February 27, 2025

One day left of February - we're just barely squeezing this one in under the wire.


Despite freezing temps, we've been all over the city this month connecting businesses to resources, working to modernize some food/beverage/entertainment-related policies, and assisting commercial districts in visioning their future.


But the BIG NEWS this month is The NFL Draft 2026 and your first opportunity to plug in to this mega event. Be sure to sign up for one of two info sessions on how you can do business with the NFL and its fans.


We're pleased to serve on one of the official committees so look for a monthly countdown with tips on how to prepare for and benefit from this mad influx of visitors.


Cheers,

Allison Harnden and Bret Kunash,

Office of Nighttime Economy

Office of Nighttime Economy

Meeting up PRLA and Primanti's Operations guru, Mike Mitcham!

We had the pleasure to introduce our Mayor Ed Gainey to the PGH Chapter of the American Culinary Federation

Pit stop at Nicholas Coffee & Tea for a 'pick me up' while checking in with Market Square businesses. Do you need some love from O.N.E? Give us an email and we'd love to check-in with you and your community.

In the streets with Oakland Business Improvement District and the Oakland Clean Team... You know we work in the day time too!

CITY/STATE UPDATES

Liquor Licensee, New Opportunities!

Liquor licensees now have the opportunity to purchase some of the state's most coveted whiskeys. The PLCB has introduced its Limited-Release Lottery, giving registrants a chance to buy from two highly sought-after collections—the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection—featuring a total of 1,775 bottles available


The lottery will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28. Those interested can enter by visiting the Limited-Release Lottery page at FWGS.com.

Food Trucks, Carts & Policy Reform

The Department of Planning is reevaluating the approach to permitting and regulating vendors operating from trucks, carts, and stands...


Both in the public right-of-way, vacant land, and private property. In addition to working with a wide group of stakeholder to identify opportunities to improve the vending program in Pittsburgh, they seek community input. 


Got opinions and ideas? Add them through the engage page.



https://engage.pittsburghpa.gov/vending-program

Beer Garden Vendors Wanted!

REACH NEW CUSTOMERS

Your Chance To be a Part of NFL Draft 2026

In preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, there will be two information sessions in March introducing local businesses to NFL Draft Source, the league’s procurement program.


These sessions, hosted in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers, will provide key insights on how to position your business for success.


Heads UP - Important Note:

The application to become a vendor for the draft opens April 1 - 30!


This could be a game-changing opportunity for businesses.

SESSIONS ARE FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED


 March 3rd - Registration link: NFL Source Info Session #1 - Formstack 

rsvp required by February 28

 March 21st - Registration link: NFL Source Info Session #2 - Formstack 

rsvp required by March 19



 Questions? Email NFLdraftSource26@alwaysbusyconsulting.com

Be a Hometown Hotspot

PUMP is a community organization with over 5400 active members and over 15,000 participants engaged yearly across our programming including Pittsburgh Sports Leagues, the Pittsburgh Passport, and other community, civic engagement, and recreational programming.


PUMP is actively working to develop connections with businesses and develop more fun and interesting places and events to send their members to socialize.


If anyone is interested in engaging with the members of this great Org. please reach out to to PUMP directly or Allison/Bret can put you in contact!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BBQ Tradition in PGH

A Pittsburgh institution...


Learn about Ed Boykin and what was once the 'best spot in the burgh" to eat, period, let alone for BBQ.


Learn more about Black and Pittsburgh history over at Next Pgh.

Black Gay Nightlife and BHM

"Black History Month is a nice reminder of the incredible legacies made by people like Claudette Colvin, Ida Wells, Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson, and Shirley Chisolm, not to mention black LGBT Americans like Barbara Jordan, Laverne Cox, and Marsha P Johnson."


"we as a society can start thinking about how African Americans have shaped our cultural spaces, the sites we walk past on our way to work in the morning, or the places we relax at on the weekends."


Click here to read more!

A History of Black Bartenders

The Hidden History of African-American Bartenders


"Dr. Wondrich takes a deep dive into the history of how African-Americans of the late 19th century gained esteem behind the bar and how their experiences varied in the North and South — in ways that might defy your assumptions."



Check out the whole article here.

OPERATIONS/TRENDS/INDUSTRY NEWS

Navigating the New Form I-9

Updated Employee Verification Process Brings New Opportunities and Obligations


It's important, now, more than ever to make sure you're following the proper protocols for your new hires.


Get all the info here

The Pittsburgh Old Fashion?

The iconic Old Fashioned remains a choice cocktail for Pittsburgh


"Spencer Warren, owner of The Warren Bar and Burrow, refers to the Old Fashioned as the gold standard of cocktails. The popularity is undeniable. The Warren sells twice as many Old Fashioneds as any other cocktail. And it’s not just for middle-aged folks."


Click here to read the rest of the article over at Next Pittsburgh

State of Pgh's Indie Industry and how YOU can help!

Pittsburgh’s Independent Music Industry Needs Your Help


The COVID-19 pandemic truly placed a long-lasting and devastating effect on the arts and entertainment community as a whole, but no more than some of these independent spaces


Read this article by NIVA Western PA Chapter Rep. Adam Valen

GRANTS

Brewing 101 Scholarship

Pittsburgh Brewers Guild Scholarship



The Pittsburgh Brewers Guild is accepting applications for the new PBG Scholarship to be used at Point Park University’s Brewing 101 course program. 



Click to apply 

WEBINARS/TRAINING

Upcoming Trainings for Business Owners

Lawrenceville Corporation has opened up this training to any business located in Pittsburgh!!


March 12th from 10:00 - 11am at Spirit (242 51st St) 


Learn essential skills in Mental Health First Aid, De-escalation Techniques, and Narcan Administration to prepare your employees for interactions with those in mental health or drug crises, and to care for themselves after such events.


Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools and knowledge that can make a difference. Please Register here, spots are limited

Immigration Compliance Fact Sheet

"Immigrants are an important part of the restaurant industry—over 20% of all U.S. workers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Many immigration policies will change in the coming months. The National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center are actively monitoring these developments to keep our industry informed and prepared."



Click here for a 3 page fact sheet

KUDOS!

Awesome Pittsburgh Restaurants for 100, please...

KUDOS!


If your establishment has been recognized, let us know!

Join Bret & Allison at the Sociable City Summit

14 Pittsburgh businesses, neighborhood groups and commercial district managers from Downtown, Oakland, Lawrenceville and South Side are joining us to attend this unique conference. The host city is a learning laboratory and taps the knowledge of presenters and attendees alike on how to create safe, vibrant daylife and nightlife. 


The Summit convenes innovators from multiple fields, including economic development, law enforcement, business district management, city planning, nighttime venue operations and more. 


REGISTER NOW - PAY LATER


Under payment, click Check/Invoice and pay later

You can also cancel by April 7, 2025 and get a full refund 

Contact Allison.Harnden@pittsburghpa.gov for a $200 discount code

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Tell us About your Service Industry Night!

Help us celebrate the front line workers that make our night's shine.

Build a real social network of peers to learn from and lean on!


Kulcher - Sundays 8 -12

Allegheny Wine Mixer -  Sunday's, 20% off service industry

Urban Tap - Mondays, 9 - 12, $5 select cocktails, $5 wine, 1/2 off drafts & shareables

Arsenal Bowl - 9pm - 12am

Con Alma – Monday's, 9 – 11pm 

Space Bar – First Monday of the month, 4 – 10pm 

Helltown Taproom in the Strip – Tuesday's, 6pm – 9pm 

Howl At The Moon - Wednesday's, 25% off bar tab with proof of employment


Tell us about your Service Industry night and we'll be sure to include it in the next post. Bret@pittsburghpa.gov

Do you Have a Space to Rent?

Have Space to Host for Parties?


Several people have contacted us asking where they can hold their holiday parties and special events. Do you have a private dining room or event space? Let us know and we'll add you to our list.

Send details to Bret.Kunash@pittsburghpa.gov

Follow us for daily updates on Pittsburgh's Nighttime Economy, upcoming news and events.

Click here to follow us on Facebook!

Click here to follow us on Instagram.








100 Things To Do In Pittsburgh

(before your graduate)



The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Nighttime Economy launched a social media campaign to showcase diverse, fun activities available to people under 21, the campaign aims to create awareness of the many opportunities for students and residents to connect socially with others in a variety of settings. 


Follow along all year on Instagram @PghAtNight and Facebook @PghNightEcon

Newsletter Archive

New to the Office of Nighttime Economy?

Check out our past newsletters...

Jan 2024

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Oct 2024

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Jan 2024

Jan 2023

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July 2023

June 2023

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February 2023


November 2022

August 26

Music Sector - Special Edition

June 8

AAPI Heritage Month - Special Edition

May 3

April 22

April 6

March 24 - Women's History Month - Special Edition

February 11 - Special Edition

February 1

January 11

January 3 - Special Edition

HELP US HELP YOU: Send your questions, challenges, or useful tidbits to Allison Or give us a call at 412-400-900.


SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER with other business owners and managers who work in or with Nighttime Economy. Sign up here to join our mailing list.

References to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement. Always, consult your professional service providers to decide if a resource is a right fit for your business.