family to come in and not dig too deep into their pockets to pay the bill. They could come in after the Friday night football games and Sundays after church,” said George Brown, Kings District Manager.

George Brown has worked for the family business for over 40 years and said Hartley was more than just a boss.

“He was a great guy to work for. He took care of his people. His idea was a restaurant wasn’t just a place to serve food, we were ingrained in the neighborhood. We worked with local schools and local charities,” said Brown.

King’s family said Hartley passed away last Friday at the age of 91.

“Very sad to hear that. It was definitely a tough day. He gave so many people so many chances. He gave this community a lot,” said Brown.

His family sent a statement saying, “King lived an amazingly rich and joyful life, filled with memorable adventures, laughter, and enduring friendships. He loved the City of Pittsburgh and was so appreciative of all the support and dedication he had received from employees, customers, and partners. It made him so proud to be able to serve the Western Pennsylvania community for over 50 years.”

Kings was a sponsor for Channel 11 Skylights for many years. Local state representative Andrew Kuzma said he was a dear friend and mentor. They were neighbors and Kuzma’s grandmother was Hartley’s secretary.

“The reason why so many people loved Hartley King because he was very successful, but you would never know it he was always smiling always down to earth always offered you apple pie with cinnamon ice cream just a really happy-go-lucky guy,” said Rep. Kuzma. “All of southwestern Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh are going to miss Hartley King.”

Hartley King’s legacy will live on. There are still four Kings restaurants that are under different ownership. Some employees said they will continue to operate the way Hartley would want them to by being friendly warm and welcoming to every customer who walks in.

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