About Us

For years patrons have been able to sample Chef LaShawn Espy's food by attending a private catered event or visiting one of the many casual fine/fine dining and high-volume restaurants in Washington, DC  that he has worked at over the past two decades.   

Past patrons, friends, and family now can directly support the restaurant venture and vision that Chef LaShawn Espy and business partner Ashley Taylor have cultivated. Together they have 25+ years of experience in the food, hospitality, and entertainment industries.

The two were inspired to become restaurateurs since adolescence from spending time with their grandmother Ruby Espy in her kitchen. Memories resonate from her retro electric lime green 1970s oven and huge wooden bowl that made daily homemade meals for the family from scratch. Fast food wasn't an option; fresh ingredients were a MUST!  

LaShawn and Ashley wanted to continue the legacy of their grandmother by owning and operating FRY BAR, LLC in the Pittsburgh area. FRY BAR is a unique fast-casual restaurant concept. The objective is to provide a safe environment that provides fresh quality farm-to-table food to consumers; producing a menu that contains foods that emphasize quality over convenience. FRY BAR prides itself on producing consumer favorites made with fresh quality ingredients and a culinary twist. Even the fries are fresh cut and cured through a two-day process to elevate the customers experience and to satisfy the taste buds. They have made their dream come true by opening the first Fry Bar in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, in the Mckeesport area. 

Fry Bar was in existence due to a partnership with Penn State Greater Allegheny Launch Box program. Unfortunately, on August 2, 2022 an incident occurred where  a construction company that was working on the premises hit a gas line resulting in an explosion that caused several businesses to lose everything.

Fry Bar is now in search of a new home. Until permanent roots can be planted they are catering and conducting pop up shops to ensure the consumer can still enjoy the Fry Bar experience.