On February 10th, ULI Pittsburgh hosted its first virtual dinner in partnership with Specialty Group.  Attendees received a gift card from DoorDash to support their favorite grub spot. Additionally, a donation was made to 412 Food Rescue to support their Community Takeout Program. The program concluded with a networking Happy Half-Hour hosted by the Young Leaders Group.

Speakers included Terri Sokoloff, President, Specialty Bar & Restaurant Brokers & Specialty Real Estate Ltd.; Sidney Sokoloff, Vice President, Specialty Group; Edie Hartman, Brokerage Coordinator, Specialty Real Estate, Ltd. and Melissa Bova, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.

Specialty group did an excellent job adrfe4ssing the burning topics we all have on our minds about the restaurant industry.  Terri spoke about the economic impact then moved into Edie speaking about consumer behaviors.  Melissa Bova then addressed what the legislative government effect of handling COVID has on the industry.  Sidney went on to speak about the liquor license market and how the permits are increasing revenue.

One of the most valuable takeaways was the PIVOT concept created by Specialty Group created for the restaurant industry as a tool for rescuing the hospitality industry during a pandemic.

ULI Pittsburgh is planning to part 2 of the series in the Spring.  Stay tuned!