Enterprise Zone Assists Portogallo Peppers, LLC With A Loan

(10/03/2016) - Swissvale native Bob Portogallo served in the Air Force and lived in Chicago for a few years before returning to Western Pennsylvania. Bob remembered a pepper relish named Giardiniera that was popular in the Windy City. He started producing it and sandwiches for the Swissvale Farmers Market and later opened a small sandwich shop on Noble Street in Swissvale that became very popular. Meanwhile, retail grocers and restaurants placed orders for the Giardiniera.

Bob began looking for a facility to continue his retail sales while giving him the opportunity to increase production of the pepper relish. He acquired the former Jimmies Donuts building at 28-34 Braddock Avenue in Braddock. Currently the property is undergoing renovation that will feature Portogallo's signature sandwiches, a full bar and a bocce ball court.

Financing for the project is from WesBanco, a $90,000 Enterprise Zone loan and owner equity. Portogallo Peppers, LLC is to open some time in October.

Pictured: EZCB President William Pfoff presents Enterprise Zone loan funds to Bob Portogallo.