Our Story

I've always been a believer in the handshake, the face-to-face. That's Pittsburgh, right? You build relationships over a beer and a plate of fries. But you can't ignore the way things are goin'. Everyone's got that damn phone in their hand, lookin' for the next great spot.

I saw a lot of these hardworking owners, guys and gals pourin' their heart and soul into their place, gettin' lost in the digital noise. They know how to run a kitchen, how to make a customer feel like family, but this whole online world? It felt like a different planet.

So, the idea behind Local Hospitality Strategy was simple: bridge that gap. Be the guys who understand both sides of the counter – the real-world hustle and the online game. We're not here to change who you are, to turn your neighborhood joint into some cookie-cutter chain. We're here to help you tell your story, show off what makes your place special, in a way that clicks with folks online.

Think of it as amplifying that word-of-mouth, that local buzz, but on a bigger scale. Whether it's letting people take a virtual walk through your bar and feel the atmosphere, or gettin' your name out there when someone's searchin' for the best wings in the 'Burgh, we're about gettin' you seen by the right people.

We're local. We get it. We're not tryin' to sell you some fancy package you don't need. We're about practical solutions, the kind that actually bring more folks through your door. It's about keepin' the character of Pittsburgh alive and well, one smart click at a time.

Our Mission

To empower Pittsburgh's independent hospitality and small businesses to not just survive, but thrive in the digital age, all while staying true to the unique character that makes them cornerstones of our neighborhoods.

Our Values

  • Keepin' it Real: We ain't about fancy talk or over-promisin'. We shoot straight, tell you what you need to hear, and deliver solutions that actually work, without all the fluff.

  • Local Heart, Local Hustle: We're Pittsburgh through and through. We understand the grit, the loyalty, and the pride that comes with runnin' a business here. We're invested in seeing our community thrive.

  • Straightforward & Practical: We cut through the noise and focus on what gets results. No complicated tech jargon or pie-in-the-sky ideas – just practical strategies you can understand and implement.

  • Your Success is Our Win: We're not just here to sell you a service. We genuinely care about seein' your business grow and succeed. Your challenges are our challenges, and we're in it together.

  • Building Relationships, Not Just Transactions: We believe in the power of a handshake and a genuine connection. We're here to be a partner you can trust, someone you can call when you've got a question or just need to bounce ideas off someone who gets it.

  • Embracing Progress, Respecting Tradition: We know the world's changing, and tech is a big part of that. But we also respect the history and character of our local businesses. We're about smart upgrades that enhance what you already do best, not replacing it.

Meet the Team

Behind Local Hospitality Strategy is a blend of old-school grit and new-school smarts, all dedicated to helping Pittsburgh's unique hospitality scene thrive in the digital age.


  • strategy.

    I cut my teeth in this business from the ground up – literally bussing tables, bartending and working front desk through college. Went through the whole hotel management thing at Penn State, and then chased the corporate dream for years. Learned a ton about what makes a place tick, what makes guests happy, and what makes the numbers work. Spent a good chunk of time in the IT side of big hotels, figuring out how tech can actually save money and make things run smoother. But at the end of the day, those big corporate gears weren't really my speed anymore.

    Pittsburgh's got soul, and a lot of that soul lives in its small businesses – the restaurants, the bars, the little hotels. They've got the heart, but sometimes they're missing that digital edge. That's where I come in with Local Hospitality Strategy. I take that corporate know-how, that understanding of how to use tech smart, and I bring it to the local level. It's about helping these places not just survive, but really shine in today's world, without losing what makes them unique. For me, it's about using what I've learned to help the folks who are building something real in our communities.


  • operations.

    I've seen it all at the Rusty Nail. Bought it when it was on its last legs – a real dive. Turned it around, not by chasing trends, but by listening to the neighborhood and building a place where folks genuinely connect. Now it's the kind of spot where you can grab a beer, catch a game, or just hang out – a real "third space."

    That turnaround wasn't just about a fresh coat of paint. It was about understanding what people want and adapting without losing the soul of the place. Seeing that shift firsthand made me realize that even the best local spots can thrive even more with a smart approach to today's world. That's why I've partnered with Mark at Local Hospitality Strategy. He's got the digital know-how, and I've got the real-world experience of taking a struggling business and making it a neighborhood favorite. We're here to help other owners do the same – keep what makes them special while bringing in a new wave of loyal customers.