A look behind—to the year ahead.

I have to admit, 2024 was harder than most. We picked up the pieces after the pandemic. Fueled by adrenaline and fear, we numbly navigated the aftermath. This past year, we had to deal with the reality of the consequences in our personal worlds and our business. I often found myself echoing my favorite sentiment: what got us here won’t get us there.

2024 said goodbye to some beloved team members and welcomed new staff with different and essential skills. We served We served 3189 events, corporate lunches, weddings, and personal celebrations… not including tastings or site visits.. Like everyone else, we crawled through the trials and, out of necessity, quickly rebuilt. Reflecting over the past few years, it felt much like launching a new business from scratch. Our newer staff, although very talented, came from other notable companies and, for various reasons, joined our journey. We were a fragmented group that had to relearn a new “Bistro way” in a new economy. We executed two years of weddings compressed into one challenging year. Every day, we ran. The days were long. We questioned and second-guessed every decision. We made mistakes, celebrated successes, and relearned how to make magic together, reclaiming the culture, food, and service Bistro To Go was known for.

As we step into the first week of 2025, I can now say with confidence and relief: we are survivors.
Words like faith, sacrifice, focus, team, strength, horse blinders (lol), adaptability, expectations, commitments, relevance, flexibility, crisis intervention, frustration, faithfulness, and gratitude are all words that come to mind as we release the past and move with hope into the new year.

We are fortunate at Bistro To Go to have forged emotional bonds with you, our customers, and each other. The result of working closely together to create your once-in-a-lifetime moments is that we have become woven into your life stories—weddings, celebrations, and daily moments in our café and catering. The significant experiences we plan together culminate in joy for us and lasting memories for you. Our mission statement, “Creating extraordinary relationships through food,” embodies the love of perseverance.

As we exit the holidays without pausing to catch our breath, we are once again propelled toward change. In today’s turbulent world, there is no choice. Change is the new normal. We are always learning, always growing, embracing, and transforming as we edge forward.

Here’s to the year ahead!

• Fall of 2025: We are opening a new casual dining restaurant, 408 Heirloom, and elevated event catering, led by our Executive Chef Kevin Herman, as my partner. Keep posted for more details.
• The New Bistro To Go Café: Reopening Monday, January 13th. Stop in for the new menu and new hours, 10 AM – 4 PM.
• Winter Value Menu: We heard you! Look online at Bistroandcompany.com for the newest catering menu featuring delicious winter warmers at price-sensitive options. Full meal options under $15 per person.
• Deutschtown Neighborhood News: If you haven’t yet been to our Deutschtown neighborhood, you’ll find an exciting revolution. Vacant buildings are being reimagined and soon filled with new ventures. On the corner, a Filipino restaurant and, on the same block, a gelato shop are scheduled to open this year. On the other corner, a wine bar is planned next door to Eat Your Veggies, a veggie-forward restaurant that is setting the culinary world on fire! The executive chef and owner, Mike Godlewski, will change the way you eat! Then there’s Allegheny City Brewing, which has been in business for years. One of the owners, Al Grasso, took a leap and opened a new location at 510 East Ohio Street. This picturesque two-story biergarten comes complete with an upstairs deck that reminds me of the French Quarter! It has quickly become known as a neighborhood gathering place.
  My favorite business, not new on the scene but certainly highly valued, is The Farmer’s Daughter. You can meet Lauren, the owner, inside her shop and browse the delightful gifts and artifacts as you wait for your bouquet. This shop is a rare gem and worth the trip.

As we close this chapter, I am grateful and reminded there is one more big change for me… and Bistro. Through the years I have traveled this journey leading Bistro To Go on my own. Stanley, my husband has always been my rock, whenever I wobbled or needed someone to applaud. This year I go forwarded with two Bistro operating partners, Kate Kobylinski and Kevin Klingensmith. Both of these incredible accomplished chefs are engaged and on path to build our future. I couldn’t be more excited to now be part of a team, especially with them.  

The road behind us taught resilience, and the path ahead promises opportunity. To our incredible team and loyal customers—you are the heart of all we do.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with bold moves, cherished moments, and extraordinary experiences. Together, we’ll continue to create, celebrate, and thrive.

XOX

Nikki

founder