The founder of one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic restaurant chains has died.
Hartley King, who started King’s Family Restaurants in 1967, died on January 31. He was 91.
At one time, King’s has nearly 35 locations in Southwestern PA and throughout the state.
As of 2024, four locations remain.
Pittsburghers will remember King as the man they’d see in King’s television commercials enticing you to come by for a meal and some ice cream afterward.
King’s is a full-service restaurant, but its specialty was its breakfast menu, ice cream, desserts and homemade pies.
PA State Rep. Andrew Kuzma released a statement about King’s passing.
“Elizabeth Township resident Hartley C. King, who founded Kings Family Restaurants, passed away recently. He was a dear friend and business mentor. May he rest in peace.”
King sold the restaurant chain a decade ago to a private equity firm.
While King became a local celebrity advertising his restaurants on television and radio, he was also known as a philanthropist who donated to many charities.
King's was a longtime sponsor of the Tri-State Section PGA and released the following statement to KDKA Radio.
The Tri-State Section PGA is deeply saddened by the passing of Hartley King, Founder and President of Kings Family Restaurants. Hartley was a Tri-State Section PGA Hall of Fame member, visionary leader, and generous supporter of our community, and he made invaluable contributions to the Tri-State Section PGA Junior Golf Tour. His dedication to fostering opportunities for young golfers left a lasting impact on our organization and the lives of many aspiring players.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the King family and those fortunate to know him. His legacy will continue to be felt both on and off the golf course.
David Wright, Executive Director/CEO Tri-State Section PGA
King’s now has locations in Canonsburg, Franklin, Greensburg and Kittanning.
Read his full obituary here.