Tips for opening a new restaurant/small business in pittsburgh (Julian: 2015, rent)

[NJFathead]

We're buying a historic building in which we're converting office space to a restaurant. I realize there are going to be some setbacks and difficulties with getting permits from Pittsburgh administration. It seems as though Peduto's administration wants to make changes to these processes to make things move faster, but they also seemingly have a long way to go. I plan on reaching out to the Urban Redevelopment Authority and some specific people in the government including Henry Pyatt (small business and redevelopment manager), but I was wondering if anyone has any tips on who to contact and what to do to get started and streamline this process. We're basically putting up all the money we have to get the business started, so I'm trying to be up and running as soon as possible so I can actually start paying myself. We're also looking into applying for historic restoration grants. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[doo dah]

Here is the URA Facade Improvement page, and info on the participating Mainstreets Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

Will be interested to hear your progress!

[sskink]

Originally Posted by NJFathead

We're buying a historic building in which we're converting office space to a restaurant. I realize there are going to be some setbacks and difficulties with getting permits from Pittsburgh administration. It seems as though Peduto's administration wants to make changes to these processes to make things move faster, but they also seemingly have a long way to go. I plan on reaching out to the Urban Redevelopment Authority and some specific people in the government including Henry Pyatt (small business and redevelopment manager), but I was wondering if anyone has any tips on who to contact and what to do to get started and streamline this process. We're basically putting up all the money we have to get the business started, so I'm trying to be up and running as soon as possible so I can actually start paying myself. We're also looking into applying for historic restoration grants. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Can't help you with contacts as I haven't owned a restaurant in the city proper, although Allegheny County was pretty good at approving plans (and we even got a miracle final inspection during Christmas week).

However, the bolded part above would tell me to advise you to not do this unless you get additional funding. You really want to go in with enough capital for at least three years of operation at zero profit. And even when you do that, there are no guarantees as I learned personally (our cafe did well, but we'd wanted to open up two others and couldn't due to the initial cafe eating up more than anticipated). But to spend everything on buildout and hope you'll make your nut on business in the first year is, well... not wise.

You also don't want to be investing hundreds of thousands to create yourself a minimum wage job.

[Augie6]

Just as a tail of caution... Look up Artisan Tattoo in Garfield... they are having some real issues ( not sure whos exactly at fault or exact scenario) just wouldnt want any other business to fall into that mud.

Pittsburg love going to eat.. Good Luck and hope everything works out

[Pitt Chick]

If somehow you can speak with Julian Vallozzi. It took twice as long as expected for him to open his restaurant... sooooo many hoops to jump through.

Originally Posted by NJFathead

I'm trying to be up and running as soon as possible so I can actually start paying myself.

Don't expect to be paying yourself for 2 or three years... seriously.

[NJFathead]

Originally Posted by sskink

However, the bolded part above would tell me to advise you to not do this unless you get additional funding. You really want to go in with enough capital for at least three years of operation at zero profit. And even when you do that, there are no guarantees as I learned personally (our cafe did well, but we'd wanted to open up two others and couldn't due to the initial cafe eating up more than anticipated). But to spend everything on buildout and hope you'll make your nut on business in the first year is, well... not wise.

You also don't want to be investing hundreds of thousands to create yourself a minimum wage job.

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

Don't expect to be paying yourself for 2 or three years... seriously.

I was exaggerating a little bit, we have enough to get up and running with some room to breathe. Also, I'm buying into a small chain that I've already worked for, which has plenty of Capital to back us up if we really need it. I've helped with the opening of 7 out of our 10 stores, but this will be the first time I have an actual stake in it. The small managers salary I need to pay rent and feed myself is factored into our costs. I know it may sound silly, but I'm very confident in our model and the way it works that we'll be fine. I just want to be able to open as soon as possible for a number of reasons.

[sskink]

Originally Posted by Augie6

Just as a tail of caution... Look up Artisan Tattoo in Garfield... they are having some real issues ( not sure whos exactly at fault or exact scenario) just wouldnt want any other business to fall into that mud.

Pittsburg love going to eat.. Good Luck and hope everything works out

Artisan's issues sound like the owners were victims (for lack of a better word) of a change in inspectors. Or at minimum, a very optimistic interpretation of what the original inspector meant by "continually making progress" (watch the video at bottom of the linked article).

So yeah, you can get different stories from different inspectors - something the OP needs to be aware of.

Too bad. I didn't know about their issues. I met with Jason and Meliora a couple years ago over beers at Kelly's to answer some questions about running a cafe. Really nice people.

[NJFathead]

Closed on the building last week. Hopefully looking at a late August/early September opening.

[doo dah]

Originally Posted by NJFathead

Closed on the building last week. Hopefully looking at a late August/early September opening.

!! Good luck!

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by NJFathead

Closed on the building last week. Hopefully looking at a late August/early September opening.

Wow! You are moving along quickly!

Best wishes for a smooth opening.