Historic Cafe Still Thriving After 34 Years

By Payton Ferris

Known for their soups and breakfast, The Apollo Cafe is a family owned business that has been in the same location on Forbes Avenue for 34 years.

This cafe utilizes their location to connect with the hard working people of the Downtown area. From Monday through Friday, sisters Tina & Kathy work with their staff to provide a personable and delicious experience for all who walk through their door. With the exception of adding two more homemade soups to accommodate popularity, their menu and prices have remained the same throughout the years.

Despite hardships such as the pandemic, construction, and the ever-shifting food economy, this family business was able to stay afloat through it all and they credit their survival to their loyal customers and community. The owners believe in keeping things simple and not gouging customers, especially now with rising prices of essential items due to inflation. Tina & Kathy would rather see customers everyday for lunch and get to know you instead of once a week for an expensive and impersonal meal.

The Apollo Cafe prides itself on not only getting to know their customers, but also learning from them as well. Co-owner Tina stated that running the Cafe “does not even feel like work” and allows for them to appreciate their community everyday. Tina started volunteering at Family Links during the pandemic to provide food for those in need, and she is now able to continue that work via a grant that a customer helped her obtain.

The Apollo Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday and offers breakfast and lunch. They also offer catering that can be utilized for corporate as well as social events. The full menu can be viewed at https://www.apollocafepittsburgh.com/ as well as more information regarding catering. You can take a visit to the cafe for delicious food and also find a new place to call home.