So one of the things that I am secretly happy about in light of the recent recession is that there has been an amazing shift in supporting local businesses in Pittsburgh.  I think that it is interesting that some of the larger businesses have left town and some of those spaces have been filled by locally owned businesses.  Take Walnut Street in Shadyside – Pottery Barn left and Max and Erma’s closed – the Max and Erma’s location has become the new home of the Elbow Room and the folks who own the Elbow Room have opened a new place, The 1947 Tavern, where the Elbow Room used to be located on Ellsworth Street. (The Elbow Room folks are great Pittsburgh lovers too – I was luck enough to sit next to one of them at a wedding recently).

Another little business area that has been growing over the past few years is on Bryant Street in Highland Park.  What once was home to a little market and a few other shops – now has 3 restaurants and more development coming.

We often refer to supporting local businesses here on this blog – it isn’t just about supporting Pittsburgh businesses but it is about supporting businesses that are supporting the entire Pittsburgh community.

I can’t say enough good things about e2 – I first met chef Kate Romane when she was running the Union Project cafe a few years ago.  e2 started out small – they first opened for soup during snowmageddon and over the past 2 years have continued to expand their hours and offerings.  The food is wonderful – if you haven’t been there – you should go.  Check out what others have to say about e2 on Kate and the entire staff at e2 could not be nicer and more welcoming.

Kate couldn’t be a nicer person and she has kindly answered many MANY questions from me over the years (I like to ask ALOT of questions). Last year, I asked Kate to help me with food for a bridal shower – and everything was perfect – this was especially important because I have been known to struggle with food preparation.  Kate helped me pick out items that would be easy to keep warm and serve a few hours later.

e2 is located in a building that has been used as a restaurant for many year – currently they serve food upstairs but there is a big event space in the basement – that I think was an india restaurant a few years ago.  The basement is functional but needs a few updates – and they are asking for  your help to turn this into a space for events of all different sizes.

Watch this video to learn more about e2 and the project

The e2 Kickstarter campaign is great for a few reasons…

Number 1 – Pittsburgh NEEDS more flex spaces  – just yesterday I received an email from someone who was desperate to find a space to host a meeting for 25 that had wifi access.  Right now the choices are the conference rooms at Panera or an expensive hotel conference room rental.  Yes, e2 is first and foremost a restaurant – but I have no doubt that this space will be used as a place to bring community together

Number 2 – Delicious rewards – Kickstarter is awesome – because when you give to a project – you get something in return.  Kate and e2 have put together a whole list of awards for supporting this project.