Toll Gate Revival: Pittsburgh’s rustic antique shop in Braddock
The Braddock-based showroom carries a rust belt throwback collection of furniture, signage and housewares. We chatted with owner, Seth Hunter.
by Aadam Soorma
July 17, 2019
Talk to Seth Hunter and he’ll chuckle when you mention Toll Gate Revival, his antique shop.
“Straight up. This location (Braddock) is my old shop, times three. It’s a bigger space with bigger stuff.”
A concept that originally started six years ago out of his garage, Hunter has scaled up Toll Gate Revival into an antiques showroom and warehouse space that is now open at 224 Braddock Ave. Shop hours are Saturday & Sunday (11 am to 5 pm); Monday thru Friday (by appointment only).
How Toll Gate Revival Got Started
“I was born in Wheeling, West Virginia,” Hunter explained. “And my family had a farm on the Pennsylvania side of the West Virginia border. I was always fixing stuff and repurposing things.”
That hobby turned into an opportunity to display things at local flea markets.
“When I realized I could make some money, I began sourcing things that I thought were cool. That just drove my passion further. I started my Instagram account and the Toll Gate brand began to take shape.”
Hunter continues: “I started renting out a 10-ft x 20-ft storage unit in Claysville, about an hour south of Pittsburgh. I set it up and treated it like a real antique shop and people from Pittsburgh would actually make the hourlong drive to come look at stuff.”
After renting a space near the Mexican War Streets in 2014, Hunter moved his shop from the Northside to Lawrenceville where he remained until recently settling on a larger space in Braddock in May 2019.
Why is it called Toll Gate Revival?
Hunter says that the Toll Gate Revival brand is largely an expression of himself.
“Way back in the day (before toll booths) there were toll houses and my great-grandfather’s farm actually had a toll house that was decommissioned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He called it ‘Toll Gate Farm’ and I found a way to celebrate that name with ‘Toll Gate Revival.’
“As I found my personal style, Toll Gate has continued to evolve.”
What is Toll Gate’s focus in the antique realm?
“It’s always been about what I think is cool. I present things in a way people can see them in their own home,” Hunter said. “When you see an old rusty sign displayed above a couch, you get a vision. To be honest, I decorate my own home like this shop.”
“To me, Toll Gate Revival is a reflection of Pittsburgh. It’s a rustic style that this city has always had.”
-Seth Hunter, Toll Gate Revival
What trends or patterns have you noticed in the antique industry?
“Trends are always cyclical and evolving. I haven’t been around long enough to see a whole cycle in its entirety.”
“When I was getting started, ‘industrial’ was hot. Then ‘mid-century modern’ got really hot. What I’m seeing now is the ‘farmhouse / fixer-upper’ style is hot. Every Tollgate customer has their own unique style so I try to keep a diverse inventory on hand.”
“That being said, I don’t buy or source my stuff according to trends. I buy what I like and I hope you like it too.”
When did Toll Gate relocate to Braddock?
“This is Toll Gate’s fifth space.”
“I kept outgrowing previous spaces and it broke my heart to leave Lawrenceville. But then I found that Braddock has this gritty feel and I’ve always been enamored by that. I started moving over in November 2018, did some build-out and rearranging and then opened in May 2019.”
What can folks expect from the Braddock location?
“I have always been drawn to bigger, statement pieces and I want customers to be able to see everything in one location. So my front showroom is a bit more curated and high end. The back of the house is the warehouse with everything else.”
What’s the future look like for Toll Gate?
“I’m still figuring that out. I want to travel a lot more and I’d love to pack more stuff in here. I am considering expanding a bit, maybe into some vintage clothing.”
“Eventually, people will see more store hours too. I’d like to get to a point where Toll Gate can be open five days a week. The neighborhood is getting more and more lively. Everything is moving in the right direction.”
“Also, I am excited to paint more of my building too.”
Photos courtesy of Toll Gate Revival
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
Exploring the history of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown
At one time, there was even an informal Chinatown mayor to act as a community liaison.
Painting My Way Through Life: Pittsburgh (And Beyond) Through The Eyes of Artist Ron Donoughe
Ron Donoughe has spent over 30 years painting the Pennsylvania landscape, especially Pittsburgh. When you don’t find him capturing the spirit of his paintings on location, you’ll likely find him in his Lawrenceville studio – where he’s watched the neighborhood transform through his windows.
With a potential sale of his building looming in 2022, we chatted with Donoughe about his artistic journey thus far, what might come next, and Pittsburgh through his eyes.
“Better than a tent” this Greensburg Airbnb is only $15/night
The accommodations are minimal, but the price can’t be beat. This Airbnb shed is available just outside of Pittsburgh in Greensburg for just $15/night.
Not your typical Asian takeout — a guide to international takeout food in Pittsburgh
Let’s talk international food from Korea, Thailand, India, Uzbekistan and more! This isn’t your typical takeout box.