PHOTOS BY STEEL CITY VISUALS

For realtor Hedy Krenn of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty, there’s just something special about living in the heart of the Golden Triangle. While she’s listed homes in all corners of the city, Krenn says she was truly excited for the chance to market a condo in Lumière, located at 350 Oliver Avenue.

The building was developed by Lucas Piatt, who owns Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty and is developing Esplanade along the North Shore.

“Lucas puts heart and soul into everything he does,” says Krenn. “He loves Downtown, and we are all excited about the great things happening there.”

Among a crop of new construction condos, Krenn says this one edges out the competition for a long list of reasons.

“I personally love this building because it offers some of the most spectacular views in Downtown Pittsburgh,” says Krenn. “The residents enjoy a stunning rooftop terrace with skyline views, secure garage parking, professional on‑site management and a secure, pet‑friendly environment with amenities such as a dog wash and outdoor space.”

The on-site amenities and prime location are what first attracted Sal to the one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo several years ago — first living in it himself, and then using it as a rental.

“I was drawn by the convenience and walkable Downtown lifestyle,” he says. “The neighborhood is becoming vibrant again, with so many great restaurants, as well as the Cultural District, there’s just so many things to do.”

Measuring in at just over 700 square feet, unit 1103 is listed for $365,000. While compact in space, smart design choices mean this home doesn’t feel cramped in any way. The open-concept layout is absolutely flooded with light, and neutral finishes help the main living area feel bright and cozy all at once. Smartly placed recess lighting helps create a cozy feel.

A galley-style kitchen is flanked on one side with a large island with breakfast bar, which serves as the home’s dining area. The kitchen has full-sized, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and in-unit laundry. Beyond the kitchen zone, a spacious living room area is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows.

A short hallway off of the living area, which is flanked by more windows, connects the main living area to the bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom is accessed via the hallway rather than directly off of the bedroom, a plus for guests.

The condo’s bedroom has more of those massive windows as well as a generous closet — residents are greeted by city views at the foot of their bed every morning.

“The views are great during the day, and the city lights at night are a real highlight,” says Sal. And, while he enjoyed the unit itself, he says the building’s amenities are what really sold it to him — it’s like permanent hotel life.

“My favorite feature is the rooftop terrace; it’s hard to beat that kind of space in the middle of Downtown,” he says.

Residents have access to the sprawling outdoor space atop the building, which is outfitted with fire pits, seating and lounging areas both inside and out, a kitchenette for entertaining and even a dog agility course and exercise area.

Residents are welcome to use the common spaces for relaxing and entertaining, and the building boasts a community feel.

“It offers an elevated perspective of Downtown that truly captures the energy of the city while still feeling like a private retreat,” says Krenn.

As far as construction goes, Krenn says there are no hidden concerns in this development built in 2020. The next owner will benefit from the remaining years on a 10-year tax abatement, and reasonable HOA fees cover shared maintenance and use of the many amenities.

“The building is quite new, so the condo benefits from modern construction, newer mechanicals and up‑to‑date life‑safety systems,” says Krenn. “Inside the condo, everything feels fresh and well cared for, from the kitchen and baths to the flooring and HVAC. With minimal use and thoughtful upkeep, the home is truly move‑in ready.”

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

Is there anyone who doesn’t know the words to “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

In the iconic song, Pittsburgher Fred Rogers gently asks Mister Rogers viewers to be his neighbor, singing he has always wanted a neighbor just like you. The tune is widely noted to be about care, connection and belonging.

The welcoming lyrics clearly resonated with Lady Gaga, who is taking on the beloved theme song for a Redfin ad set to air during Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8.

“You know, when I think about watching the neighbor, I just think about my earliest memory for the kid watching Mr. Rogers, and I think about how much he loves people, especially kids at home,” Gaga says in a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the commercial at Shangri-La Studios in California.

According to a press release from Rocket and Redfin, part of Rocket Companies, the spot is part of a new campaign centered on home, community and connection.

In the teaser for the Super Bowl ad, which has been viewed more than a million times on Youtube since it was posted on Jan. 27, the Grammy winner is seen trying to capture the heartfelt emotions that resonate throughout the song.

“I need to figure out if I’m gonna take it up, or if I’m gonna sing it like the original,” she says at one point.

Later, a clearly emotional Gaga reflects on what covering the song means to her.

“Mr. Rogers was so clearly someone that stood for something, and it is powerful to think of what he would say right now, and it’s kind of a special song to revisit at this time,” she says.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS HEAD COACH MIKE MCCARTHY IS INTRODUCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE. PHOTO BY KARL ROSER/PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Aaron Rodgers once described Mike McCarthy as “Pittsburgh toughness and grit on the outside and a big, soft teddy bear on the inside, a great combination to have.”

We saw the teddy bear on Tuesday at Acrisure Stadium, when McCarthy, a Greenfield native, was introduced as the 17th head coach of the Steelers and failed to make it through his opening statement without blubbering.

Will we next see a McCarthy-Rodgers reunion?

A few things will need to be sorted out first, specifically whether Rodgers has any interest in playing a 22nd NFL season at 42 going on 43, and what type of compensation he’d be expecting in return.

But in the event neither of the above complications prove to be a deal-breaker (a reasonable assumption), McCarthy sounds like he’d be all in on getting the band back together.

“Definitely, I don’t see what you wouldn’t,” McCarthy maintained.

As for Rodgers, he signed on with the Steelers to play for Mike Tomlin.

And upon Tomlin’s departure, even Steelers president Art Rooney II acknowledged Tomlin’s exit would “most likely affect” Rodgers’ decision.

But that was before McCarthy entered the picture.

PHOTO BY EVAN SIEGLE, GREEN BAY PACKERS

Rodgers and McCarthy spent almost 13 complete seasons in Green Bay together. And as of November 2022, when Rodgers offered up his Pittsburgh-grit-and-teddy-bear assessment, Rodgers was remembering his “longest-tenured coach” and “longest-tenured play-caller” with great appreciation.

The occasion then was an impending visit by McCarthy’s Dallas Cowboys to Lambeau Field in Green Bay to take on his former quarterback and his former team.

Rodgers, understandably, was peppered with questions by media covering the Packers about his relationship with McCarthy, and what he remembered most from their time together.

If there was any lingering bitterness, Rodgers kept it well hidden while expressing, beyond anything else, “thankfulness, gratitude” and fond memories.

“There’s a lot of things,” Rodgers offered. “Getting sized [for championship rings] the night before the Super Bowl will always be a special memory.”

That was the night before the Packers beat the Steelers, 31-25, on Feb. 6, 2011, in Super Bowl XLV.

“That whole night, we delayed the team meeting, I don’t know, 15 minutes or so, because a couple guys were on the piano, playing some songs,” Rodgers continued. “You just kinda felt that moment was special and I appreciated us delaying things and allowing that moment to exist. And then getting sized for your ring, just the confidence that kind of we had and what that statement meant was always really special.

“Mike and I started meeting Thursdays after practice for many, many years, in 2009 or 2010, I think it was, and those were always fun. Those could go 30 minutes or four hours, just start getting into story time. It just bonded us, I think, over the years, those conversations, and I always appreciated that.

“I have a lot of gratitude for the off-seasons that we went through. It was long, obviously the rules were a little bit different. That helped me become a better player and I’ll always be really thankful for that time, especially those early off-seasons.”

PITTSBURGH STEELERS HEAD COACH MIKE MCCARTHY IS INTRODUCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE. PHOTO BY KARL ROSER/PITTSBURGH STEELERS )

McCarthy has forged a career out of helping quarterbacks become better players.

At 62, he might not fit the Steelers’ traditional hire-a-head-coach-for-the-long-haul mold.

But in reminiscing back in November of 2022, Rodgers focused on far more than just fundamentals, X’s and O’s.

“There were definitely some tears over the years both in team settings and also some 1-on-1 settings,” Rodgers revealed. “Him and I definitely shed some tears over the years together in conversations, usually happy tears, I would say. Mike’s a big-hearted guy. There were a lot of real private conversations that we had over the years that I just appreciated his honestly in some of those moments.

“We had a really memorable time, 2013, on Christmas, actually. I hit him up in the afternoon and said, ‘Hey, once things are winding down with the kids, I’d like to come over and have a conversation with you. So I went over, I think he had a couple Iron Citys. I might have had one just to make him not drink alone but I wasn’t ever really an Iron City guy. But we had a long conversation about my desire to play in the following week against Chicago. (Rodgers had missed the previous seven games).

“That was a really memorable conversation. Obviously, it was Christmas and that has a whole myriad of emotions it brings into it. But that time and that conversation is always one that stands out for me.”

The insights Rodgers offered then were a rare look behind the curtain on the head coach-quarterback relationship curtain, but to Rodgers also appropriate.

“I think it’s normal to think about the things that you really loved about that relationship or that style or that program and just contemplate how special some of those moments were,” he said.

Doesn’t sound much like a guy who would be opposed to playing for McCarthy again, does it?

The Steelers should be so lucky.

121 Hidden Ridge
Indiana Township, PA 15238

Presented by Colleen Steigerwalt
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Secluded 17-acre retreat bordering Hartwood Acres Park with direct trail access and spectacular views!

This unique property blends timeless charm with modern upgrades, including natural gas, city water, whole-house filtration, new septic and water lines, back-up generator, and dual HVAC systems. Custom cherry floors, built-in cabinetry, automatic blinds, and a whole-house audio system add warmth and functionality.

Enjoy a professionally installed sauna, outdoor shower, fenced dog pen, and tranquil water features. The second-floor studio with full plumbing offers flexible living space—ideal for a guest suite or home office. With room to build a barn, this property is perfect for equestrians who dream of riding directly into Hartwood Acres.

Whether you’re seeking peace, creativity, or adventure, this move-in-ready home offers a lifestyle of comfort, privacy, and possibility.

Access via a quiet private road. Split across 10 and 7 acre parcels.

Price: $1,875,000
Beds: 3
Baths: 2

Click here to learn more about this property.

To schedule a visit:

Colleen Steigerwalt
Cell: 412-260-8801
Office:412-963-6300

Sponsored content is created and paid for by the marketer.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Director of Human Resources
MHY Family Services
The Human Resources Director serves as the organization’s sole HR professional and provides both strategic leadership and hands-on execution of all human resources functions. This hybrid role balances high-level planning with day-to-day operational responsibilities to support a small, mission-driven nonprofit organization. The position partners closely with executive leadership ensure HR practices are compliant, equitable, efficient, and aligned with organizational values, while directly managing recruitment, employee relations, benefits, compliance, and HR systems. Apply

Development Assistant
Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
As a part-time Development Assistant, you will contribute to much of the WC&S Development Department’s fundraising efforts, with a strong focus on donor communications, volunteer management, and administrative support. Additionally, you will assist with special campaigns and events throughout the year. This role is onsite/in-person and based out of the main WC&S facility. Apply

Service Manager
Café Momentum Pittsburgh
Café Momentum in downtown Pittsburgh seeks a Service Manager for a nonprofit restaurant that works to provide employment, life skills training, and wraparound care to justice system-involved youth. Reporting to the General Manager, the Service Manager oversees front of house operations and manages interns. Apply

Development Manager
Bradford House Historical Association
The Development Manager supports the organization through fundraising, donor engagement and stewardship, event planning, and general support. This role is primarily focused on individual giving and requires strong attention to detail, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills that will drive donor engagement, implement a multichannel fundraising strategy, and secure revenue. This position reports to the Executive Director. Apply

Manager of Stewardship and Donor Experience
La Roche University
La Roche University is seeking a Manager of Stewardship and Donor Experience to be responsible for ensuring that every La Roche University donor feels appreciated, informed, and connected to the mission they support. Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, this position oversees all aspects of donor acknowledgment, recognition, impact reporting, and event stewardship. The manager ensures consistent, high-quality communication and engagement with donors across all giving levels. Apply

Donor Relations Specialist
Manchester Bidwell Corporation
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Development, the Donor Relations Specialist works to develop, manage, and implement comprehensive giving strategies that build and sustain Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s base of supporters. Apply

Administrative Manager of Grants, Finance, and Operations
FISA Foundation
The Administrative Manager of Grants, Finance, and Operations is a full-time position that reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for overall administrative support for Foundation operations, including grants management, routine financial management, records management, maintenance of computers and office equipment, reception duties, and clerical support for staff and board activities. Apply

Executive Director of Mission Expression
Sisters of St. Joseph
The Executive Director of Mission Expression supports the Congregation as it focuses on how our mission and values are expressed and sustained into the future through collaborations among staff, sisters and partners. This role assists the Congregation in developing, fostering, promoting, and communicating initiatives, activities, processes, and structures necessary for expression of mission; and helps ensure our mission, values and legacy are sustained. Apply

Vice President of Operations
Hello Neighbor
This role oversees Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Program Evaluation, and Earned Revenue Infrastructure, integrating these functions into one coherent operational system that supports growth, accountability, and impact. The VP of Operations enables the CEO to focus on fundraising, partnerships, strategy, and external leadership while ensuring that the organization’s internal engine runs smoothly, compliantly, and at scale. Apply

Digital Organizer – Data Lead
Pittsburghers for Public Transit
The Digital Organizer – Data Lead will build & manage our digital infrastructure, data strategy, online-to-offline organizing funnel to grow our movement and win our campaigns. The position will work in the organization’s small but mighty Digital Department, with the Digital Organizing Director and the Digital Organizer – Communications Lead. Close collaboration with the rest of the staff and our member leaders will be vital. Apply

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUONKAPALOOZA

According to Pennsylvania folklore, the Squonk is a piglike, melancholic cryptid that roams the Commonwealth weeping and, when frightened, dissolves into a puddle of tears.

The Squonk should be the official mascot of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

For now, at least, it’s got its own festival.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUONKAPALOOZA

The fourth annual Squonkapalooza will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in Johnstown, about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh. The day includes speakers, vendors, live music and performances, cosplay, photo opportunities, children’s activities, concessions and games, including the Best Compliment Contest, where participants spout uplifting one-liners in an attempt to cheer up the perpetual crybaby.

I need that kind of encouragement on a daily basis — not to mention a Squonk Burger topped with pulled pork and bacon.

Artists and co-founders Joe Fogle and Lisa Russell describe the event as an all-ages, family-friendly cryptid carnival that promotes positivity. The friends were inspired by other creature conventions in the area, including the Kecksburg UFO Festival and gatherings in West Virginia that celebrate Mothman and Bigfoot. I visited a mythological miniature golf course in the Mountain State that can elevate anyone’s mood.

Although the Squonk’s not as popular as Sasquatch (who has a brewery in Monroeville!), the inaugural Squonkapalooza drew about a thousand people. In 2026, they’re expecting between 3,000 and 4,000 folklore enthusiasts in need of a hug.

Fogle says people find the Squonk relatable. You’ll often find Russell in her handmade Squonk costume, working the crowd for affirmations.

The shy, self-conscious loner sure sounds like a Gen Xer, but first appeared in print more than a century ago in “Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods, With a Few Desert and Mountain Beasts,” a fantasy field guide written by William Cox.

The legend of the forest-dwellling Debbie Downer eventually made its way to Johnstown, where Fogle was raised on comic books, ghost stories and campfire tales.

“The Squonk isn’t a big, scary supernatural monster; it’s kind of this sad, little being. Growing up, most of us were part of the outsider groups — the nerds, the geeks, the ones who didn’t fit in. We’re all just Squonks inside,” says Fogle, who really needs to put that last sentence on a T-shirt.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUONKAPALOOZA

Squonkapalooza is basically a group therapy session.

This week, as I dug my car out from a mountain of snow, I made a vow to attend the summer festival so I can soak up the sun with other mopey misfits, a.k.a. Gloomers. In the meantime, I’ll try to boost my serotonin levels at SAD BAR, a wellness-focused pop-up designed to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Located at 3701 Forbes Ave. in Oakland, SAD BAR serves non-alcoholic cocktails in the glow of warm spectrum lighting. You can fight the winter blues from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

I can’t wait to sit under a Vitamin D lamp and raise a zero-proof drink to my hero, the Squonk!

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Meet Your Galentine
Jan. 30 | Cinderlands Warehouse

Find your Galentine at this girls-only (21+) Matchbox event. The event promises a playful, platonic matchmaking that celebrates friendship with a quick survey, clue drops throughout the evening, food and friend matches.

Price: $14.87. Click here for ticket information.

Pete Lee
Jan. 30-Feb. 1 | Pittsburgh Improv

Comedian Pete Lee was the first standup to earn a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Now, he’s bringing his joyful, Midwest-rooted humor to Pittsburgh Improv for five shows, following a career that spans Comedy Central, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” VH1, TruTV and more.

Price: Starting at $22. Click here for more information.

DJ Pauly D
Jan. 31 | The Event Center at The Rivers Casino

The party is coming… DJ Pauly D is bringing his high-energy set back to Rivers Casino Pittsburgh this Saturday. Best known from MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” Pauly D brings nonstop East Coast party energy for a 21+ night on the North Shore.

Price: $50.30. Click here for ticket information.

Wicked Sing Along Drag Brunch
Feb. 1 | Pittsburgh Improv

“Wicked” may be showing at the Benedum, but you can also catch a rendition of the show at Pittsburgh Improv.

Flip Phone Events delivers a fully immersive, themed show that’s different every time.

Price: $25. Click here for ticket information.

Vegan Soup Cook-Off
Feb. 1 | Helltown Brewing

Humane Action Pennsylvania hosts its fifth annual Best Vegan Soup in the ’Burgh — an afternoon of unlimited soup tastings from local chefs, voting for the 2026 winner and warm winter vibes.

Price: Starting at $33.85. Click here for ticket information.

Seasonal

• “Wicked” shows at the Benedum Center until Feb. 15. Tickets.
• The UPMC Rink at PPG Place runs through March 1. Tickets.

JEREMY WALDRUP | PHOTO BY ELAN MIZRAHI

Jeremy Waldrup has done some outlandish things to entice people back Downtown.

Like the time he bought a $25,000 Heinz pickle balloon, which turned out to be a great idea. Or the time he rented a curling mat and set it up outside an art gallery crawl, which, it turned out, was not such a great idea. (No one wanted to play the niche winter Olympic sport in a gravel parking lot.)

The president and CEO of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership likes to experiment. He doesn’t mind if people sometimes question his sanity, as they did when he asked his PDP board to not only foot the bill for the ginormous Picklesburgh balloon — but also to insure it. The balloon, known for floating over city streets, has become the emblem of the wildly successful July street fair for 10 years.

PHOTO BY ELAN MIZRAHI

His suggestion to erect a 60-foot Ferris wheel atop the Roberto Clemente Bridge drew some funny looks. It was a fun idea, being that inventor George Ferris was a Pittsburgh guy, but county officials wondered if the bridge would collapse. Some $20,000 in engineering reports later, Waldrup became one of the first people to ride the Ferris wheel, now a popular attraction during the annual Oktoberfest, which kicked off two years ago.

You might call that a high point — literally — of Waldrup’s 14-year career in town. The low point was the 2020 pandemic shutdown, when the Golden Triangle ground to a halt, the hum of office workers and traffic suddenly silent, leaving behind people experiencing homelessness, who were camped out in doorways.

More than a decade into his job, Waldrup is working harder than ever to revitalize Downtown, combating complaints that it’s still not safe and that there are too many empty storefronts. PDP is overseeing the renovation of Market Square, doubling the outdoor dining area and adding an open-air steel anchor pavilion and 33 more trees. Waldrup also played a role — along with government leaders, foundations and organizations — in securing $600 million in state-led investment in Downtown. The funding will include modernizing Point State Park and creating the Arts Landing public space in the Cultural District as well as adding hundreds of new housing units to the Golden Triangle.

For his leadership, creative thinking and vision, Pittsburgh Magazine has selected Jeremy Waldrup as its 2025 Pittsburgher of the Year.

“There is no one who is more critical to the success of Pittsburgh than Jeremy Waldrup,” says Herky Pollock, the real estate developer, broker and entrepreneur who moved from the East End to Downtown during the pandemic. “He has been the fabric and glue that has kept Downtown together.”

“I never met a person who didn’t like Jeremy,” he says. “He’s very easygoing and kind of ‘aw shucks,’ but he’s very smart and very shrewd and gets everything done.”

Related: Celebrating our Previous Pittsburghers of the Year

PHOTO BY ELAN MIZRAHI

A Beacon for Downtown

On a sunny day in early November, backhoes dig into the concrete of Market Square while office workers maneuver around the obstacle course of orange fencing.

Some passersby look confused, but Waldrup seems at home. He chats up merchants, grabs his regular coffee order at the 106-year-old Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co., and greets the mail carrier. When he walks by The Original Oyster House, co-owner Renee Grippo, known as Mama G, yells out “Jeremy!” She hugs him and he compliments her on the winter cutouts in the window. Her daughter and co-owner, Jennifer Grippo, comes out to greet him. They talk about him making a point to come to their 155th anniversary party fresh from Oktoberfest in his lederhosen.

Waldrup, 50, has pale blue eyes that peer out of Kent Clark-style glasses, a thick wave of gray hair sweeping across his forehead.

He stops to get updates from the construction crew that’s busy working on a new Market Square in time for the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25 and likely drawing some 700,000 visitors to the city. “It will be like a European plaza, pedestrian-first,” he says.

Though PDP is a nonprofit community-development organization created to enhance Downtown, this is the first time the group has overseen a construction project — and it’s a big one, at $15 million. Waldrup has learned the intricacies of the permitting process and the logistics of supporting the operations of local businesses, from accommodating food delivery drivers and customer access to delivering hundreds of pounds of ingredients to restaurants, all with barricades all around them.

He talks to Mike Schoeneman, superintendent at Mascaro Construction Co., about shifting traffic patterns from the south part of the square near PPG to the now completed north side of the square. They discuss the route pedestrians will take for the Block Party that was planned later in the month to mark the halfway point of the revitalization project.

“It will be ready, right?” Waldrup asks playfully.

Schoeneman nods. The Saturday night Block Party was a reminder that dozens of Market Square businesses are still there amid the chaos of construction that has depressed sales during the all-important holiday shopping season. The PDP planned weekly family-friendly events, dubbed the Yinzer Wonderland, in Market Square during the holiday season. Waldrup’s team also coordinated November Light Up Night, when thousands converged on the Golden Triangle to watch the tree lighting.

Making his way to the eastern corner of Market Square, Waldrup passes a haggard-looking man sitting on the sidewalk, wrapped in a plaid blanket. A young woman hands him a sandwich.

Scenes like this have become more visible after the COVID-19 shutdown.

“What makes Downtown feel safer is people. If they are not in here, you are in a cavernous place and you feel like, ‘If I yell, [there is no one to help.]’”

Waldrup says 65% to 75% of workers have returned to Downtown’s offices. But the pandemic showed that the city was overdependent on office space and had too little residential space — something he hopes to change.

Downtown crime became a hot topic and generated headlines, particularly after some highly publicized attacks on bystanders, including an 18-year-old intern who was assaulted by a stranger in the summer of 2024 and a 65-year-old man who was stabbed on the street in 2025. Some merchants left town as safety concerns grew. Robert Fragasso, chairman of the board of Fragasso Financial Advisors Inc., had been working Downtown for 50 years before leaving in 2023. He says his building on the corner of Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue was at the epicenter of crime, a few doors down from a no-barrier homeless shelter that has since closed.

“We had drug dealers parked in front of our building, dealing. Police were prevented from policing that activity. Drug dealers were preying on the poor homeless people. Our building custodian was cleaning up feces and squirting urine off our sidewalk every morning. We had shootings, fights, overdoses all the time. Our clients told us, ‘We are not coming down.’ … It was like wading through a crime scene of a movie every day. It was untenable.”

He says he was frustrated when he called former Mayor Ed Gainey’s office about the lack of enforcement and social services for those in need. “There was a complete absence of participation. The police expressed frustration to me,” he says.

For all his complaints about the outgoing mayor, Fragasso praised Waldrup for doing all he could through his nonprofit. “Jeremy is a beacon,” he says.

Fragasso also says police began making arrests, and Downtown has improved — but not as much as it should. Merchants say a new police substation that opened on Wood Street two years ago has helped combat crime.

Gainey calls claims that he directed police not to make arrests Downtown categorically untrue, adding that data shows crime in the city decreased under his administration. He noted he thanked officers, PDP, PNC and other partners for their work in improving the city’s “living room” during a press conference held at the Downtown Police Substation in 2025.

“Specifically for Downtown, we held quarterly meetings with corporate leaders, business owners and other stakeholder organizations over the course of two years to provide a forum for open and honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities for partnership to address those same challenges,” Gainey said in a statement. “While those were difficult conversations, no one was ignored. These discussions were critical in informing the work that ultimately led to the $600 million comprehensive reinvestment plan for Downtown.”

For all the publicity about unsafe streets, Waldrup says, “crimes against people who don’t know each other are very uncommon Downtown.”

PDP also stepped up its efforts to clean up and connect with people. In their bright gold uniforms, the On-Street Services Team picks up trash, removes graffiti and power-washes sidewalks and alleys. The outreach team interacts with the homeless and panhandlers in a nonjudgmental way and connects them with social services.

“I don’t think anybody really wants to sleep on the street. So we have this day in, day out engagement, to get this person into stable housing,” Waldrup says.

Pollock, the real estate developer, refutes the narrative that Downtown is dangerous. “The people who are most critical of Downtown Pittsburgh are the people who live in the suburbs and never come Downtown,” he says.

Service of Others

The guy who is now known for revitalizing cities grew up in tiny Fletcher, North Carolina, population 8,320, on the outskirts of Asheville. An only child, Waldrup worked one summer at age 14 at the local trail riding stable in exchange for a horse.

His father, Chuck, was a police officer turned Pentecostal preacher, and his mother, Libby, led the prayer worship team at the church. The two had met in a Southern gospel touring band — he played drums and she sang — and appeared on the “PTL Club,” Jim and Tammy Faye Baker’s Christian TV show.

As a teenager, Waldrup helped with the children’s ministry at their church. He inherited his mother’s singing voice, crooning the national anthem at high school football and basketball games and performing a solo at his graduation. Though no longer active in the Pentecostal church, he says, “I grew up in the service of others, and I do feel like this job is similar. You are sharing people’s happiness when things are good and you are there for the not-so-great issues with construction or public safety.”

Even as a kid playing Little League, he had a way of defusing conflict among players if things got tense, Chuck Waldrup says. “In the South, we call it unruffling feathers. He would be a jokester and get everyone laughing and calm things down.”

Yearning to attend college in a city, he chose to get his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Many of his classmates went into banking, but he knew that wasn’t for him. Intrigued by a city development organization called Charlotte Center City Partners, the 21-year-old walked in and asked if he could volunteer.

“They looked at me like I had three heads,” he recalls. No one had ever asked to volunteer before.

He was sent out into the streets with a push cart to hand out pamphlets and field questions about local attractions.

Rob Walsh, then the CEO of the organization, knew immediately that “he was someone special. He had this knack with people.” That summer gig led to a full-time job in economic development. After Waldrup received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado, Walsh, his old boss — who had become NYC Commissioner of Small Business Services under Mayor Mike Bloomberg — offered him a big opportunity. Waldrup was hired by the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp.

At first, New Yorkers rolled their eyes at the young hire. “They counted his niceness against him. They underestimated him,” Walsh says.

Waldrup then became assistant commissioner of district development for the Department of Small Business Services, overseeing 64 Business Improvement Districts.

As he moved up the ladder, the kid who could calm down his Little League teammates proved that he could work with the heads of Business Improvement Districts. “They had egos the size of Arkansas,” Walsh says “They thought, ‘Who was this kid who didn’t grow up in New York telling us what the rules are going to be? How dare you?’ But he managed to do it all with grace and professionalism.”

He was only 35 when he was recruited to PDP, moving to Pittsburgh with his wife, Wesley, a counselor, and their three kids — the youngest just an infant. Waldrup figured since he was heading up the Downtown group, he would live Downtown. Then the couple found out there were hardly any young kids around, and the closest playground was on the North Side. The family moved to Shadyside and then bought a house in Friendship; they managed with one car until the pandemic, relying often on public transit, Wesley says. Weather permitting, Waldrup commutes via ride-share bike Downtown.

The nonprofit has garnered national attention for Picklesburgh. Waldrup had seen another group, Riverlife, unveil Pierogi Fest, and wished he had thought of the idea based on the energy it created around something so authentically Pittsburgh. He told his staff at a meeting 11 years ago that he wanted to come up with something similar. Russell Howard, the PDP’s former vice president of special events and development, suggested an event centered on the lowly pickle. The marketing director christened it Picklesburgh.

“I knew it was a good idea,” Waldrup says. “I didn’t know it was a great idea.” That became apparent when they ran out of T-shirts the first night of the 2015 festival and had to ask the printer to do an overnight rush order. Four times, USA Today has named it the No. 1 Specialty Food Festival in the country, including in 2025.

Waldrup himself judges the pickle-juice slurping contest. “It can get contentious. You have several thousand people who also watch it with you and have very strong opinions. So thank God for video playback.”

While festivals like Picklesburgh, Oktoberfest and the Holiday Market have given PDP the most attention, Waldrup is proudest of how he reacted to the dire needs of restaurants during the pandemic shutdown. His organization paid for restaurants to create nourishing meals and provide them to people in need.

Now he is looking ahead to rebuilding the city after the trauma of the pandemic, including bringing in more shops and services. “We want to double the residential population in the next 10 years,” he says, which would bring the current 7,300 residents to about 15,000.

To do that, he says, he wants the next young couple considering a move Downtown to find other young families and parks and playgrounds. He’s excited that the 4-acre Arts Landing will include the city’s first children’s playground Downtown.

He adds the NFL Draft is a catalyst and a deadline to improve public spaces.

“We are getting ready to welcome several hundreds of thousands people, and millions will watch this on TV. We want that B-roll shot of Downtown Pittsburgh to show the vibrancy and beautiful architecture and amazing public spaces. But our real focus is on what’s happening beyond the draft.”

IMAGE COURTESY OF HEINZ

Every time I receive a Heinz press release, I have to stop and make sure it’s not a satirical article from The Onion.

This tomato story is true.

For the first time in the Pittsburgh-born company’s 150-year history, it’s kegging its ketchup. The Heinz KegChup holds 114 ounces of the condiment, stands 19.5 inches tall and has an easy-to-use spigot. The limited-edition receptacle will be released at the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Heinz teased the KegChup concept on social media last fall and tailgaters across the globe went ga-ga for it. If you’re attending a non-alcoholic keg party in Pittsburgh, this would definitely be the one to bring. It almost makes up for the rebranding of Heinz Field.

Can’t wait for the next Steelers kick-off? Visit the Heinz Instagram page through Jan. 29 to try and win one before the Feb. 8th — that’s Super Bowl Sunday, the second-largest food holiday of the year behind Thanksgiving. You can also pre-order a keg online.

Over the years, we’ve covered a lot of the company’s wacky antics, from Heinz-themed wedding attire and haute couture to ketchup smoothies, an app that helps you locate the Red Zone in the wild and a squeezable gravy bottle inspired by the sitcom “Friends”.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

This PR stunt proves Heinz is tapped into their audience.

PHOTO BY BECKY THURNER BRADDOCK

Acclaimed guitarist Reb Beach has shredded on stages from Japan to Finland, Greece to Puerto Rico — and literally thousands of different venues in the United States and England.

When he’s at home, though, he prefers the familiar haunts of Oakmont.

“Oakmontians basically stay in Oakmont,” Beach says. “I’m kind of like Norm on ‘Cheers.’ I walk into Hoffstot’s and hear, ‘Hey, Reb!’ Everybody knows me. People even know me driving down the street — they yell out of their cars.”

PHOTO BY BECKY THURNER BRADDOCK

The easygoing suburban enclave is a far cry from legendary venues like the fabled Rainbow Bar and Grill on Santa Monica Boulevard, where Beach has played dozens of times. He was last on the Rainbow stage on Aug. 31, in what was billed as the final gig for his most consistent outfit: Winger, the hard-rock heroes known for their radio hits as well as their lineup of skilled players. Beach has been with Winger, barring a handful of hiatuses, since 1987; now, Beach says, frontman Kip Winger is ready to move on from singing well-remembered but somewhat chronologically inappropriate lyrics.

“He was nominated for a Grammy for his classical album,” Beach explains. “He’s way more into doing that than … singing stuff that’s way up there [vocally]. He sings ‘She’s Only 17,’ and he’s 64. He doesn’t really want to do that anymore.”

The show at the Rainbow — and an Aug. 8 show at Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s outdoor stage in Creighton, where they opened for Joan Jett — capped a 21st-century comeback for Winger. The group were music-video darlings at the height of the MTV era, complete with Beach appearing on trading cards, but became a “Beavis and Butthead” punchline in the age of grunge.

“Our third album, [1993’s “Pull,”] came out, which was arguably our best record. And ‘Beavis and Butthead’ came out with a character wearing a Winger T-shirt … Every episode, they made fun of him. Instantly, people stopped coming to Winger shows.”

At the time, Beach sold a home in Florida and moved back to the Pittsburgh area, settling just a few miles from his hometown of Fox Chapel.

He wouldn’t be at rest for long. At one point or another, he’s been a member of Whitesnake, Dokken, Night Ranger, the touring band for Alice Cooper and others; he’s recorded with dozens more artists, from fellow MTV darlings including Twisted Sister to unlikely bedfellows such as the Bee Gees and Chaka Khan.

Then, starting in 2002, Winger reformed and hit the road again. “I wrote those songs. I know them inside and out; I can play them in my sleep. I don’t even have to think about them; it’s like an old pair of jeans,” Beach says.

Without the posturing of the disaffected ’90s to interrupt things, fans eagerly returned. “That’s what people want to hear — they want to hear the songs that they know … It’s great playing in a club when you’ve got all those people singing along.”

While the unfamiliar may see Beach’s resume and imagine a string of power chords, his musicianship elevates his reputation. “I think a lot of guitarists that are his contemporaries in the metal [and] guitar-shredder world are capable and adept at other styles, but Reb is one of those guys who can effortlessly change hats and excel playing blues, Americana, rock ’n’ roll and jazz — as well as Whitesnake and Dokken,” says Randy Baumann, host of the “DVE Morning Show.” “His playing always seems a very natural extension of his sensibilities and never overly technical. His fluidity as a guitarist is astounding.”

Since the turn of the century, he’s been putting out records under his own name — 2002’s “Masquerade” is a style-hopping journey — and as The Reb Beach Project, a collection of fellow virtuosos.

Now, he says, he’s working on instrumental music that melds progressive rock, jazz and dozens of other flavors in a fusion melting pot. He released the well-received instrumental album “A View From the Inside” in 2020.

“I’ve always been the guy that plays the ’80s songs, with that ’80s stamp on my head. But if I could get more into the instrumental thing,” Beach says, “[it would] be a whole other market for me … People really seem to like watching me and listening to me play guitar.”

Unless, of course, the road — or some monsters of rock — come calling.

“Who knows — I could get a call from another band and go out on tour,” he says. “If I get a big tour, baby, I’m on it … Get me out on the road, stick me on a bus, get me a hotel. I’m happy. That’s where I’m the happiest.”

INTERIOR DESIGNER MOLLY LUCAS INCORPORATED SHADES OF INDIGO INTO THIS RENOVATED, FAMILY-FRIENDLY MEDIA ROOM. | PHOTO BY MOLLY LUCAS

The new year is here — and with it comes a fresh start. And if that fresh start extends to updating your home decor with the most current design trends, you’re in the right place.

For 2026, design experts are predicting warm, earthy color palettes, curated rooms that emphasize individualized details over perfectly perfected minimalism, flexible work — and play — spaces, plus a desire for spa-like bathrooms as some of the biggest trends for the new year.

“I’m seeing a return to personality and storytelling in interiors,” says interior designer Molly Lucas, founder of Pittsburgh-based Maison de Molly. “I think people are really desiring curated, lived-in spaces that don’t feel overly new. That can include vintage pieces, handmade ceramics and found objects.”

For interior designer Meghan McDermott, owner of Pittsburgh’s Blue and Blanc Design, 2026 is the year of another curated space — the elevated gaming nook.

“Definitely a hot thing right now is the corner banquette seating that really utilizes every inch of space in a room, coupled with game tables and chairs,” McDermott says. “Everyone’s jumping on the Mahjong trend going on right now, so the loungey game room, game tables and chairs in different colors and bold patterns are becoming more popular.”

The opposite of the big, open-concept layouts that have been de rigueur for years, McDermott describes these personalized zones as “cozy little spaces that you can utilize on a daily basis.”

Here’s a closer look at what else is trending for 2026.

COLOR DRENCHING TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THIS PROJECTS BY BLUE AND BLANC DESIGN. PHOTO BY DAVE BRYCE

Color Drenching — with an Earthy Twist

Color drenching — the design technique that uses a single color on walls, trim, ceilings and doors for a seamless, yet dramatic, effect — has been popular for a few years, but for 2026, expect the style to take an earthy turn.

Trending are organic-inspired hues such as olive, clay and mushroom. Also making a statement are jewel-like colors such as rich greens and blues, which McDermott says can make a room feel warm and cozy.

“It creates just an overall hug of warm color,” she says, adding that she sees color drenching as a lasting design choice. “I don’t typically like to jump on trends, per se,” she says. “I tend to stick to classic things that will look beautiful for years and years.”

Despite color institute Pantone’s controversial choice in naming “Cloud Dancer,” a stark white, as its 2026 Color of the Year, Lucas (who describes it as a “weird call”) doesn’t see the minimalist shade making an impact on home interiors anytime soon.

Instead, for those who love neutrals, design experts recommend giving warmer hues, such as terracotta, sage green and rich browns, a try instead of a cold white in 2026.

Spa-Like Sanctuaries

For both new and renovated homes, the bathrooms are only getting bigger — and more luxurious.

“People are wanting to bring a personal wellness retreat to their homes,” Lucas says.

Helping create that spa-like sanctuary are expansive, walk-in showers, large-format porcelain or stone slabs, built-in saunas and even cold-plunge pools, part of a relatively new wellness trend that uses the cold water to reputedly reduce inflammation and soreness, boost circulation and promote overall well being.

“I’m seeing a lot of increase in that and in his-and-hers toilet rooms,” Lucas says.

Adding to that high-end feeling are furniture-like vanities (including fluted cabinetry), integrated LED lighting, flattering, backlit mirrors and relaxing standalone tubs with special details.

“Instead of just putting a standalone tub in the corner, there are little niches on the sides, or an arch above,” adds McDermott. “There are a lot of custom options.”

A GAMING TABLE WITH BANQUETTE SEATING IS A MAJOR TREND FOR 2026. PROJECT BY BLUE AND BLANC DESIGN | PHOTO BY DAVE BRYCE

Specialized Spaces

As previously mentioned, McDermott has documented a rise in corner banquette seating paired with gaming tables that are perfect for cozy family nights in, and it’s also true that homeowners are embracing more personalized spaces; this includes cozy reading nooks, home gyms, curated office spaces and, for the outdoors, pickleball courts.

In addition to home theaters, Lucas says she has clients adding golf simulators to their homes. She also sees lap pools — long, narrow swimming pools designed for exercise — becoming more popular.

“I think people are trying to create more family moments at home so that you don’t always feel like you have to go out to enjoy something,” Lucas says.

In the Kitchen

Often the heart of the home, kitchens that don’t look like kitchens are on-trend for 2026. What that means is getting rid of the utilitarian, stainless steel or white aesthetics and adding in welcoming details, such as vintage pieces, warmer-toned woods and cabinetry in an array of colors.

“I’m seeing a lot of people go for more saturated cabinet colors; deep greens, blues and muted clay tones,” Lucas says.

Related: Renovating Your Kitchen? Look to These Local Makeovers

No longer just stainless steel, artisan hood ranges also are having a moment, according to McDermott. “I feel like there’s so many options — copper hoods, or custom hoods with wood trim,” she says.

Lucas says full-height backsplashes, butler pantries and concealed appliances are other top kitchen picks for 2026.

It’s Personal

“Modern heritage” is the buzzword on every designer’s lips for 2026. The design style blends classic architectural details with modern functionality; think mixing antiques or handcrafted pieces with bold patterns or contemporary clean lines.

To achieve a more personalized, collected look, Lucas recommends combining modern art with more traditional pieces, such as an overly padded armchair, or bringing in lacquered furniture for a fresh spin on a classic look. She also suggests playing with color and pattern combinations for a lived-in, European-style vibe.

“I think there’s going to be a return to more traditional interiors as opposed to the more minimal modern interiors,” she says. “Where there’s always going to be a space for that, I think people are finding that they’ve pushed minimalism a little bit too far, and now they’re trying to find their way back.”

PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

It was no chilly reception for Pittsburgh’s UPMC Rink at PPG Place: our own beloved ice-skating rink was voted the most beautiful in the United States.

The honor was bestowed by travel group Premier Inn, which used eye-tracking technology to determine which rinks were most visually appealing to observers. More than 50 international ice rinks were included, and Pittsburgh was the only North American city to land in the top ten — at an impressive #9.

The Kö on Ice Rink in Düsseldorf, Germany, took the top overall spot. Other close U.S. competitors were the Rink at Rockefeller Center (New York City, #14), Curry Village Ice Skating Rink (Yosemite Valley, #16) and Frankenmuth Ice Rink (Michigan, #19).

Remind your sweetheart that size matters — Rockefeller Center may get more press, but our own downtown rink is a whopping 67% larger. Plenty of space to show off your triple axel, and there’s a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal on Valentine’s Day.

The UPMC Rink at PPG Place celebrates its 25th birthday this year, surrounded by the gleaming towers of PPG Place. Depending on the weather, skating typically lasts through early March.

W LOFTS RENDERING COURTESY OF FOURTH RIVER DEVELOPMENT LLC

Once a warehouse, the historical Bittner Building in the Strip District is set to get a second life — as residential condos.

Near the end of December, Pittsburgh-based Fourth River Development LLC acquired the 80,000 square foot, four-story brick building at the corner of 26th and Smallman streets, with plans to turn it into 39 residences.

Called W Lofts, the project will include 33 one- to three-bedroom condominium units that range in size from from 791 to 1,851 square feet. The condos also will include optional home office layouts, private balconies, dedicated storage and on-site parking.

In addition, there are plans for four two-story rooftop townhomes with private rooftop terraces, as well as two single-family rooftop flats.

“This acquisition is an exciting opportunity to deliver new residential options in the Strip District,” says John Watson, managing principal of Fourth River Development LLC, in a statement. “With W Lofts, we plan to preserve the character of the historic building while creating high-quality condominium residences for today’s buyers.”

Watson says the company is now finalizing all floor plans for the building, including what the exterior will look like.

“We will be adding more glass to the existing building, cleaning and pointing the brick and adding balconies for the condominium units,” Watson says. “The roof top units will give us the opportunity to bring a modern contrast to the redbrick building, with glass and aluminum.”

Watson says he expects construction on W Lofts to begin in the summer.

 

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That isn’t the only new residential project slated for the Strip District.

Oxford Development Co. has started construction along Railroad Street for Station 28, a multi-family residential building that’s part of the 3 Crossings development.

The $61 million project will include 224 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units in a six-story building, according to RDC Design + Build, the contractor for the project. Among the property’s amenities are a golf simulator, game room, business center, conference rooms and lounge area. There will also be a patio space with fire pits and bike storage.

Located along the Allegheny riverfront, the 3 Crossings project already includes 75 Hopper Place, a six-story, 146,000-square-foot office building that sits adjacent to a public plaza, Hopper Park, and houses the headquarters for GNC.

Once a box factory, the Stacks is another development within 3 Crossings; The 110,860-square-foot facility includes offices for Smith+Nephew, an international medical technology company.

PHOTO COURTESY DROPKICK MURPHYS

MUSIC

Dropkick Murphys

Stage AE | Feb. 12

For 30 years, the high-energy Celtic punk machine Dropkick Murphys has taken pride in serving up music for regular people.

If you follow them on social media, you know they are not shy about speaking out. They treat every injustice like a mosh pit, fearlessly jumping in. Their most recent album, “For the People,” makes that very clear.

Do your stretches, and prepare for a cathartic and visceral release for your feelings about the state of the world. The group is much more than a “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” needle drop; they are, quite simply, a voice for the people.

THEATER

“An Enemy of the People”

O’Reilly Theater | Feb. 4 through Feb. 22

Forget the “slippery when wet” sign — this public spa is a five-star death trap. Originally set in the 1880s in a small Norwegian town, “An Enemy of the People” follows Dr. Thomas Stockman, who discovers that the water in a popular bathhouse is contaminated.

He tells everyone, but instead of gratitude, his neighbors and so-called friends turn on him. Actor Jeremy Strong won a Tony for the 2024 Broadway revival, a modernized version of Henrik Ibsen’s classic. Now, the bathhouse becomes a contemporary spa — and themes of corruption, media misinformation and financial gain pitted against public health are all too familiar.

FOOD AND DRINK

Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest

David L. Lawrence Convention Center | Feb. 21

The Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest offers an excellent opportunity to perk up these frigid and gray days.

This 21-and-over event features more than 150 local and craft beers available for sampling and purchase. You will also find ciders, seltzers and some liquor. When you purchase either a day or night session ticket, you are free to sample beverages throughout — and, as a way to responsibly enhance your exploration, discounted Designated Driver tickets also are available.

Non-alcoholic beverages and food will round things out before your ride home.

CONVENTION

Horror Realm Con

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh — Green Tree | Feb. 27 through March 1

If your heart belongs to all things spooky, Horror Realm Con is calling your name. You’re diving headfirst into total horror immersion!

Among all of the terrifying screen queens and horror icons (William Katt of “Carrie,” Derek Mears of “Friday the 13th,” Felissa Rose of “Sleepaway Camp” and many more) in attendance, Pittsburgh will be represented by its very own master of macabre makeup, Greg Nicotero.

There also will be plenty of vendors around, offering the best place to shop for a bloody bounty.

CHEF KRISTIN BUTTERWORTH. PHOTO COURTESY OF CORK & CRUST

On Sundays in her childhood, Kristin Butterworth remembers opening her grandmother’s front door in Johnstown and being met head-on by an enticing fragrance; It was two things at once — bread dough rising on the radiator and tomato sauce hours into a simmer on the stove.

“That was every Sunday, a core memory,” Butterworth says. “Before coats were shrugged off, before hellos, before we left for church as a family, there was the smell. She would make bread for the entire week for the entire family. When we came back from church, she’d start cooking the pasta. It was a ritual that brought everyone together.”

Even now, decades later, Butterworth says the smell of tomato sauce can snap her back instantly. “You smell it,” she says, “and you’re 8 years old again.”

At Oakland’s Cork & Crust, where Butterworth now leads the kitchen, that sensory memory is never far from the surface. Located on the ground floor of The Oaklander Hotel, the highly anticipated pizza-and-wine bar opened on Monday

Butterworth herself is a three-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist who has worked at the highest levels of American luxury dining for more than two decades. Her resume includes leading the kitchen at Lautrec at Nemacolin, where, at age 27, she helped earn the restaurant Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond level accolades.

She most recently worked as the executive sous chef with Sea Island Resort in Georgia, and also spent time The Windsor Court in New Orleans and Patrick O’Connell’s Inn at Little Washington.

Her new work at Cork & Crust is not a retreat from that fine-dining world; “In many ways, it is a return,” she says.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORK & CRUST

From Southwestern Pennsylvania to Italy — and Back

Butterworth’s path to cooking was established early, and articulated often to her parents, when she was barely out of elementary school.

“I didn’t know French fries came out of a bag until I was in college, or the concept of ranch,” Butterworth says. “As a kid, I didn’t recognize this as values or intentional eating. It was just dinner; quality food [was] foundational at home”

After enrolling in the culinary program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Butterworth was placed in northern Italy at a culinary school housed in an old castle near Turin. Perched on a hill overlooking a village, the castle and surrounding area were “exactly what you imagine a quintessential Italian town looking like,” she says.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORK & CRUST

The program was immersive to the point of overload. Butterworth and her classmates visited prosciutto producers along the Po River, where curing rooms were designed to let salty air pass through the meat just so. They toured a Grana Padano facility and learned how every byproduct was used, from cheese to butter to whey; nothing was wasted. They went to the Lavazza factory to understand coffee culture and roasting. Meals were typically accompanied by wine.

“It was jam-packed with as much education in wine, food and culture as it possibly could be,” Butterworth says. “That was really when it clicked. Italian food is about time. About respect. I always knew I wanted to be a chef — but that’s when I understood what kind.”

That understanding carried her through years of working in upscale kitchens, until life intervened. She became a mother, lost her father and took on the care of her mother.

“At a certain point,” she says, “being close to family becomes the priority.”

Pittsburgh was calling her home.

Her arrival at Cork & Crust after spending close to two years at Sea Island in Georgia came together through long-standing relationships, and a bit of serendipity. Butterworth had known Perry Ivery, general manager at The Oaklander, for years. When an opportunity surfaced for a new restaurant at the upscale hotel, it came with creative latitude for Butterworth and a chance to cook at the same elite level of fine dining, but for more people.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORK & CRUST

Building a Pizza From The Inside Out

Opening a pizza restaurant in Pittsburgh is not a neutral act. The city’s Italian heritage runs deep, and pizza is everywhere. Butterworth knew Cork & Crust had to earn its place in the hearts of discerning diners carefully.

“We started with one question,” she says. “How can we be unique?”

Pizza, Butterworth will tell you, is deceptive. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone thinks they know it. And everyone will notice if you get it wrong.

Neapolitan pizza, in particular, posed a problem. Traditional versions don’t travel well. They are meant to be eaten, immediately, straight from the oven. But Cork & Crust needed the pizza to work not just for guests in the dining room, but for hotel boarders ordering a meal upstairs, or for anyone ordering a takeout to bring home.

So Butterworth engineered a durable hybrid, the “Neo Neapolitan.”

To get there, she stripped everything back to its bones. Before any toppings were considered, the team spent months eating nothing but cheese pizza. Dough, sauce, cheese — nothing else. The goal, Butterworth says, was to make a pizza that could stand entirely on its own.

“The toppings shouldn’t carry the pizza,” she says. “The pizza should carry itself.”

The resulting Neo Neapolitan is somewhere between a Neapolitan and a New York in terms of pizza style. The crust has the airy puff and blister of a pie from Naples, combined with the bend and structure of a New York slice.

The dough ferments for 24 to 48 hours and incorporates black garlic molasses instead of sugar or honey, lending subtle depth without sweetness. The sauce is uncooked, made from fresh tomatoes, basil, salt, sugar, roasted garlic and garlic oil, and designed to cook only once in the pizza oven itself. The cheese blend is a 50/50 mix of Grande mozzarella and provolone, chosen for melt, balance and stretch.

Only after the cheese pizza passed muster did toppings enter the picture.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORK & CRUST

The Joy of Obsessive Details

This is where Butterworth’s fine-dining pedigree reveals itself.

Cork & Crust’s Spicy Pepperoni layers pepperoni with jalapeño and house-made hot honey, finished with basil. Butterworth uses a 38-millimeter Ezzo cupping pepperoni, chosen because it curls and crisps without burning, to add texture as much as flavor. The hot honey that finishes the pie is made in-house with local honey, jalapeños, garlic and chili flakes, then reused on the pizza itself, so nothing is wasted.

The Spicy Pepperoni may get top billing, but it’s not the only star of the menu. The Holy Shiitake brings pesto, mushrooms and pickled onions into an umami-bomb, while Nonna’s Rebellion makes a case for leoncini ham, pineapple and hot honey jalapeños sharing the same slice.

On the table, instead of parmesan shakers and generic chilli flakes, guests have access to curated finishing touches: Italian chili crisp, proper parmesan and thoughtfully selected olive oil.

And if you came for pizza only, the rest of the menu would like a word. The Gnocchi Con Pesto is made with lemon ricotta, basil, toasted pine nuts and parmigiano reggiano while the Yinzer “Ravioli” swaps pasta for potato pierogi in a cracked black pepper cream with charred pearl onions.

Then there’s the Cauliflower Pitcata, a vegetarian dish that’s one of Butterworth’s favorite dishes, and one that satiates diners as much as any meat-based entree. A thick slab of cauliflower is roasted until deeply caramelized, then finished with lemon-caper butter, basil pesto, chili flake and blistered parsley.

“It’s very simple, but it highlights the quality of the products we’re using,” Butterworth says. “That’s really the focus.”

The beverage program mirrors the kitchen’s quality-first philosophy. Cocktails pull from Italian aperitivo culture with Negroni variations, spritzes and citrus-forward builds, while the wine list leans Italian without rigidity, offering prosecco, nebbiolo, pinot noir and cabernet alongside familiar California producers

For Butterworth, the meaning of luxury has evolved over her 20-plus years working in fine dining.

“I think luxury is feeling taken care of,” she says. “It doesn’t need to be caviar and champagne. This chapter is about creating memories for everyone.”

And if it starts with the smell of bread and sauce? All the better.

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

Most drivers avoid Rialto Street.

As the fifth steepest street in the city, navigating it can be a white-knuckling experience.

What drivers avoid in Troy Hill, snowboarders seek out. That was the case this weekend, anyway, when a Reddit user posted a video titled “Shredding down Rialto St.” The 20-second clip shows a snowboarder making it from the top of Pig Hill to the bottom.

“Get it in while you can!” the video is captioned.

That’s not the only spot around town where Pittsburghers turned the streets into slopes.

Reddit user u/negley_ave_ski_club made dreams come true with this uploaded video that shows a skier swiftly heading down Negley Avenue.

Also on Negley Avenue, a group of skiers set up a makeshift snow mogul, while a snowboarder and skier tackled North Winebiddle Street.

Where have you been seeing winter activities around the city?

PHOTOS BY VUE REAL ESTATE MARKETING

When Ann “Lee” Phillips moved to the South Side Flats in 1991, her daughters say it was a form of Yinzer pilgrimage that spurred her actions.

Purchasing a condo in the Classroom Lofts, a former brick schoolhouse, Phillips sought to spend her next chapter in the area of the city where her family had first made their mark.

“The Phillips family has long-standing ties to the neighborhood,” says one of Phillips’s daughters, Cara Schultz, who spoke to Pittsburgh Magazine along with her sisters, Jennifer Jeffers and Devon George; their mother passed away in late 2025, after spending the last 34 years of her life returning to her roots.

“Her grandfather was the president of Phillips Mine and Mill Co. on Jane Street, and her great-grandfather founded The Southside Hospital,” Schultz says.

Her mother’s father, John M. Phillips Jr., later served as president of South Side Hospital. Beyond that, the Phillips family left their mark on the South Side in other ways.

“Her grandmother was the founder of the Brashear Association, a United Way organization, and Phillips Elementary School was named in honor of her grandparents in recognition of their enduring commitment and contributions to the community,” says Schultz, who adds that her mother followed in her family’s footsteps closely.

Purpose-driven work came naturally to Phillips. She served as director of community relations for South Side Hospital and later became president of the Brashear Association, while also taking on numerous leadership and volunteer roles throughout the South Side. An article in Pittsburgh City Paper from 2000 highlighted the mark the Phillips family left on the community.

When Phillips moved to 120 S 15th Street #103, it was a blank canvas for her to design. Schultz says her mom had a natural flair for design and loved to create beautiful spaces; she worked at the Bradley Michaels Furniture store in Pleasant Hills for a season of her life, as well.

“The beautiful pieces she selected and collected throughout her career can still be seen today, thoughtfully displayed throughout her condo, reflecting her timeless style and love of creating welcoming spaces,” Schultz says.

Jeffers, who also lives in the South Side, says her mother lived in a community that welcomed her with open arms when she returned more than three decades ago.

“A lot of people may not be aware of how strong the community is in the South Side,” she says. “Many people think of it as an entertainment destination only, but there are many residents who have lived in the neighborhood for decades, and they are committed to making the South Side a safe and livable place for its residents.”

She says she and her mother enjoyed chatting to passersby who had once attended school in the condo building — and there were quite a few; the school closed in 1990.

“I am always surprised and delighted to meet people who actually attended school in the building or know someone who did,” Jeffers says. “I love hearing their stories about what it was like to go to elementary school there.”

Of the home itself, George says her mother chose a rare gem.

“It is a real unicorn of a home in this vibrant neighborhood,” she says.

Like her sister, George also lives on the South Side; she says her mother’s first-floor, one-level unit with accessible bathing options and no maintenance was the perfect choice for her mother later in life. While those details made it livable, it’s the original, historical details that make it special, she says.

“Beyond the beautiful finishes and fixtures, high tin ceilings and gorgeous woodwork, it includes the original chalkboards — we’ve been told it was the music room of the school,” says George.

A Juliet balcony, additional storage and well-maintained grounds add to the long list of reasons this home stands out.

“With just twelve units in the building, it feels communal when you’d like it — a mix of ages makes it fun for holidays when the residents host a parking lot barbecue or gather for the marathon,” George says.

The home is now listed for $394,900 with Maggie Jayson of RE/MAX Select Realty, who has been a family friend for years. The condo, which measures around 1,500 square feet and has two bedrooms as well as two full bathrooms, is a favorite of hers.

“I just love this home, can you tell?” Jayson says with a laugh. “This home is a keeper the minute you walk in the door. There is a plethora of light with 10-foot windows, a mosaic tile ceiling and a private balcony. It’s move-in ready, a true artistic masterpiece.”

Jayson says the kitchen, bathrooms, HVAC and mechanics are all up to date. A monthly HOA fee of $400 covers landscaping, snow removal, sewer and water. There is also one deeded parking spot.

The open-concept great room has plenty of space for a large dining table; there’s also a spacious kitchen and a cozy living area. The primary suite has a private bathroom, walk-in closet and loft area with an iron railing that is currently set up as an office space.

The second bedroom is partitioned off from the main living area by a funky glass block wall. The interior’s ornate tin ceilings, massive windows and hardwood floors with character are set against exposed brick and HVAC for a cozy, yet industrial vibe.

“You can even still see the scuff marks on the hardwood floors from the classroom desks,” Schultz says.

While Phillips left decorative touches throughout the home that suited her taste, the condo’s good bones make an excellent backdrop for any style of decor.

“This was such a great place to get together and host a group of friends and family,” says Jeffers. “The condo has a very open concept, where everyone can comfortably be together, and there is a patio space that offers fresh air, sunshine and a nice breeze

“We will miss it all… It’s truly a unique space. I don’t think I will ever find something similar.”

Interested in seeing the condo in person? On open house will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 31.

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

Editor’s Note: On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Steelers verbally agreed for Mike McCarthy to become the team’s head coach.

One of the reasons the Steelers rarely find themselves looking for a new head coach is the formula they’ve traditionally applied to finding one when the need arises.

Chuck Noll (1969), Bill Cowher (1992) and Mike Tomlin (2007) were all home run hires.

And they all fit a specific profile — young defensive coordinator, no previous head coaching experience, massive potential.

So what are they doing talking to Mike McCarthy this time?

At 62, with 18 years combined service in Green Bay and Dallas — and in possession of offensive expertise — McCarthy is the polar opposite of what the Steelers have always sought.

He also might just turn out to be their best option.

McCarthy would be exactly that if he turns out to be the reason Aaron Rodgers decides to return for one more season as the Steelers’ quarterback.

Ideally, the Steelers would have found themselves in position to use the surplus of draft capital they’ve been amassing to trade up and once and for all secure their next long-term solution at QB.

But the draft pool doesn’t appear to have worked out as initially anticipated — and the list of desirable free agents at the position appears to begin and end with Malik Willis (it also includes, among others, Kenny Pickett).

The Steelers might just have to pivot.

Assuming Rodgers and McCarthy are agreeable to getting the band back together after having spent 13 years together with the Packers (a reasonable assumption that would, of course, need to be confirmed), why not opt for relative certainty over the unknown in the short term?

McCarthy’s coaching chops are beyond reproach; he might have been forgiven for beginning and ending his in-person interview on Wednesday with, “Remember when I beat yinz guys in the Super Bowl?”

Rodgers proved his viability this season, and that his unique combination of unmatched in-helmet experience and still-more-than-good-enough arm talent can still play in the league.

Neither would be a long-term answer (obviously, to quote Tomlin).

But the Steelers have been kicking that quarterback can down the road for a while now. What’s to prevent them from doing that one more time, along with the head coach?

If they do, they can pick up where they left off, with a Super Bowl-winning coach-quarterback combo leading what was a 10-win, division championship team.

Changes would still need to be made, particularly on defense and at wide receiver, but the urgency to alter and upgrade the roster isn’t going to evaporate if they manage to land Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula as their next head coach — and Shula, in turn, convinces Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to become the next offensive coordinator of the Steelers.

In assembling a staff for McCarthy, the Steelers might even be able to identify a potential next man up at one of the coordinator spots to be mentored by McCarthy until he decides it’s time to retire back to Greenfield (maybe that’s how they get their hands on Scheelhaase).

That would serve them well now and down the road.

That makes the possibility of the Steelers opting to color outside the lines in such a fashion intriguing, even if it’s unlikely that they ultimately break from a precedent that, since the late 1960s, has been their organization’s signature.

“Can I sign up for another Chuck Noll, or another Bill Cowher or another Mike Tomlin? Sure,” Steelers president Art Rooney II emphasized shortly after the head coach job became available. “Somebody that we feel fits that mold would be great. But for now, we’re not going to narrow the box too much.”

We’ll see how narrow it gets eventually.

Then again, there was also this from Rooney: “I’m not sure why you waste a year of your life not trying to contend. Obviously, your roster is what it is every year. It changes every year and so you deal with what you have every year and try to put yourself in position to compete every year. Sometimes you have the horses, sometimes you don’t but I think you try every year.”

If that’s truly the intent, the best head coach, and the best quarterback for the job, would be a good place to commence.

APTEKA PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Pittsburgh made a strong showing when the James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists this week.

Apteka was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Jamilka Borges, co-owner and chef at Lilith, earned a semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, a category that spans Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The honors place Pittsburgh squarely in the national culinary conversation ahead of finalists being announced on March 31. Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Awards ceremony on June 15 in Chicago (at the Lyric Opera of Chicago).

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Apteka’s Beverage Program Gets Its Moment

While Apteka has long been celebrated for its plant-based takes on dishes rooted in Polish, Ukrainian and broader Eastern European traditions, the James Beard nod shines a spotlight specifically on its wine and beverage program.

The Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category is specifically about a restaurant’s beverage program, and the James Beard Foundation notes that eligible restaurants must have been operating for at least three years, making the semifinalist nod a signal of sustained excellence and longevity.

Opened in 2016 by Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski, Apteka operates not just as a restaurant but also as a ‘Vinoteka,’ with a tightly defined philosophy guiding what makes it onto the list. The wine program focuses exclusively on natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, typically fermented with native yeast, unfined and unfiltered, vegan, and kept to low sulfur levels.

Apteka regularly highlights small producers from lesser-represented European regions — including Austria’s Weingut Jurtschitsch, France’s Olivier Cousin and Burgenland’s Wachter-Wiesler — alongside a rotating selection of similarly minded bottles.

The restaurant also runs VINOTEKA on Thursdays, a wine-forward service with a shortened food menu designed around the bottle list rather than the other way around.

Wine is only part of the picture. One of the program’s most distinctive elements is its foraged tea and non-alcoholic beverage program, led by kitchen team member Zach Rihn, who harvests wild plants across Western Pennsylvania.

“He picks a bunch of wild Western Pennsylvania teas — things I’ve never seen anywhere else as beverages,” Lasky says. “Things like sycamore or bark tea; they’re exceptional, and he does them seasonally.”

APTEKA PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

That same foraging ethos carries into Apteka’s cocktail program, which is built almost entirely from scratch. During the summer months, the team gathers “hundreds and hundreds of pounds of fruit,” Lasky says, which are later transformed into house-made cordials, juices and ferments that form the base of both cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.

Recent examples include a fermented rose hip soda paired with Slavic bitters, and a poppy seed milk cocktail made with house-ground poppy seeds, raisins and rum.

Wine decisions are handled collaboratively yet deliberately. Lasky and Skowronski select all bottles, and the front-of-house team plays a central role in translating those choices to guests.

Longtime front-of-house manager Kolin Smith, who is wrapping up his tenure at Apteka, helped shape the program’s service approach.

“Our approach to wine education isn’t about memorizing regions or grape varieties,” Lasky says. “It’s about understanding how wine is made and learning about producers and their projects — especially in Central and Eastern Europe, which a lot of places overlook.”

That philosophy also shapes how Apteka talks about wine with diners.

“The world of wine is so vast,” Lasky says. “We’re more interested in people approaching it with curiosity than coming in with fixed expectations.”

LILITH PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Jamilka Borges Recognized for Culinary Leadership

At Lilith, chef Jamilka Borges’ semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic reflects both the restaurant’s rapid ascent and her long-standing influence on Pittsburgh’s dining scene. Now in its third year, Lilith represents a culmination of Borges’ nearly two decades in Pittsburgh kitchens.

Borges learned about the nomination while on a winter break in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the one week Lilith is closed each year. She was out on a run with Lilith’s co-owner, Dianne DeStefano, when Nick Forsberg, chef and owner of Fet-Fisk, texted to congratulate her.

“I was completely surprised,” Borges says. “We work really hard, and our staff works really hard, so it felt really good to see that collective effort recognized.”

The timing carried extra meaning: Borges turns 40 this week, making the recognition feel like a personal milestone layered onto a broader moment of reflection.

Named one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Restaurants in 2025, Lilith opened in 2023 as a deeply personal project for Borges and DeStefano, drawing on Borges’ Puerto Rican roots and DeStefano’s Sicilian heritage.

Borges has been careful not to frame Lilith as a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant. Instead, she describes her cooking as personal, shaped by what she learned from her mother and grandmother and adapted to local, seasonal ingredients.

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

That personal history shows up in specific ingredients Borges returns to again and again — plantains, taro root, guava, tamarind, passion fruit and sofrito-driven aromatics — folded into seasonal cooking rather than presented as strict reproductions. Recent menus have included dishes like crab and halibut cakes with taro root purée, tuna tartare with pan sobao crostini, and ricotta ravioli layered with pork ragu, sofrito, and saffron.

Borges has been in Pittsburgh for 19 years, with leadership roles at Legume Bistro and Bar Marco, alongside years of community work focused on food education, preservation and fundraising. Outside the restaurant, Borges has long tied her work to community causes, including fundraisers for 412 Rescue and Action Against Rape, as well as an annual multi-chef fundraiser in Kentucky that supports women in the industry.

In the kitchen, she leads by example.

“I show up and I work really hard,” she says. “I’m not afraid to jump on the dish pit or do anything in the restaurant. That’s what I expect from others, too.”

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PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

The Brinery is back in business in Sharpsburg after a month-long kitchen renovation and menu overhaul.

My daughter and I were the first customers to patronize the Main Street spot during its grand re-opening on Jan. 16 and we ordered like it was our last meal: a cheeseburger and fries, three gigantic chicken wings with Never Ending Hot Sauce, pickle tots and a honey butter cornbread biscuit served in a cast-iron skillet.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

I would’ve ordered the fried chicken skins as well but I was too busy chewing the fat with Joe Bardakos, who co-owns the eatery with his partner, Madi Donaldson. If the couple’s adorably chatty kids had been on site, I’d still be there talking with my mouth full.

If you’ve never been to The Brinery, the scratch-made menu still boasts some bangers from its beginnings as a food truck, including The Graceland sandwich, pickle-brined fried chicken thigh, chili peanut sauce, napa cabbage, pickles and banana ketchup on homemade bread.

There’s a lot to love at The Brinery (which is located a few doors down from Love, Katie Distilling), so it’s appropriate that the BYOB-establishment is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner for two on Feb. 15, complete with a “chicken skin flight.”

I’d take that over a box of chocolates any day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALBERTA’S PIZZERIA

If deep-fried finger foods aren’t romantic enough for you, try Tapas Tuesdays at Alberta’s Pizzeria.

From 5 to 9 p.m. each week, chef/owner Beau Mitall serves up a rotating variety of small, savory dishes to share and pair with thoughtfully curated glasses of wine. No reservations are accepted and it’s bar-service only, but I think it makes the evening feel more intimate.

During a December visit, my date and I enjoyed Manchego cheese, potato paprika soup, smoked fish and prawn pintxos, pimientos fritos, pan de tomate and gildas, skewers stacked with green olives, anchovy and pickled pepper. A gilda is my favorite flavor combination and my favorite “Saturday Night Live” cast member.

If you visit Alberta’s on a Tuesday, tell ‘em Roseanne Roseannadanna sent you. And then order the gildas.

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

Bundle up, Pittsburgh.

The cold weather has brought with it freezing ice that has put the Allegheny River on pause. The ice even caused a blockage at the city’s water plant on Tuesday.

Local photographer Dave DiCello braved the cold to capture these photos of the ice.

“I was able to capture some panoramas of the sky as it lit up over the frozen river, creating one of those fire and ice sunrises,” DiCello wrote on a Facebook post in reference to the above photo.
“I’ll have a lot more to share, but I think that this one is my favorite.”

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

DiCello on Monday night tried to capture the Northern Lights.

“… while I did capture a faint purple glow that was clearly the aurora, by the time conditions were favorable the clouds rolled in, so unfortunately I struck out,” DiCello wrote on Facebook.

He tried again Tuesday morning.

“Not wanting to waste a trip into the city, I headed down between the Sister Bridges as I was surprised to see so much ice on the river already,” DiCello wrote, describing the above photo.

“There were some huge spots along the dock, allowing for some fun compositions like this one of the Andy Warhol Bridge. I just love how the frozen rivers really make those bridge lights shine.”

PHOTO BY CAITLIN HARTZ

After popping up across the Pittsburgh region in a mobile coffee truck, The Roaming Bean has found a home — in the Strip District.

Penny Folino, owner of the popular beverage truck — which won “Best Local Coffee Shop” in Pittsburgh’s Magazine’s 2025 Best of the ‘Burgh contest — is opening a brick-and-mortar storefront at 1455 Smallman St., adjacent to Tapville Social.

The location officially opened on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

PHOTO BY CAITLIN HARTZ

Featuring warm, neutral shades, the cafe’s cozy, plant-filled interior has large-scale wooden cutouts shaped like coffee beans scattered across the ceiling.

Known for its decadent lattes — among the flavors are Cookie butter, Fluffernutter and a Tiramisu Latte topped with a lady finger — The Roaming Bean’s new shop also will feature baked goods, including treats from Finleyville-based pastry caterer, Icing on the Cake.

PHOTO BY CAITLIN HARTZ

Those craving caffeine can still get their fix with The Roaming Bean’s mobile truck, which continues to pop up around Pittsburgh. As for where the Bean will be, the truck’s schedule is posted weekly on the business’s Instagram page.

The opening of The Roaming Bean’s first cafe comes just after another coffee retailer in the neighborhood shut its doors.

PHOTO BY MATT RAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Staffed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Bitty & Beau’s Pittsburgh location closed near the end of December, citing“unsustainable financial loss,” according to a letter posted on the Smallman Street store’s window.

Days later, Bitty & Beau’s announced on its social media accounts that the company would roll out a mobile business, dubbed “Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Cruiser” in Pittsburgh.

“Stay tuned… this is just the beginning,” the post said.

Named after their daughter, Lillie, who was born with autism, and children Bitty and Beau, who both have Down syndrome, Amy and Ben Wright founded Bitty and Beau’s in 2016 in Wilmington, N.C. The Strip District location opened in April of 2024 with 18 employees, who worked side-by-side with typically developing supervisors.

The chain has more than a dozen locations in 14 states and gives meaningful employment to more than 450 people with disabilities, according to the Bitty & Beau’s website.

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

The Pittsburgh Walk of Fame highlights notable Pittsburghers who have made meaningful contributions to the area. What about seeing the original Hollywood Walk of Fame up close and personal?

Starting March 29, United Airlines will offer daily, nonstop service between Pittsburgh International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Flights are already on sale.

United Airlines joins American Airlines, which started daily service to LAX last year, and Breeze Airways, which also offers flights to The City of Angels.

THE NEW RH AT THE CORNER OF WALNUT AND IVY STREETS. PHOTO COURTESY RH

A makeover for Shadyside’s Walnut Street is well underway thanks to the recent openings of two new businesses — with one still on the way.

On Jan. 16, RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) made its debut in the former Banana Republic store on the corner of Walnut and Ivy Streets. The 15,000-square-foot space had been empty since last March.

INTERIOR OF THE RH IN SHADYSIDE. PHOTO COURTESY RH

Spanning four levels, the new RH Pittsburgh, The Gallery on Walnut Street features luxury home furnishings collections from RH Interiors, RH Modern and RH Outdoor alongside antiques and curated artifacts, according to a press release from RH.

The location also includes a RH Interior Design studio.

Related: 3 Pittsburgh Destinations Are Set for a Fresh Look

PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

In December, popular South Korean chain Paris Baguette opened at 5514 Walnut St., which had been vacant since a Williams Sonoma store closed there back in 2022.

Known for its wide array of baked goods — as well as fluffy chiffon cakes such as the Strawberry Soft Cream Cake and Rainbow Cake — the chain has 4,000 locations around the world, including one at The Block Northway in Ross that opened in 2024.

Clothing retailer Brandy Melville also is set to open along Walnut Street in the first half of 2026, although not without some controversy.

Popular among teens and young women, the national chain is known for its “one size fits most” policy, which correlates to a size XS or S.

When the storefront was announced on the Shadyside’s Chamber of Commerce Instagram page in November, it was met by a flurry of social media commentary from locals that ranged from excitement to those upset by the brand’s reputation for discriminatory race, sex and weight practices.

The brand notably was the subject of a 2024 HBO documentary “Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion.” Based on reporting from a 2021 Insider article, the documentary centered on allegations by former employees against Brandy Melville’s founder and chief executive officer, Stephan Marsan, that included bigotry and the creation of a toxic work environment.

Marsan and his father, Silvio, founded Brandy Melville in Italy in the 1980s and opened their first U.S. location in Los Angeles in 2009. The European-based brand now has more than 100 locations globally.

Brandy Melville’s Shadyside location will be the chain’s first store in Pittsburgh and its third in Pennsylvania; the other two state locations are in the Philadelphia area.

PHOTO BY AARON JACK

(Due to the impending weather forecast, Con Alma’s Fundraising Gala has been moved from Sunday, Jan. 25 to Sunday, Feb. 1 with renowned pianist Orrin Evans. Tickets are available online.)

Con Alma

“If you want to experience something authentically Pittsburgh, come to Con Alma,” says John Shannon, the Downtown jazz joint’s co-founder and music coordinator. “There’s a connection that happens between musicians and listeners through improvisation.”

In the 1940s and ‘50s, the Steel City was a hub for jazz musicians. Fans packed multiple clubs to hear standards such as Dizzy Gillespie’s “Con Alma,” which means “with soul.”

Shannon and his business partners, chef Josh Ross and beverage director Aimee Marshall, founded the Con Alma concept in 2019 to breathe new life into the scene, give world-class artists a home base and serve high-end food, cocktails and wine in a deliberately low-tech environment. Pittsburghers got hip to the place (which is devoid of TVs but has a large collection of vinyl records) thanks to word of mouth.

But, like a lot of live music venues in the post-pandemic era, Con Alma is struggling to attract a crowd six nights a week.

On Sunday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., guests are invited to a fundraising gala featuring internationally acclaimed trumpeter Sean Jones & Friends, elevated cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails and some good, old-fashioned human interaction. Tickets are available online.

For folks who can’t make it to the event, a GoFundMe page was launched in December 2025 with a goal of $150,000. Proceeds support Con Alma’s continued commitment to the arts, including live jazz programming and artist collaboration, while also sustaining the chef-driven restaurant and beverage program.

“We are the only place in Pittsburgh that can call ourselves a jazz club,” says Shannon, a guitarist who grew up in the jazz scene. “I don’t book any other type of music. All the greatest jazz musicians in Pittsburgh have played here multiple times. It’s home for the music.”

Con Alma is at 613 Penn Ave., Downtown. Hours are 4:30 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 to midnight Friday, 4 p.m to midnight Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CESINA’S SAUSAGE CO.

Cesina’s Sausage Co.

For a lot of Pittsburghers, Christmas 2025 just didn’t taste the same.

On Dec. 15, a late-night fire destroyed the Cesina’s Sausage Co. building in Aliquippa. John Costanza, who owns the third-generation family business with his sisters, Annette Costanza Patterson and Charlene Costanza Tranelli, says he was about to prepare a 2,000-pound order of fresh, all-natural pork products when the blaze broke out.

Local residents, along with expats who have Cesina’s links and patties shipped to their new homes in California, Texas and South Carolina, had to host their holiday parties without the beloved Italian staples.

The Costanzas didn’t even have any for their yuletide celebration.

As the siblings figure out a way to carry on the culinary legacy launched by their Italian grandparents, they’re once again churning out five flavors — Hot, Medium, Sweet, Sweet ‘n Sassy and Breakfast — at Silver Star Meats’ production facility in Coraopolis.

You can find Cesiana’s at area grocery stores and businesses such as Al’s Pizza in New Brighton, Jenny Lee Breakfast Nook in Coraopolis and Shulligan’s Sports Bar & Grille in Aliquippa. John recently dropped off a specialty sausage blend to longtime customer Frankie’s Extra Long in Lawrenceville. It gets my vote for the best hot sausage sandwich in town.

The Costanza family says they’re humbled and inspired by the outpouring of love from the community.

A GoFundMe account set up by their cousin has raised more than $10,000. On Feb. 22, the San Rocco Foundation is offering take-out spaghetti dinners, including pasta, meatballs, salad and desert, to raise money for the family. From 1 to 5 p.m., you can pick up your pre-ordered meal at the MPI Club, 101 Grand Ave.

Cesina’s sausage has been a part of the annual San Rocco Festa for nearly a century.

The company’s Italian namesake, Cesina Costanza, immigrated to the United States in the 1920s — and brought her family’s time-honored sausage recipe along. Cesina and her husband, Oresto, raised six kids in Aliquippa.

In 1969, their son and daughter-in-law, Charlie and Rosella Costanza, opened a small deli called Chapel Superette, where they made and sold small batches of the sausage. High demand for the product – dubbed the “filet mignon of sausage” — led them to launch Cesina’s Sausage Co. in 1978. The building that was destroyed by fire opened in 1998 and was undergoing renovations.

Charlie and Rosella’s children — who took the reins of the operation in 2018 while maintaining their regular jobs — are determined to rebuild the business that put their family on the map and in the hearts of Pittsburghers everywhere.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAROLD’S HAUNT

Harold’s Haunt

“At least once a week I have someone tell me that this place is life-saving,” says Athena Flint as we belly up to the bar at Harold’s Haunt.

Since 2022, the Millvale “They-Bar” has provided a safe space for everybody from sober-curious crafters and neurodivergent witches to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. There’s even room for a few friendly ghosts in the Grant Street building (even if their otherworldly antics may have contributed to some costly repair bills).

The calendar is packed with events, including gender-affirming clothing swaps, full moon rituals and an all-ages Sober Sunday, which is supported by New Sun Rising, a Millvale-based nonprofit organization offering programs and services that uplift social enterprises throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Region.

The boozeless bash, held on the first Sunday of each month, features a full and affordably priced menu of Fauxions (mocktails), non-alcoholic beer from Garfield’s Two Frays Brewery and dietary inclusive food, although you don’t have to sip to stay. If you simply want to hang out in a nurturing environment, your cup will runneth over. On sunny days, the fun spills out onto Harold’s back patio.

Harold’s team of mixologists has concocted quite a catalog of tasty beverages over the years and often take the bar on the road to private parties and public events.

Flint, who also owns Maude’s Paperwing Gallery, the neighboring metaphysical shop that’s on hiatus, says Harold’s launched a GoFundMe campaign last November to keep the lights on. So far, it’s raised more than $23,000. They hope to open the small, but licensed kitchen to local chef pop-ups or perhaps share the space with a day-time vendor, as coffee purveyor Lemon Tree PGH did before moving into the Millvale Food & Energy Hub a few blocks away.

As a for-profit business, Harold’s isn’t raking in the dough, but its mission of inclusivity and kindness is priceless.

“The No. 1 goal is still community,” Flint says. “We are trying to find out how to make that work financially. We’re finding other ways to make money to keep doing the things we’re doing. I can’t see us being anywhere else other than Millvale. People have your back. There’s a free fridge, a tool library, the Millvale Community Development Corporation— they want to see us here for the long haul. I think the universe helped me land here and I’m incredibly grateful.”

Link, a 42-year-old regular, sees Harold’s as a homebase on a journey of self-discovery.

“My therapist gave me one goal that I took to heart: find queer community. So I started going to a little witchy They-Bar in my old hometown, Harold’s Haunt,” Link says. “My spouse and I started with Trivia Nights and a few other events at the bar. Through community, I eventually found the courage to come out to everyone in my life on Facebook as trans femme/non-binary. I don’t think I would have found that courage had I not been inspired by so many folks at that bar living their truth.”

Harold’s Haunt is at 142 Grant Ave., Millvale. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

PHOTOS BY EXPOSURE IT REAL ESTATE MEDIA

When Alex and Theresa bought their home at 1213 Boyle St. four years ago, they were drawn to it for a myriad of reasons.

The location in the Mexican War Streets on Pittsburgh’s North Side was stellar. Built in 1900, the home enjoys easy access to all of the city’s amenities. Beyond that ever-desired “location, location, location,” the couple loved the vibe of the immediate community right around the home.

Alex says being able to walk to the Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park stadiums was a huge perk, but they underestimated how much they’d enjoy the walkability of the War Streets and Central North Side as a whole.

“It’s a diverse neighborhood with people who have lived there a long time, as well as newer neighbors,” he says. “There is a mix of cultures, and everyone is super friendly.”

Theresa adds that the food scene is beyond enticing for locals.

“It’s an easy walk to all kinds of restaurants, without even heading Downtown,” she says. “There are Italian, German, Hungarian, Indian, Caribbean, American Pubs, Eclectic, Mexican, and so many more options to enjoy.”

The couple also enjoys the ability to walk to attractions like the National Aviary and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, as well as the many festivals and events that take place on Allegheny Commons.

When they purchased the home, they expected to settle in for a long stint as residents of the Mexican War Streets, but the needs of extended family have called them out of the area.

The couple invested time and resources into making their house a home, and are confident someone else will fall in love instantly, just as they did.

“I remember when we first walked out on the deck in the evening. The view was beautiful and peaceful; it’s a great escape,” says Theresa. In addition to the deck, there is a covered patio and a fenced yard space for pets or kids.

Featuring four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, the house measures just over 2,000 square feet; it has been thoroughly renovated and updated to modern needs and standards. The home also is a blank slate for the next owner as far as design choices, with crisp white trim and neutral walls that will work well with any decor scheme.

Theresa says the interior of the home is well-laid out for entertaining and family life, with plenty of natural light and a floor plan that was opened up via renovations. The first floor’s living room, dining room and kitchen open onto one another, creating one large family living space.

Upstairs, four spacious bedrooms have been nicely updated for use as sleeping space, home offices or as a bright and airy studio space.

The couple has listed their North Side gem with Rick Brown of Next Home PPM Realty for $479,900; he says he’s honored to get to bring such a unique home to the Pittsburgh market — though he has a hard time narrowing down the best features.

The custom exterior is an immediate draw, but so many other features make this home truly livable.

“Eight off-street parking spots are almost unheard of for a city property,” he says, adding that the parking, combined with the deck, patio, and yard are things most buyers won’t find within the city limits.

Brown says the next owners could easily create a primary suite with some simple renovation steps — he’s even included a rough floor plan in the Zillow listing.

As for that incredible exterior? As part of putting their mark on the home, the couple hired one of the city’s top mural artists, Jeremy Raymer, to customize the front and one side of the long and narrow brick home.

“We wanted to add to the vibe of the area,” says Alex of their decision to hire Raymer. The mural, entitled “Light Wave,” features a vibrant undersea scene.

The mural ties the home to the Mexican War Streets, which have long been famous for its colorful, funky homes.

“We invited the steel drum band from Steel City Arts Initiative, just down the road, to play Calypso music as the mural was unveiled to our neighbors,” says Alex. “It was such a fun party.”

PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH MEDIA PARTNERSHIP

Emilia Doda didn’t set out to map the data center boom.

But after reading about a data center proposed across from her childhood home near Scranton, she decided to build a public map showing where data centers are planned in Pennsylvania — a tool for residents to learn more. Now, she hopes to make the tool to be open-sourced so others can replicate it across the country.

“I thought it was so valuable that people, just general communities, had this information,” said Doda, who now lives in Silicon Valley.

She had questions about the data centers coming to Pennsylvania and wanted to create a clearinghouse for the information she gathered.

A data center is a warehouse-like building filled with computers that store and process massive amounts of digital information, supporting services such as cloud storage, streaming, and artificial intelligence.

Doda, a graduate of the University of Southern California in physics/computer science, began the project while living in Silicon Valley. She’s continued updating it while looking for a job in the tech industry and working on video game programming, photography and freelance website development.

Anthony Pipa, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said tools such as a citizen-driven map help people better understand what is happening in their communities. The way Pipa sees it, more information, “empowers local people to be part of this decision-making process.”

Since launching the map in August, Doda has received questions and tips. She has also attracted attention on social media and news outlets.

But until now, she has not discussed her role in creating the map. Doda said she was concerned about being perceived as an authority figure on data centers, which often process data for artificial intelligence.

“I think AI is a good tool,” she said. But she questions whether Pennsylvanians will be the primary beneficiaries of the technology.

“We all say that Scranton, the area, is 30 years behind technologically,” she said.

Doda internalized this when she moved to California to start college in 2019.

The day she arrived at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, she took a taxi instead of an Uber from the airport, which she said her classmates questioned. But Doda had never taken an Uber.

“I realized, this is literally a whole new world,” she said.

Now, living in Silicon Valley, Doda said some of her friends work for the biggest tech and artificial intelligence companies in the world but aren’t well versed on data centers.
And although Doda’s mapping did not reveal an overlap of data centers and former coal mines, Pipa sees the relevance of the region’s industrial history.

“To build data centers, you need significant outside investment,” Pipa said. Investors use local land, water, and electricity, which is “not dissimilar to energy extraction.”

Hannah Frances Johansson is a reporter for the Pittsburgh Media Partnership newsroom. She holds a master’s degree from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She is a 2025 recipient of the Overseas Press Club Scholar Award and a former 11th Hour Food and Farming Fellow. Her reporting has appeared on CNN, Pittsburgh’s Public Source, and Michigan Public Radio, among others. She resides in the city’s North Side. Reach her at hannah.johansson@pointpark.edu

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

My happy new year started at Glads Deli.

I’d been eyeing the Glassport shop’s Facebook posts for the better part of 2025. I especially enjoyed the photos of customers posing with their subs as if they’d hooked a whopper at a big-game fishing competition.

A few “Star Wars” fans wielded the sandwiches like lightsabers. I had to get in on this action, even though Glassport seemed like a galaxy far, far away from my place in the North Hills.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

When I finally visited Glads on Jan. 4, the Valentine’s Day decorations were already up. I typically don’t like it when businesses jump the gun on holiday celebrations, but, in this case, it was appropriate since I have a lot of love for their food.

In addition to affordably priced options that can satisfy an average appetite, Glads’ menu features some seriously huge hoagies, including three-footers that you have to order three days in advance. They’ll probably take you just as long to eat.

If you’ve cut carbs, you can order a salad, a grazing box filled with meats and cheeses, a hoagie bowl or any sandwich on a giant pickle instead of bread, which, to repeat the most overused pun in Pittsburgh, is kind of a big dill.

The Yea Buddy includes 11 meats, eight cheeses and 13 toppings on a 12-inch Breadworks roll. It’s approximately 5.5 pounds, which is more than my daughter weighed at birth. There are snapshots on the wall depicting the dozen or so hungry souls who have attempted to consume this beast onsite solo in 30 minutes or less.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Only one person — a competitive eater who also downed a bag of chips — has succeeded and earned a Glads T-shirt and the right to walk away without paying the $55 bill.

Since I’m “dieting,” I opted for the slightly more modest 12-inch American-Italian with cooked ham, turkey, salami, prosciutto, mortadella, hot capicola, provolone, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, salt and pepper, oregano, balsamic, red wine vinaigrette oil and roasted red peppers. I had planned to have half of it for lunch and save the other for dinner, but ended up consuming the whole thing in one sitting. Where’s my T-shirt?!

I had to take a nap afterward. In my opinion, that’s the hallmark of a great meal.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Owner Jason Billingsley opened Glads in 2023 as a change of pace from a long career in the kitchen-and-bath remodeling business. He spent his teens working at area pizzerias and, in his early 20s, launched his own. This father knows how to feed people and often donates to area schools and struggling families.

His heart is bigger than his hoagies.

Billingsley wanted Glads — named after his grandmother Gladys and the South Allegheny School District’s gladiator mascot — to stand out from other eateries. I believe he’s accomplished that goal, since you can benchpress a Yea Buddy to build up your biceps.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

The business itself is also growing; a second location is slated to debut next month in Westmoreland County. Billingsley is in the process of renovating the storefront at 3535 Route 130, a space that formerly housed a Subway.

I asked him to open a spot in West View so I can walk to it from my house and burn a few calories before eating a few feet of sandwich. He says he’ll think about it.

Yea, buddy!

Glads Deli is at 614 Monongahela Ave., Glassport. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.