The Club at Blackthorne Returns

For more than a decade, Anthony Cifelli has been part of Pittsburgh’s wedding and event industry through his bar service business.

That experience ultimately led him to own The Club at Blackthorne, a property he says offers a complete, thoughtfully designed event experience.

Anthony’s story with The Club at Blackthorne, which is located in Penn Township, goes back to 2019, when his bar service handled the former owner’s son’s wedding at the venue. After staying in touch and later serving as the venue’s bar provider, he found himself well positioned when the decision was made to sell the property. He secured financing and eventually closed on the property.

What sets The Club at Blackthorne apart, Cifelli says, is that it functions as a “total package.” The venue can comfortably accommodate 300 to 350 guests with room for a dance floor, includes an outdoor ceremony pavilion, a covered terrace, indoor ceremony options, an upstairs mezzanine for cocktail hours, bride and groom suites, and a large grand foyer with a two-story fireplace. 

While the space photographs well, Anthony says that seeing guests’ reactions in person confirms its impact. 

“It overwhelms people,” Anthony says, in the most positive way. 

Cifelli emphasizes the importance of vendor relationships and vetting, citing years of firsthand experience across other venues. He believes successful events depend on teams that have worked together before, rather than loosely assembled vendors. As for Bistro To Go, he says the “displays are second to none.” 

While weddings may be the primary events at The Club at Blackthorne, the space is also available for galas, fundraisers, corporate events and smaller celebrations through flexible use of the space.

No matter what event you have in mind, Anthony and his team are available for showings. 

A grand-opening party at The Club at Blackthorne is set for March 14.