Author Archives: admin

In a recent article published by the Post Gazette, restaurants are failing in spaces that have high visibility and heavy foot traffic.  At Sofranko Advisory group, we understand that location, although important, is not the only factor when it comes to … →

The chef de cuisine of Nine on Nine, John Bingham, has left that Downtown restaurant to head Sirena Taco Joint & Bar, a place in progress at 3909 Washington Road in McMurray that is scheduled to open in May. The restaurant from … →

A restaurant concept rare in this area is set to make a splash in Peters Township. After closing down the Dozen Cupcakes last September, owner Doreen Valentine is now working to reopen the 3,050-square-foot location as Sirena Taco Joint & Bar. Named after … →

The former director of food service at Carnegie Mellon University is poised to go out on his own with a new restaurant in McCandless Township. Sean Minahan and his wife are close to opening Bistro 9101 in the former Ziggy’s space on Route … →

One of the founders of Bravo! Cucina Italiana is working to bring a new fast-casual restaurant being touted as an Italian version of Chipotle to the region. Columbus-based Piada Italian Street Food, which bases its name and menu on a sandwich … →

Ron Sofranko, a partner in Walnut Grill Holdings, expects the location will be a strong one for the new restaurant, noting that one of the shopping center’s main tenant, the Pittsburgh Bottle Shop Cafe, has always been successful there. “It … →

The office walls of Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise Corp.’s CEO are decorated with hubcaps and car memorabilia, much like its restaurants’ decor. “I’m not a motor head or even a car guy,” said the aptly named John Longstreet. “But … →

After spending the last 31 years parking cars near Pittsburgh International Airport, Charlie Brown is ready to take a stab at something new — office development. Mr. Brown, owner of Charlie Brown’s Airport Parking, is one of three partners in … →

Nick Nicholas, who owns Nicholas Coffee Co. in Market Square, has bought the former Trombino piano gallerie building in the 900 block of Penn Avenue and plans to transform it into a three-level restaurant. Nicholas has reached a long-term lease agreement with … →

Ron Sofranko, principal of Wexford-based Sofranko Advisory Group, which consults with restaurants and other food service operations, said he can’t imagine chasing such a far-flung expansion.“It’s very, very difficult to establish one facility across the country and have one facility … →

Ron Sofranko, who consulted with Waffles INCaffeinated, was impressed with their operation and sees it as fitting with the trend of upscale casual dining. He said they should be able to grow on the success they’ve experienced in New Brighton. … →

When Rick Stern began to renovate his family’s 90-year-old Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill, he thought it would be easy to secure a liquor license. Instead, it took four months to find one, when it once took no time at all. After … →

WARRENDALE (KDKA) – A 20,000 square-foot entertainment complex is expected to make its grand opening next month in the North Hills. This new venue, named Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, is located off Warrendale Road and will be the only entertainment facility of … →