The Sweet Lounge “Pops Up” on First Night
By: Nell Gladson
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is about to get a whole lot sweeter. That’s because The Sweet Lounge—baker and entrepreneur Aisha Bigstaff’s brainchild—has its grand opening on New Year’s Eve.
The launch is part of Project Pop Up: Downtown, a new program from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, in coordination with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Department of City Planning and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
A dozen finalists, selected from more than 90 proposals, were awarded grants to “pop up” for a limited time in previously vacant downtown storefronts.
BizChicks spoke with Aisha to find out what she’s cooking up for First Night.
BC: What treats can revelers expect to discover when The Sweet Lounge opens its doors?
AB: We’re going to have martini cupcakes baked inside a martini glass, complete with a little olive. Everything is completely edible. A variety of other cupcake flavors—strawberry, lemon, key lime, peaches & cream. As a play on the pop up concept, we’ll serve cake pops, pie pops, cookie pops and Push Pops. Anything on a stick is the most convenient way to eat a dessert. Just nibble, throw away the stick and you’re done!
BC: You describe the venture as a bakery and sober bar. How did that concept come about?
AB: As part of the proposal, the shop had to have a daytime and nighttime presence. I had to think outside the box. I envisioned a retail bakery on one side and a lounge that serves desserts and non-alcoholic drinks on the other. During the day, the lounge is a great place to hold a quick business meeting or enjoy free Wi-Fi and a cup of coffee. In the evenings, we’ll offer “Happy Hour” dessert specials and cocktail-themed beverages perfect for the post-theater crowd.
BC: The space will also be available for private parties. What types of celebrations can you host?
AB: Anything from children’s birthday parties, where guests can decorate their own cupcakes, to small networking events. We can accommodate up to 20 people, so it’s the perfect size for a bridal shower, bachelorette party, baby shower or even a Steelers party.
BC: What’s your dream for The Sweet Lounge when your yearlong pop up ends?
AB: I’d like to become a permanent downtown business. I hope to sign a three to five-year lease when the project concludes. I also envision opening a dessert bar in Pittsburgh that would serve wine and imported beers. It’s important to me to have the kid-friendly sober bar but I’d also like a second location that would cater to adults.
The Sweet Lounge Grand Opening
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Festivities begin at 6 p.m.
901 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Business hours beginning January 3
Tuesday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to midnight
Sunday – Monday: Closed for private parties
Visit them online at www.thepittsburghsweetlounge.com.
Nell Gladson is an Emmy Award-winning TV producer, writer and communication consultant. The self-proclaimed “foodie in training” recently migrated from the Pacific Northwest to Pittsburgh. Follow her on Twitter @Nellvana.