Building the Valley: Moonlight Inn restaurant in Vandergrift stands test of time

Apr. 9—Jim Baker of Carrick doesn't mind taking a road trip for a hearty meal.

Baker recently drove 40 miles to meet with former classmates from his 1973 Kiski Area High School graduating class for an evening of food and fellowship at Moonlight Inn in Vandergrift.

He ordered a Franco's Ribeye specialty sandwich, the top-selling sandwich named after former owner Franco Dongiovanni.

"I love this sandwich," Baker said, showing off his meal to his friends. "Love this place."

Moonlight Inn has been welcoming customers and treating them like family since Franco and his late wife, Bernie, purchased the place in 1984.

But don't let the name fool you. There's no lodging available, even though customers frequently ask if there is room at the inn.

Franco's grandson, Nico Dongiovanni, 23, grew up learning the restaurant ropes from his grandparents — even pouring beer for customers as a youngster.

"I grew up in here. I started washing dishes when I was teen. I did just about everything," he said.

Nico Dongiovanni officially took over ownership from his grandfather in January 2022.

Franco, who is retired and lives in Jupiter, Fla., said his grandson's desire to continue the family-run business is heartwarming.

"It means the world to me. I bought it in 1984, and I only had 12 barstools and 20 chairs," Franco said. "Nico is surprising the heck out of me. He's doing everything right. He grew up in the kitchen there."

Franco recalled Nico helping with pizzas, alongside his grandmother, when he was barely tall enough to reach the countertops to spread the sauce.

"He told me at a young age he wanted the Moonlight. I was going to sell it because my wife had passed away. For his age, he's got the best work ethic you can have," Franco said.

Since taking over ownership, Nico Dongiovanni has upgraded the bar with a wide, stone, U-shaped seating area and still welcomes original patrons.

"It feels good. It makes me feel like I've kept something going in this town where a lot of things don't stay," he said. "I'm keeping his legacy going."

Server Samantha Ray of Apollo said customers love the laid-back feel and welcoming atmosphere.

"I've never had an unhappy customer, and they really like Franco's Ribeye. People come here, and they leave smiling," Ray said. "We have a lot of regulars. It's like a 'Cheers' of Vandergrift."

Regular customer Gary Piovesan, 71, of New Kensington grew up in West Vandergrift and worked as a paperboy, delivering papers to Moonlight Inn during the 1960s.

Piovesan, a retiree from Oberg Industries, said he has patronized Moonlight Inn for more than 50 years.

"Everything is secret in this business. Even their salad dressing is a secret here," Piovesan said. "They are supported by the people of Vandegrift."

Nico Dongiovanni credits a loyal customer base for surviving the pandemic and bouncing back with precovid sales and plenty of customers.

"My success I can attribute to a great staff and loyal customers I've had from the 1980s," said Dongiovanni, a 2018 Kiski Area grad and Vandergrift resident.

Everything is homemade, and Dongiovanni does much of the cooking.

"It's a restaurant that serves alcohol, not a bar that serves food," he said.

Plans include expanding the parking lot, adding more seating and introducing a brunch service this spring.

The covered deck offers a sweeping view of parts of Allegheny Township and is open during the winter months thanks to large space heaters and thick, clear heavy-duty plastic.

Moonlight's rural setting makes for occasional surprises, including a rogue turkey that once flew through the plastic and landed on the deck, Dongiovanni said.

The menu still features some of Franco's original offerings of fries, pizza and wings.

The wings are a house specialty.

"Our wing seasoning is a bit different and well liked, but I can't say what we do," Dongiovanni said.

The restaurant's name dates to the 1940s and was never changed.

"People call and ask, 'Can I get a room?' And there's never been rooms here," Dongiovanni said. "I just want people to visit and know it's all homemade food, a view. Come for the sunset, stay for the food."

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .