The words “merry” and “happy” have saturated our vocabulary in recent weeks. With 2018 now here, the words have less significance. But to some entrepreneurs, business assistance organizations and politicians, 2017 ended and 2018 began in a “joyous” manner. Dreams were fulfilled, goals were met, and history is being made.
For them, it’s like the holiday season never ends.
James Thomas Jr. and Donna L. Taylor followed their dreams and opened coffee establishments. Thomas, in April, opened a Café Mocha Coffeehouse at 1836 Centre Avenue in the Hill District, and in the fall, Taylor opened Joy In Coffee Café at 420 Chartiers Avenue in the Father Ryan Center in McKees Rocks. Both businesses maintain strong ties within their community and relationships with the local community group—Thomas with the Hill House and Taylor with Focus On Renewal.
“The partnership and location are perfect for my business,” said Taylor.
Menu items include a mix of coffee and teas, an assortment of lemonades and cold beverages, various styles of sandwiches, wraps, Angus hamburgers and cheeseburgers, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and an assortment of pastries and deserts. Joy In Coffee Café also provides catering services.
Thomas, a four-time NFL Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler, was approached by Hill House Association officials to bring the Café Mocha Coffeehouse to the Hill. The establishment is known for their friendly baristas, delicious hot and iced brewed coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and a variety of teas, blended drinks and desserts. “My goal here is to create a need for businesses like this and others in the Hill District. We want to be an asset to the community as well as the whole city,” said Thomas.
The summer was productive for Audryana and Richard Hatcher as they fulfilled their dream of expanding their eatery, Lettuce Eat, into other cities. Their concept is now located in Chesapeake, Virginia, operating under the name of Seven City Salads. Their first venture, Lettuce Eat, is located in the Monroeville Mall Food Court. Originating out of the couples’ quest to lose weight and as a personal desire for quality vegetable and meat options, they consider Lettuce Eat and Seven City Salads as a “fast casual healthy eating” eatery. Using the slogan, “food served fast and fresh,” the menu is inclusive of salads, soups, wraps and fruit bowls. The build-your-own salads offer over 30 toppings. This year the couple has hopes to expand into the Squirrel Hill or Lawrenceville neighborhoods.
President and CEO of Bridgeway Capital, Mark Peterson, in November during the organization’s annual meeting announced that $20 million in loans and investments have been made into the projects and people making a difference in Western Pennsylvania. It was reported that over the last five years Bridgeway Capital has made 174 loans to minority-led enterprises and 188 loans were made to women-led enterprises. The organization’s mission is to assist underserved populations by providing capital and education to ignite business and job growth, to develop communities, to support entrepreneurs and to expand vital services that strengthen the region. It is making Western Pennsylvania a thriving region by promoting economic opportunity and community revitalization.
With the goal to assist the 7800 Susquehanna Street building in Homewood regain its position as an economic and cultural hub in a revitalized community, Bridgeway Capital is the owner of the former Westinghouse Electric facility. The first four floors of the building are leased to 21 enterprises including seven craft businesses, five artists and three job training programs, including the University of Pittsburgh Manufacturing Assistance Center. A resource of the Industrial Engineering Department of the Swanson School of Engineering, MAC trains individuals and professionals in precision manufacturing, CNC and CAD/CAM technologies, which provides quality training opportunities in an atmosphere where innovation meets modern technologies.
With the next Electrician’s Selection Test scheduled for Spring and to introduce candidates to opportunities in construction fields, on Jan. 27 the Builders Guild, Pittsburgh Penguins and Master Builders Association of Western Pennsylvania are co-sponsoring a Construction Trades Careers Community Workshop. Designed for people interested in entering one of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee programs offered by members in construction trades, Walter J. Bentley II said: “This is a great time for people, including minorities and women, to be involved in the construction field.”
The Minority and Diversity Recruiting Specialist for the JATC points out that the region’s commercial construction industry is at historic highs and continues to grow. “The need for people with drive and desire to build a sustainable, well-paying career and to help build our region has never been greater.”
The free Construction Trades Careers Community Workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. Attendees can expect to meet representatives of the Pittsburgh region construction trades and learn about the application and acceptance process into the Apprenticeship Training Programs. Available resources will include Duquesne University Law School—guidance on criminal record expungement; the A. Philip Randolph Institute—information on obtaining a driver’s license or recovering a suspended license; the Energy Innovation Center and Breaking the Chains of Poverty—Pre-apprenticeship programs designed for those who need to improve math, reading and interpersonal skills; Community service organizations who offer programs to help prepare for testing and interviews; and CCAC—Adult education programs.
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