Joshua Kesler, the restaurateur behind local concepts The Millworks and Watershed Pub, recently acquired Cork & Fork, located at 200 State St in Harrisburg, according to local media outlet Penn Live.
Kesler, along with silent partners John Laporta and Patrick Garrity, purchased the restaurant from its previous owners, Nourish Hospitality Group.
In an interview with Penn Live, Kesler explained that he seized the opportunity to align himself with the well-established brand, saying, “It created an opportunity that is kind of hard to come by, and it is such a great existing brand on the Harrisburg food scene,” adding “It felt like a great fit.”
Given its reputation and accolades – Susquehanna Style named Cork & Fork Harrisburg’s best business lunch spot and best cocktails in 2021 – Kesler doesn’t intend to overhaul the establishment, nor its menu, telling Penn Live “The bread and butter things that have been on the menu that are really, really good, we’ll keep.”
Cork & Fork opened its doors in 2014 and quickly became a Harrisburg favorite. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant’s signature pizzas include the Pistachio, made with pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, arugula, crushed pistachio and lemon oil, as well as the Carne Amore, topped with house sauce, mozzarella, bacon, salsiccia, and soppressata. Meanwhile, entrees include a Fire Roasted Cauliflower Steak, Fennel Pollen Salmon, and Scallops & Risotto.
However, the brand is equally recognized for its small-plate offerings, such as the Sautéed Octopus, Eggplant Parmesan Rollatini, Spaghetti Squash, and Braised Mussels.
Additional reporting by Kelly Mintzer.
